Afridi proves his worth

Thanks to Boom Boom Afridi who once again has stolen the show with his superb all-round performance and guided his team to an excellent victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth one-day match and Pakistan sealed the series fate by 3-1. Afridi scored valuable 75 runs laced with three sixes and four fours at the time when it was the dire need of the hours as it seemed that Pakistan would be bowled out for 130 or 140 runs but he shouldered the responsibility and ensured 200 marks target which was a defendable total for the victory on a slow pitch that helping spinners. Afridi provided breakthrough when required. Sangakkara and Jayawardene have kept Sri Lanka on track for achieving the target but Afridi spoiled their effeorts by claiming their crucial wickets. Afridi changed the fate of match with his impressive five-wicket haul with one catch and helped his team to defeat Sri Lanka by 26 runs. Afridis match winning performance and Pakistans series victory was a welcome gift for the big fan of Afridi none other than Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf whose decision to include Afridi in the team bore fruit now. Boom Boom performed consistently and was in great form during the series. He also broke Jayasuriya most wickets record of 329 wickets in One-dayers in this match by clinching five wickets. Pakistan will play final one-day in Abu Dhabi and move to Dhaka for the series against Bangladesh. Pakistan returned to their favourite venue after an eight-year gap, but the circumstances could not have been more different from standard Sharjah fare. The pitch was far removed from the flat track that used to be laid out in the day, and Pakistan's top order did not show the composure to handle the lack of pace. Earlier, Sri Lanka's young spinners performed well for the first time since Muttiah Muralitharan's retirement, reducing Pakistan to a pitiful 97 for 6. Afridi was left to play within himself, a task that he pulled off with aplomb - that's how far events veered from the script. But Afridi finished with his customary brutality to give Pakistan's four-man spin attack a chance. Hafeez suffered a brain fade in the 16th over, heaving Prasanna to deep square leg. Fernando then struck with the first ball of a spell for the second time. Younus couldn't spot the split-finger slower ball, and was lulled into a soft drive that popped up into the covers. Shoaib Malik could barely put bat on ball on his comeback, allowing Sri Lanka to pin the bowling Powerplay damages to 12 for 2. Sri Lankan while chasing the victory target lost quick wickets as both openers went out cheaply in the start of the innings. Sangakkara and Jayawardene kept Sri Lankans hope alive during chase after the departure of the two Lankans hopes were blown in the air and their departure proved turning point for the match. The PCB has included Junaid Khan in the squad but he was not gave him chance in the playing XI best known to the team management. It is time ripe that PCB, team management and captain to include those youngsters who have not played yet a single match as Pakistan have won the series and they should be given chance in the last ODI to give them international exposure as they are the future of the Pakistan team.