Mixed emotions for Man of the Series Hafeez

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Cricket365
December 28, 2013

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez appreciated the Player of the Series award, after Pakistan completed a three-two ODI series win over Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.

Hafeez scored 448 runs in five innings, including three centuries, in the five-match affair. His off-spin also brought four key wickets and a reasonably cheap economy rate.

While this fine stretch of form was not enough to prevent a consolation triumph for the Sri Lankans in Friday's final ODI, it was ample for a recall to the squad for next month's Tests against the same opposition.

"I want to thank all the supporters and well-wishers. They have been in my heart. It is sad not to finish the series in a positive way, but we couldn't do what we wanted to do," said Hafeez.

"Congratulations to the Sri Lankans for their victory. I was working on my technique, thanks to my analyst, and I worked on a couple of things in the nets. Things started to really come back for me and I hope to do very well in the Tests coming up."

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq looked forward to the inclusion of Hafeez and batsman Asad Shafiq for the three-Test series, the first of which will get underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

"The team is really in good confidence and good shape. We were struggling in our batting line-up over the last year, but this series the batsmen came up good and have good confidence for the Test series," added Misbah.

"Of course some of the experienced players coming back has helped. Asad will help in the balance of the side, while Hafeez can help with both the ball and bat, and be our fifth bowler in the series."