Pakistan blanked the West Indies 3-0 in the T20 series with another dominating eight wicket win in the third and final match here on Tuesday.
After beating Carlos Brathwaite’s men by nine wickets and 16 runs in the first two matches at Dubai, Pakistan, under Sarfraz, secured their first-ever 3-0 whitewash in a T20 series.
“We didn’t estimate we would win 3-0,” said Sarfraz. “But I will give full credit to the boys for doing everything better than them and that’s why we have won the series.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman believes the clean sweep over the world champions is the first step towards building a formidable outfit for the future.
Sarfraz said the win will go a long way towards establishing a T20 team, struggling after being ousted in the first round of the World Twenty20 held in India in March-April this year that forced the then skipper Shahid Afridi to step down.
Sarfraz, who was handed over the leadership, has won all four matches — also beating England at Manchester earlier this month.
“Of course, this is the first step towards building a new team,” the 29-year-old said, adding, “If we want to become a good team then we have to bring consistency.”
Sarfraz was pleased to see the players, regardless of their experience at the international level standing up to the task.
”Both junior and senior players are performing and contributing and that is the sign of a good team.”
Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, declared man of the series for his nine wickets in the series, rocked the West Indies’ top order with figures of three for 21.
West Indies’ below par total of 103-5 was never a bother for Pakistan, who chased down the target in 15.1 overs for the loss of two wickets.
All did not go well for the West Indies after winning the World Twenty20 title.
World Twenty20 winning captain Darren Sammy was replaced by Carlos Brathwaite while successful coach Phil Simmons was sacked.
Sarfraz said he was enjoying the captaincy.
“It’s nice to see senior and juniors cooperating and contributing. It’s a combination of juniors and seniors and I am enjoying it as a leader.”
Pakistan and West Indies will now play three One-Day Internationals (ODI) with the first game in Sharjah on Friday.