PAKISTAN’S magnificent series win over Sri Lanka in the five-match ODI series has, indeed, come as a breath of fresh air.

While the national cricket team has been performing admirably at the Test level over the past few years, success in the limited-over games has sadly eluded them, a fact that can be gauged by their poor ranking in the ICC world charts.

However, they seem to have emerged from the quagmire with their convincing victory over the Islanders, who no doubt remain formidable opposition in their home conditions.

Also read: 4th ODI: Sublime Pakistan down Sri Lanka, win series

For critics and keen followers of the game, Pakistan owe their recent win primarily to the change in leadership and the induction of quite a few newcomers that appear to have infused a fighting spirit hitherto missing among the greenshirts in international ODI contests.

Foremost, credit must be given to skipper Azhar Ali who, since taking over the ODI reins early this year, has led his charges with aplomb. His decisions to elevate himself as opener and to encourage the team to chase targets rather than setting them have instilled confidence in the players.

Another key factor has been the emphatic return of giant pacer Mohammad Irfan and veteran Shoaib Malik to the ODI format.

Know more: ‘Pakistan does not belong at the bottom of the ICC table’

The two players fired on all cylinders in the Sri Lanka matches and were instrumental in taking the tourists ashore. Besides, the induction of young guns such as Mohammad Rizwan and Imad Wasim has been a boost as well.

Their brilliant expression of talent and self-belief has clearly rubbed off on the players, which is why fielding — which has long been the team’s Achilles heel — has met the required standards in the recent contests.

More importantly, the victory has boosted Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be played in England in 2017.

It is imperative for the Pakistan Cricket Board and the team management to now show consistency in their selection policies in order to keep the current momentum going.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play