Pakistan aim to end year with series win over Sri Lanka

Misbah foresees a tough challenge against the Islanders.

KARACHI: Following an even Twenty20 series, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will clash in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series that begins on Wednesday at the historic Sharjah stadium.

The hosts are eyeing a win in the series to end 2013 on a high note after a chequered year for Misbahul Haq’s men.

During this year in the 50-over format, the team faced mixed fortunes, starting with the Champions Trophy debacle and a rare loss against an unfancied Zimbabwe side. On the other hand, it snatched some memorable victories, sealing a series win against India on their home soil besides becoming the first Asian team to beat South Africa in their own backyard.

However, Misbah feels his team will have to display special skills to beat Sri Lanka particularly after the way they bounced back to level the T20 series.

“They proved their worth in the T20 games,” said the Pakistan captain ahead of the first match.

“We will have to give our best shot in the series which is going to be a tough one. Some good performances will be required to achieve victory.”

The leading scorer for Pakistan this year hoped his team would carry on the momentum after the triumph against the Proteas.

“We gained confidence and are hoping to carry on the performance.”

Series win will not improve rankings

Although, sixth-ranked Pakistan can narrow the gap with top placed teams in the ICC ODI team’s ranking, a series triumph will not ensure any improvement in their position.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have an opportunity to move one place up to third position if they win the series 4-1 or better. If they lose, the Islanders will relegate to the fifth position.

Meanwhile, Saeed Ajmal, who will start the series as the top ranked bowler in the format is looking to end the year on a high too.

“I want to be the key performer for Pakistan in the series,” Ajmal told The Express Tribune.

“I am not aware of the stats of other bowlers and will be focusing on my bowling to ensure a top finish to the year.”

Sharjeel likely to make ODI debut

Opening batsman Sharjeel Khan who had a decent T20 debut, scoring 102 runs in his first three matches, appears set to start his ODI career on Wednesday.

According to a team official, Sharjeel, who replaced misfiring Nasir Jamshed for the series, has high chances of playing the opening match, while Mohammad Hafeez, who was rested from the last ODI against South Africa, is likely to return to the playing eleven.

Meanwhile, the selection committee delayed announcing a player for the vacant 16th spot which was supposed to be filled by Usman Khan Shinwari before he was overlooked after an abysmal show in T20s.

“The announcement may be made after the first or second ODI,” said a selector.

“The selection committee will decide on the batsman or a bowler after a recommendation from the team management.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2013.

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