His performance secured an six-wicket win in Dambulla to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The off-turning all-rounder disregarded his issues on bending the arm while bowling to get four wickets as Pakistan, choosing to field after winning the toss, kept Sri Lanka down to 255-8 in 50 overs. Hafeez then thought of a stroke-filled 103 to lead the voyagers past the objective in 45.2 overs.
Ninth-positioned Pakistan need to win the series to stay in fight for a spot in the eight-country Champions Trophy in England in 2017. Sri Lanka, right now positioned fifth, are guaranteed of joining in the competition. Hafeez, who was accounted for a suspect bowling action amid the former Test series and experienced tests in Chennai a week ago, took the field simply because he is permitted to play until the outcomes are pronounced. The 34-year-old grabbed the open door by completing with his best one-day figures of four for 41 to limit Sri Lanka in great batting conditions.
