VS 
After strong show in test series Team Pakistan continues to lengthening its string of success in ODI #cricket against the Sri Lankan Lions. Team Pakistan won the ODI series with margin of 3-2 & secured 8th position in ICC ODI rankings for the time being, which means if no additional series get scheduled for Pakistan, Bangladesh & West Indies till September 30th, 2015 than team Pakistan will secure its place at ICC Champions trophy 2017.
One day international series provides some good performances during which we have seen Pakistan batting looks stable after a long time. Below you will find a brief review on individuals who performed well during the recently concluded ODI series.
Performance of Pakistan cricket team
Pakistan batting was led by Mohammad Hafeez who top scored during the series with 273 runs (1 century & 2 fifties). Hafeez had a point to prove to cement his place in the Pakistani side as a batsman after ICC slapping a 1 year ban on his bowling in international cricket. Captain leading from the front Azhar Ali cementing his place as an opener in after scoring 217 runs (1 century & 1 fifty) with a healthy strike rate of 82 runs per 100 balls. Another opener Ahmed Shahzad also shown his talent with 216 runs (1 fifty) & forming solid opening pair with Azhar Ali. Sarfaraz Ahmed promotion to # 4 adding new dimension in Pakistan’s ODI plans as he accumulate some quick runs during the middle part of the innings which was lacking in Pakistan’s ODI lineup since retirement of Inzamam & Mohammad Yousuf. Shaoib Malik & Mohammad Rizwan also played important roles in later part of the innings with some power hitting as both scored 188 & 136 with an average of 94 & 68 respectively.
Pakistan’s bowling charts were led by pace man Rahat Ali who took 9 scalps during the series but he conceded more than 6 runs in an over with economy rat of 6.43 runs per over. Before facing ban Hafeez also took 6 wickets with match winning 4 wickets haul to his credit. Yasir Shah & Anwar Ali also took 6 wickets during the series but none looked impressive enough who can change the match’s fate in team’s direction. Mohammad Irfan looked rusty as he only managed to take 4 wickets in the series after bowling his full quota of overs in almost all the matches.
Pakistan fielding looked improved with induction of players like Anwar Ali & Mohammad Rizwan who took few scintillating catches during the series. Ground fielding also improved with inclusion of fresh legs.
Performance of Sri Lanka cricket team
Sri Lanka’s batting was led by dynamite Kausal Perera who hit Pakistani bowlers to all corners of the grounds. Scoring 230 runs with strike rate of 121 runs per 100 balls (1 century & 1 fifty). During fifty he equals the record of 2nd fastest fifty of just 17 balls in ODI cricket. His opening partner veteran Dilshan supported him well with 211 runs (2 fifties). Thrimane & Chandimal also provide support with strong contributions as both scored 203 & 180 runs respectively during the series. Angellow Matthews & Siriwardana also saved some pride with explosive 50’s in last inning of the series.
Sri Lanka’s bowling chart was led by Malinga who took 4 wickets in the series with an average of 61. Senanayeke, Sriwardana, Matthews, Perera & Pathirana all took 3 wickets each during the series but none other than Senanayake looked impressive who took 3 wickets in his only appearance.
Points to take note off
Pakistan seam bowling resources looks thin as none of the fast bowler was able provide match winning spell during the series. Running between the wickets is another cause of concern as most time batsman lost their wickets to run out at crucial juncture of the game.
Sri Lanka also has some worries with their limited bowling resources. Out of form Malinga & Perera in the absence of any lead spinning option is hurting them big time. Sri Lanka selected too many all-rounder’s with none of them making strong impression.
