I'm really boosted up and hopefully we will do well in the future says Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan yesterday tipped Sri Lanka to the second spot in a Group B encounter. This meant that they successfully entered the semis of the Champions Trophy. They were given little chance after their humiliation at the hands of arch-rivals India but Pakistan have bounced back in style.

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was over the moon after their superb victory against the Sri Lankans. The men in green mauled the Lions after a terrific performance from the bowlers and the captain himself. Sarfraz was partnered well by Mohammad Amir and his luck as well.

He played a superb knock of 61 to help his team home. They were facing defeat while chasing a modest 237. Pakistan were reduced to 162 for 7 after some brilliant bowling from the Sri Lankans and equally poor batting from their middle order. Sarfraz, however, looked ecstatic in the post-match press conference as he thanked the Almighty for the victory.

On his performance with the bat

The wicketkeeper-batsman played a fighting knock of 61 to get his team home. He was dropped twice at crucial times but he kept going and got his reward. He was happy and said that this performance has boosted his confidence. Sarfraz’s form will be important to Pakistan if they want to upset the hosts in the semis.

“Yes. Definitely, as a captain, it’s very important innings for me. After this innings, I’m really boosted up and hopefully we will do well in the future,” Sarfraz said while talking to the press after the match.

On the dropped catch

He was dropped twice in his innings of 61. If the catches were taken then the story of the match would have been a different one. It was luck that helped Pakistan a lot during that virtual quarter-final against the pumped up Sri Lankans.

The Pakistan skipper was batting well until he went early into the on-drive off Lasith Malinga who was successful in deceiving him with a slower delivery. To everybody’s surprise Thisara Perera one of the better fielders in the Sri Lankan side made a mockery of the catch. Sarfraz was given a lifeline which he used to get his team home.

“You know, that time I didn’t see the hand of Malinga, and when I played the shot in the air, I just said, ooh — (laughter). But thanks to Allah — you know, thanks to Allah today. Allah has passed a law today that Pakistan wins today,” explained Sarfraz.