Shaheen Afridi Praises Team Effort After Series Sweep Against Sri Lanka
A bright smile crossed Shaheen Shah Afridi’s face as he recalled Pakistan Shaheens’ emphatic victory over India A at the Rising Stars Asia Cup — a win that added extra joy to an already successful week for Pakistan cricket.
Speaking at the post-match ceremony after Pakistan completed a 3–0 ODI series sweep against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday, the national ODI captain said it was “a good day for cricket in the country,” thanking both senior and young players for their contributions.
Shaheen highlighted the team’s impressive recent run, noting, “We’ve now won two consecutive ODI series,” referring to Pakistan’s earlier triumph over South Africa just a week prior. The six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final ODI sealed another dominant performance by the home side.
He also celebrated the Pakistan Shaheens’ eight-wicket thrashing of India A in Qatar. “Today Pakistan Shaheen also won, and more importantly they won against our neighbours… it makes you happy that all the youngsters performed,” he said.
Pakistan’s bowlers played a decisive role in Sunday’s match, dismissing Sri Lanka for 211 before Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase with his second consecutive half-century. Shaheen praised the senior players for leading from the front: “Rizwan and Babar have always been the backbone of the team. Rizwan finished both matches, living up to his role as a senior player.”
The second ODI featured a standout moment as Babar Azam ended his long 83-innings century drought across formats. Shaheen expressed his delight: “It’s important for Pakistan cricket when your main batter gets big runs. He worked hard, stayed focused, and reaped the rewards.”
Looking ahead, Shaheen said the team is eager to carry their winning momentum into the upcoming tri-nation T20 series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, starting Tuesday.
“We will give our best,” he said confidently. “The team is performing well and all the players are doing well, which is good for Pakistan cricket. As a team we’re ready for the challenge.”
