KARACHI:
Youngsters Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final, producing impressive performances to help the hosts chase down a challenging target of 326 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday.
Saad struck a fluent 74 off 75 balls, while Arafat smashed a blistering 61 off just 31 deliveries as Pakistan recovered from early setbacks to seal the title with nine balls to spare.
Saad, who shared a crucial 149-run third-wicket partnership with Fakhar Zaman, said the team’s collective effort throughout the tournament had been outstanding.
“The chase was not easy, but the way we played today was tremendous. It was an outstanding performance from our team,” Saad said.
The wicket-keeper batsman admitted that he felt the pressure after failing to make significant contributions in his previous three outings but said he was determined to bat deep in the final.
“Definitely, there is pressure when you come into the international circuit. I got out inside 30 runs in last few games, so this time I planned to bat deep. We had lost two early wickets, but the way Fakhar Bhai played that outstanding innings made things easier for us,” he said.
Meanwhile all-rounder Arafat Minhas said that he and Hasan Nawaz knew that they could chase that.
Minhas said he and Hasan Nawaz backed each other when they came together at a crucial stage of the chase.
“When I went out to bat, I spoke to Hasan and told him that we had already been through such situations. We tried to build a partnership and reminded each other that we had the ability to chase the target. We backed each other, waited for the bad deliveries and had confidence in one another,” he said.
“I am extremely happy that we have won the series. I think such opportunities will come in the future as well, and we will keep winning,” he added.
Minhas also dedicated his performance to his family, who were present at the ground to witness his contribution.
“I dedicate my performance to my family, as they have been supporting me for a long time. They were also present at the ground today and must have enjoyed the game,” he said.
His explosive 61, which included four sixes and three fours, came at a crucial stage after Fakhar’s dismissal and helped Pakistan move closer to victory.
The young all-rounder’s contribution, alongside Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 37, ensured that Sri Lanka’s late fightback could not prevent Pakistan from lifting the trophy.
