3 key players from each side for the ODI series Author: Maaz; Views: 1149; Date: 10-11-2011, 07:06;

Hafeez:

An accurate and economical bowler. He is extremely nagging with his undeniable control of line and length as well as his ability to bowl according to his field and get through his quota quickly and silently. It wouldn't be wrong to say that he models his action on Saqlain Mushtaq with that kink and pivot in his bowling stride, enabling him to pick up on any trigger movements from batsmen and adjust his direction accordingly. Also, someone who doesn't mind bowling with the hardness and proud seam of the new ball. A free scoring and pleasing on the eye opener. An alert and smart team man. 5 MOMs in this format this year. All his 3 ODI centuries have come during this year. Pakistan’s leading run getter in ODIs this year as well as someone who has been amongst the wickets consistently. A highly invaluable utility cricketer, who after multiple recalls into the side, is finally beginning to find his feet to show the hidden talent he always possessed in the domestic circuit by being a permanent member of the side in the last 12 months or so in each and every format. 

Misbah:

Averages 50 against the Lankans with a SR in the mid 80s. Undefeated in 9 LOIs as national skipper. 8 50s in 19 ODI knocks this year and 6 cameos of above 25 in that too. 7 not out scores in that. Pakistan’s 2nd leading run getter in ODIs this year. The 2nd highest average by a Pakistan ODI batsmen of all time and just a few points behind the Asian Bradman. A Batsmen who is a capable innings builder, reliable 2nd innings finisher with 12 unbeaten stays at the crease to knock off the winning runs as well as 6 of his 8 2nd innings 50s being unbeaten knocks in a successful chases (Pakistan are historically not the best of chasers), a key anchor sheet and someone who can hold an end up to prevent the team from collapsing and self destructing as well as setting the foundations to give the innings some calmness, direction and stability, not to forget his ability to innovate, improvise and change gears in between. In 4 out of the last 5 ODI events he has concluded with the best average. Misbah is clearly an impact team contributor with 13 of his 17 ODI 50s appearing in winning causes. Someone a bit like Trott in the sense who does these unnoticeable chores, but others tend to take the spotlight more. Definitely, an underrated and under-appreciated middle order composed operator.
 

Safrarz:

 U19 WC winning captain and wicket keeper in 2006 in Sri Lanka. Returns to the side for the first time since 2008. Pakistan’s 4th ODI wicket keeping option of the year. Averaged above 160 during the Pentangular competition earlier in the year where Sindh took the title. Hopefully, he will be able to show case and cement his place in the side at least for the shorter formats and show his nation that Pakistan’s wicket keeping potential is larger than just that Akmal brotherhood.  

Malinga:

An unorthodox expressive bowler who is at the top of his game. Out of the two teams he has the highest number of ODI wickets this year including two 5 wicket hauls and a hat trick against the Baggy Greens. Talking of hat tricks, Malinga has the most in ODIs. The player of the tournament in the Nokia Champions League 2011 as Mumbai Indians was victorious. It’s such a shame a bowler of his talent is not playing tests anymore, but nonetheless one who is box office entertainment with those lethal toe crushers, awkward trajectory and deceptive changes of pace. Furthermore, he has turned out to be somewhat of a match winner with the willow down the order and developed his batting a significant deal which Misbah and company will need to watch out for.

Angelo Matthews:

His bowling coach at KKR, Wasim Akram rates him highly. An excellent talent in the late middle order who can win a match on his own. He's had his fair share of struggles with injuries, but a definite future star of Sri Lankan cricket.
 

Kumar Sangakkara:

Joint player of the series in the test series so he has form and confidence behind him. Currently 3rd in leading ODI run getters this year with 1 century and 7 50s in 20 innings. Kumar has played 20 ODIs in the Emirates so has a good understanding of the atmosphere and conditions being the articulate and intelligent man he is.