5 reasons why Sri Lanka was whitewashed by Pakistan

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Shadab Khan had a good series

For the third time this year, Sri Lanka has been whitewashed in a five-match ODI series. This time, at the hands of Pakistan. The team suffered the same fate against South Africa and India earlier this year.

Sri Lankan cricket is clearly going through a rough patch, but let us look at how Pakistan went about this demolition.


#5 Reliable all-rounders

Pakistan has always churned out fast bowlers. However, in recent times, bowlers who bat lower down the order like Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan have impressed with their timely contributions.

Experienced campaigners like Shoaib Malik (who scored 161 runs with two 50s) and Mohammed Hafeez (who bowled economically) performed well too.

The presence of such multi-tasking players augurs well for Pakistan.

#4 Formidable bowling unit

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Hasan Ali was unstoppable

Hasan Ali has has improved by leaps and bounds, and sits atop the rankings as the No. 1 ODI bowler. He made the batsmen dance to his tunes, picking up 12 wickets.

Usman Khan picked up five wickets in the final ODI, and Shadab Khan and Rummaan Raees impressed with their performances too.

This current crop has all the ingredients to become a world-class bowling unit.

#3 Sri Lanka's poor form

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The Sri Lankan batsmen lacked application

Sri Lankan cricket has been in disarray for some time now. But after a successful Test series against Pakistan, its meek surrender in the ODI leg was disturbing.

There have been occasional flashes in the pan like Tharanga's century in the second ODI, and Lahiru Thirimanne's fighting spirit, but not enough to change the outcome. Overall, Sri Lanka needs a miracle to escape this mess.

#2 The ever-dependable Babar Azam

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Babar has been Pakistan's batting mainstay

Pakistan, post the Misbah-Younis era, was severely lacking in its batting department. But Babar Azam has filled in that spot well and continued his excellent form, scoring 303 runs in the series with two centuries.

He performed the sheet anchor role with perfect ease, and it's safe to say that Pakistan's batting is currently in a great place.

#1 Pakistan's quick recovery from the Champions Trophy

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Pakistan put up a clinical performance throughout

It is not easy to come back after a successful campaign and start focusing once again. However, Pakistan was up to the task, and made sure that everything went according to plan.

As coach Mickey Arthur said, there was no room for complacency. With the political turmoil back home forcing the team to play in neutral venues, they have to be commended for this performance.

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Edited by Bhavna Anil