With the series already in their pocket before the start of the fifth and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Monday (October 23), the game did not hold much importance for Pakistan.
However, when the game ended, Pakistan got yet another star in the form of left-arm seamer, Usman Khan.
Upul Tharanga’s decision to bat first was proven wrong by the fast bowler, as his sensational five-wicket haul helped Pakistan to fold the Islanders for a paltry 103 inside 27 overs. Playing only his second ODI, Usman took five for 34 with all the wickets coming inside 21 balls, as the visitors failed to come good with the bat once again and suffered yet another whitewash this year.
Chasing 104, Pakistan did not face any difficulty and crossed the finishing mark inside 21 overs. Speaking after the win which is Pakistan’s 9th consecutive in the 50-over format, a delighted skipper Sarfraz Ahmed lauded Usman as well others for the clinical show.
“Can’t ask for anything more from the boys. Usman was absolutely brilliant. He won us the game in the first ten overs, and the rest was just a formality. Shadab and Hasan Ali did the rest. Our batting department also proved that we are capable of adapting to the conditions batting first or second. The team management deserves a lot of credit for this success. I want to thank the crowd. They have been superb all series,” Sarfraz said at the presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile, Hasan Ali continued his fine show with the ball in this series too and was adjudged the Man of the Series for taking a staggering 14 wickets. The performance in the series had also helped him to become the number one ODI bowler last week.
“I thank the crowd for their continuous support. I follow the basics, and that are your body language and attitude. I also try to outsmart the batsman by observing his style of play. The conditions here are tough, but my plan is to bowl well and focus on taking wickets. I try bouncers because I want to push the batsman on the back foot and restrict his scoring shots off the front foot,” Ali said.