Pakistan skipper Babar Azam believes the latest thumping 3-0 ODI sequence win over Afghanistan will “encourage” his facet and supply much-needed momentum heading into the Asia Cup, beginning Wednesday.
The Asia Cup is about to be hosted in a hybrid mannequin by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 until September 17.
Pakistan got here up with a terrific efficiency towards Afghanistan, clear sweeping the latter 3-0 within the just-concluded ODI sequence simply earlier than the continental showpiece.
On Saturday, Pakistan triumphed over Afghanistan by 59 runs within the third and remaining ODI on the R Premadasa Stadium right here.
“We’re thrilled heading into the Asia Cup. How we’ve got received the (ODI) sequence towards Afghanistan can be an inspiration for us within the event,” Azam was quoted as saying by PCB.
“It was by no means simple towards Afghanistan as most individuals would have thought. Everybody is aware of how terrific they’re on spin-friendly circumstances.
“The momentum from this sequence will give us confidence throughout the Asia Cup. We hope to supply good cricket for our followers,” he added.
The sequence sweep has allowed Pakistan to leapfrog Australia and attain the summit of the ICC ODI crew rankings.
Azam credited the achievement to crew effort.
“While you attain the No. 1 spot, you get loads of satisfaction. It’s all as a result of efforts of the complete squad together with the assist employees,” he stated.
“We had been on the high of the ODI rankings earlier. However, we got here again right down to No. 2 after shedding a fixture,” he signed off.