A beaming Shaheen Shah Afridi praised Pakistan’s rising momentum on Sunday as the national side clinched a 3–0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, just hours after Pakistan Shaheens thrashed India ‘A’ at the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Qatar.
Speaking at the post-match ceremony in Rawalpindi, the ODI captain said it had been “a good day for Pakistan cricket”, noting that the team had now won back-to-back ODI series, following their triumph over South Africa last week.
“Today Pakistan Shaheen also won — and more importantly, they won against our neighbours,” Shaheen said with a smile. “It makes you happy to see all the youngsters perform.”
Pakistan’s bowlers set the tone earlier in the day, dismissing Sri Lanka for 211 before Mohammad Rizwan’s second successive half-century guided the hosts to a comfortable six-wicket win.
Shaheen credited senior players for stabilising run chases, adding, “Rizwan and Babar have always been our backbone. Rizwan finished both matches, living up to his role as a senior player.”
He also welcomed Babar Azam’s return to form after the star batter ended an 83-innings century drought in the previous ODI.
“It wasn’t the first time he’s made a hundred,” Shaheen said. “But when your main batter gets big runs, it’s important for Pakistan cricket. He worked hard, stayed focused, and got his reward.”
With Pakistan now shifting focus to the tri-nation T20 series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe beginning Tuesday, Shaheen said his squad was eager to continue its winning streak.
“We’ll give our best,” he said. “The team is performing well, everyone is contributing, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
