PAK vs SL 2017: Mohammad Yousuf Wants Pakistan to Eye More Dominance in ODIs

Oct 16, 2017 at 5:39 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
PAK vs SL 2017: Mohammad Yousuf Wants Pakistan to Eye More Dominance in ODIs

Former Pakistan captain and batting mainstay Mohammad Yousuf has urged Sarfraz Ahmed-led side to rely on their strength, in a bid to dominate Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the ongoing bilateral series.

“The Pakistan is filled with a great mix of youth and experience,” Yousuf was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

Pakistan is bound to face Sri Lanka in the second One-day international on Monday; the hosts would go into the game with a lot of enthusiasm after convincingly winning the first ODI of the five-match series.

Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Mohammad Yousuf, Abu Dhabi, Dominance, ODI Series, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore,
The stylish batsman registered 24 hundred in Tests and 15 in ODIs for Pakistan. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

(Read Also: PAK vs SL 2017: I Hope The Sri Lankan Team Will Visit Pakistan, Says Sarfraz Ahmed)

The 43-year-old batting stalwart Yousuf stated Men in Green must go hard at the start while focusing on their top-notch game after leading the series 1-0.

“Pakistan would have won by a bigger margin otherwise and it might come to haunt them if they do it again,” Yousuf maintained.

Earlier, the hosts were routed in the recently-concluded two-match Test series, as 39-year-old Rangana Herath broke the back of Pakistan batting line-up. With second ODI scheduled at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Yousuf believes playing with such authority and control would be the key for Pakistan – to go up 2-0 in the 50-over format.

Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Mohammad Yousuf, Abu Dhabi, Dominance, ODI Series, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore,
Pakistan is aiming to dominate Lions in the desert. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

High on confidence, Sarfraz has further decided to play with the same eleven, as 83-run win has allowed Pakistan – to breathe a sigh of relief after all-round show helped the hosts – to continue their impressive run, in the ODI format.

“I believe they will win the second ODI as well,” Yousuf further added.

Since, lifting their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title on June 18 against arch-rivals India, Pakistan is focusing on to improve its ranking in the limited-overs cricket. Middle-order batsman Babar Azam smashed a fine hundred, as Shoaib Malik played a significant role to help Pakistan in the five-match opener.

While lavishing praise on left-handed Fakhar Zaman, who played a significant role for Pakistan in the United Kingdom, Yousuf asserted the batsman has shown much promise and could go a long way owing to his scoring pace at the start of the innings.

“He has been a good opening batsman for the team. If he is supported from the other end, he can score big and quickly, which can give the team good start,” Yousuf further added.

Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Mohammad Yousuf, Abu Dhabi, Dominance, ODI Series,
Struggling Shehzad faced 12 balls before trudging off the ground without scoring. Photo Credit: AFP.

On the other side, Yousuf expressed concern over struggling opener Ahmed Shehzad and urged him to perform.

Yousuf revealed unimpressive Shehzad is struggling to perform since being hit on his helmet during the Test match against New Zealand.

“He has been struggling to score runs ever since he was hit by the ball,” Yousuf remarked.

Before the blow, the right-handed batsman Shehzad was playing an aggressive brand of cricket at the top felt Yousuf.

Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Mohammad Yousuf, Abu Dhabi, Dominance, ODI Series,
Pakistan hosted World XI for three T20Is at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Photo Credit: AFP.

As UAE has been the forte for Pakistan since being deprived of international cricket back home and Yousuf feels the spinners have more responsibility on their shoulders to tighten the grip on distinct opponents during middle-overs.

Yousuf added the fast-bowling department has to show a lot of promise with the emergence of prominent Hasan Ali. After making his debut in 1998, Yousuf played 288 ODIs and 90 Tests followed by three Twenty20 international appearances.

The Lahore-based Yousuf’s batting average in Tests was 52.29 and 41.71 in the 50-over format.

Related Article
Misbah-ul-Haq Recalls A Funny Moment From A Test Against Sri Lanka And Opens Up On Miscalculating A Shot In 2007 T20I World Cup Final
Misbah-ul-Haq Recalls A Funny Moment From A Test Against Sri Lanka And Opens Up On Miscalculating A Shot In 2007 T20I World Cup Final

Jan 30, 2022, 5:45 PM


I Am Abid Ali And Please See Me As Abid Ali Only: Pakistan Cricketer On Comparing Him With Sachin Tendulakar
I Am Abid Ali And Please See Me As Abid Ali Only: Pakistan Cricketer On Comparing Him With Sachin Tendulakar

Dec 17, 2019, 10:07 AM


Umar Akmal Creates forgettable Record On Comeback To International Cricket
Umar Akmal Creates forgettable Record On Comeback To International Cricket

Oct 6, 2019, 10:46 AM


ICC To Review Security Arrangements In Pakistan Before Sending Its Officials For Sri Lanka Series: Report
ICC To Review Security Arrangements In Pakistan Before Sending Its Officials For Sri Lanka Series: Report

Sep 16, 2019, 2:37 PM


Pakistan Cricket Board Offers Sri Lanka To Play Two Tests In Pakistan: Report
Pakistan Cricket Board Offers Sri Lanka To Play Two Tests In Pakistan: Report

May 29, 2019, 12:02 PM


ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Pakistan Seal Quarterfinal Spot With Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka
ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Pakistan Seal Quarterfinal Spot With Thrilling Win Over Sri Lanka

Jan 19, 2018, 12:44 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner