Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 5th ODI - Who said what

In just his second international match, Usman Khan wreaked heavoc against Sri Lanka as he tore the batting line-up apart with his match-winning figures of 5/34. Pakistan created a mockery of what was remaining of the Lankan motivation to play in the series as they whitewashed the Island country 5-0 in the ODI series. This makes it the Lankan’s third whitewash in the calendar year.

The Pakistani bowling line-up skittled them for 103 within 26.2 overs, adding to Sri Lanka’s embarrassment. Usman sent three batsmen for ducks making it 7 batsmen to be dismissed for single digits. Hasan Ali were also among the wickets column for their two wickets each. Thisara Perera’s 25 was the highest score of that innings.

Pakistan made it look like a walk in the park as opening duo Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman racked up 40-odd runs each, finishing things off within 20.2 overs. Hasan Ali, the No. 1 ranked ODI bowler, was awarded Player of the Series for his 14 wickets in 5 matches.

Sarfraz Ahmed, who has been enjoyed his dream run as Pakistan skipper, before lifting the trophy said,

“Can’t ask for anything more from the boys. Usman was absolutely brilliant. He won us the game in the first 10 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.”

Sri Lankan skipper, Upal Tharanga, who would’ve found it tough to face the media after yet another humiliating loss said,

“We didn’t play well. Very disappointed. We couldn’t handle the pressure well. Usman bowled really well and he deserved a fifer. Pakistan bowlers always think of taking wickets, they put pressure by bowling dots and that is why I think they end up taking more wickets. We keep repeating the same mistakes and I’m very disappointed to say that. Hopefully, the boys learn from their mistakes and come out strong next time.”

Man of the match, Usman Khan, who backed Sarfraz Khan’s claim of Pakistan having the best bowling line-up in the world with his performance, said,

“I’m gaining confidence with every opportunity I’m getting. I want to perform well and that’s my desire no matter which side I play for. Dad forced me to play cricket and today I look back and feel happy for myself for whatever I’ve done. I’m dedicating this special performance [7 overs 34 runs 5 wickets] to my parents. The coach and the staff keep telling me to focus on the basics and that’s what I try to do.”

Hasan Ali, Pakistan’s newest bowling sensation and one of their brightest revelations in a long time, has leapfrogged his way to become the quickest bowler to scalp 50 wickets surpassing even the record of Waqar Younis and making his way to the top of the ICC ODI rankings. He was awarded with the Player of the Series award, his second after the Champions Trophy one. He said,

“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.”