Were Pakistan convincing winners?

Mohammed Sami and Shoaib Malik took three wickets each as the Africans were bowled out for 168.

And an unbroken 144-run partnership between Taufeeq Umer and Yousuf Youhana steered Pakistan to victory after two wickets fell early on.

Did Pakistan deserve to win? Who was the player of the tournament?

This debate is now closed. See below for a selection of your e-mails.

Sri Lanka have been struggling for a while now. Although Pakistan didn't fire at the WC, there is a class gap between them and certain other teams that made it to the Super Six stage earlier this year (mentioning no names, of course).

I don't think fans should get carried away with Pakistan Waleed Hussain, UK

Hopefully this not only gives Pakistan cricket a boost after a disappointing WC, but also shows the ICC that they really didn't get it right in southern Africa. It also shows that Kenya do need time to build up their domestic game before coming into the test arena. Otherwise it will be Bangladesh all over again, and that's just not good for the game.
Andy, Annandale, Virginia, USA

New talent will provide a better future for Pakistan. The team looks solid and still need to play better team and better tournaments. They carry talent to take on the finals. This team could have done better than the previous rust.
Mohammed Abid, Chicago, USA

Wow, Pakistan are doing well against mediocre teams such as Kenya and Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka haven't put out their strongest team, so although it is an achievement, I don't think fans should get carried away and think that because Pakistan are unbeaten against these teams they are the best international cricket team.

Anyway well done to the youngsters, I think they should possibly be called up for future matches, in particular Misbah ul Haq and Danish Kaneria.
Waleed Hussain, UK

There is no way Pakistan will lose this final now. This is the perfect way to bounce back from our World Cup humiliation and show the likes of Inzi that we can cope without them.
Arshi, London

Pakistan will definitely win, there's no doubt in my mind. Sri Lanka are having management problems, Kenya are still buzzing off the World Cup, and Zimbabwe are clearly worried about events back home. That leaves Pakistan who have managed to sort out all their management problems as well as international problems. So definitely Pakistan!
Imran, Bradford

I am a big fan of the Pakistani team and am hoping that this new look team brings the Cup home Qamar Elahi, Canada

On paper, statistics favour Pakistan but come Thursday Zimbabwe will bring the Cup home. We may be facing shortages of every basic food stuff but not the strength to lift the Cup!
Given, Zimbabwe

The youngsters are doing well but we still need Inzamam to transfer his experience to them. Wasim or Waqar should also be on the back of the youngsters for some time.
Mohammed Ashraf Bhatti, Saudi Arabia

Zimbabwe are not an easy team, therefore Pakistan shouldn't take this final match easily. Remember how Zimbabwe defeated Sri Lanka in its league match? I am a big fan of the Pakistani team and am hoping that this new look team brings the Cup home.
Qamar Elahi, Canada

I don't really mind if Pakistan win or lose. The main thing is that we are finally seeing the long overdue disposal of the old guard. I think Sami is revelling in his new found role as the spearhead of the attack. I think Wasim and Waqar should be left out along with Inzi. Shoaib should be brought back and that will be the new team. They play with heart and desire - big up to the boys!
Amar Mahmood, London

Does any one really care who wins this Mickey Mouse cup? Mike, UK

Pakistan look certain to take the title as they beat Zimbabwe already, which should give them a much needed psychological boost. It's good to see Pakistan's youngsters doing so well, however they all seem to start off like that. I hope they can keep it up.
Arshad, UK

Of course Pakistan will win the Sharjah Cup 2003. They are simply the best team, if they want to play.
Saad Ahmad, London

Pakistan will lift the cup. The new-look is promising. I just wish the same team would have played in World Cup.
Rizwan, Abu-Dhabi

Although Andy Flower will be sorely missed, Zimbabwe have shown that they can play good cricket and win matches without him. They have pulled off shock victories before and no time like the present to win the final and restore some hope back into Zimbabwean cricket. Come on you Zimbos!!
Dave, London

Does any one really care who wins this Mickey Mouse cup? These teams have all played and failed in the recent World Cup.
Mike, UK

It's Pakistan all the way. As for Sri Lanka's fans, find a new captain like Pakistan did.
Ahsan Naqvi, NY

There will be a tough fight between Pakistan and Sri Lanka but still I feel Pakistan has a better chance of winning.
Jeraz Siganporia, India

The Pakistan team are playing fantastic innings with great team spirit and will surely reach the final Unni, Kuwait

Who's going to win? Simple: Sri Lanka. The Pakistani players are still too young and inexperienced to face them. They might have won once but I don't expect them to do so again.
Safina Hussain, Pakistan

Even though Pakistan's more popular and well-known team are not playing, the younger and less-known players are proving to be an extremely difficult side for all the teams in the Sharjah Cup. Despite this, they should have also played Saleem Elahi.
Bilal Awan, Nottingham, England

The Pakistan team are playing fantastic innings with great team spirit and will surely reach the final. But I think in the final, Sri Lanka's team will win and lift the trophy.
Unni, Kuwait

Beating Zimbabwe was expected from the Pakistani team. But beating Sri Lanka was shocking from the new side. They'll win.
Waleed, Kuala Lumpur

Sri Lanka have an awesome batting line up but the Pakistani's have awesome bowling so it could be a repeat of previous finals with Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Watch out for Vandort as he is a great player
Luke Balachandran, London

Pakistan's youngsters will demonstrate their talent and bring the cup home Iqbal Syed, Kings Park, New York, USA

Pakistan will win the Sharjah cup though Sri Lanka may give them a tough fight in the finals.
Adeel Asif, Pakistan

Hey look at Pakistan's new team, they are on fire. With their new coach and rebuilt team they will surely take the Sharjah Cup.
Wasey, Toronto, Canada

Some of you guys really do draw too much conclusion every time Pakistan win a match. I think many fail to realise that Pakistan beat Zimbabwe (thanks to Razaaq's display) which did not have some of its senior players, and a new looking Sri Lankan team.
Aftab Baig, Romford

Now that Pakistan have got two wins out of two games, I think they have a very good chance of taking the cup home. It looks like the team have done their homework and sorted themselves out.

Best of luck to the youngsters in the Pakistan side who have really displayed a good first impression in the eyes of the thousands of die-hard Pakistan fans across the globe.
Usman, Manchester

Watching the games that all four teams have played so far, it looks like the final will be held between Pakistan and Kenya. Kenya has an excellent team; however, Pakistan's youngsters will demonstrate their talent and will bring the cup home.

Please do not bring back old players, and let's work on these so they can make the Pakistan's dream come true and win the next World Cup.
Iqbal Syed, Kings Park, New York, USA

Well it's just the beginning and I think this Pakistan team has done very well so far and I wish them good luck for rest of the series. Carry on boys and bring the trophy home!
Faraz, Norway

I think the new-look Pakistani side is shaping up well Shahid Arshad, Pakistan

I am pleased with Pakistan's performance this time. It is still too early though to get excited about the future. I strongly feel that some of the older palyers like Inzi, Saeed and Shoib should be brought back to give a balance to the team. Good luck Pakistan.
Kamran Razi, Herndon, VA, USA

Pakistan have some young players and they are playing very well so I think that Pakistan will win the Sharjah Cup, and they don't even have their good players in their squad like Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis. I think that Pakistan and Sri Lanka will go in the Sharjah Cup final.
Muhammed Mohsin, England

I think Pakistan have played brilliantly so far but their bowling definitely needs Saqlain Mushtaq and S Akhtar to add some experience. Plus, a replacement for Taufeeq Omar because he does not looks like a ODI player.
Tufail Khan Khalil, Peshawar, Pakistan

I think the new-look Pakistani side is shaping up well and I hope that they will lift this cup. It will augur well for Pakistani cricket and their plan for rebuilding.
Shahid Arshad, Pakistan

Everyone seems to have forgotten the architects of this team. My hat comes off to Aamir Sohail and the rest of the board for making such a bold decision to kick out the old failures. I expected nothing less from the Master Tactician Miandad, I hope he is given a extended run this time; continuity is what we need.

I tell you one thing though; Afridi, Saeed and Waqar must be quaking in their boots; there doesn't seem any grounds to bring them back. Inzi and Shoaib will most likely be back though to add some much needed firepower against England in July.
Arshad, England

Well done to Aamir Sohail for making a major shuffle to wake up the Pakistan "stars" Firaz, USA

The jolly green giants will go all the way to the finals! What's India's excuse for not playing in Sharjah?
Adam, England UK

I hope Australia are watching and keeping an eye on Pakistan. The spirit of the Pakistani team is great. This team will be the future of cricket. In 2007 this team would be very experienced and they will probably win the World Cup. So watch out Australia!
Hasan Shahid, Dubai

Pakistan are playing very well and it's my belief that their players are very talented. They do have some shortcomings and they need to work on them so that they can prepare themselves for the next World Cup.
Ayesha, Madeeha, Paras and Aimen Iqbal, Canada

Pakistan has a good chance of winning this series. Well done to Aamir Sohail for making a major shuffle to wake up the Pakistan "stars". Waqar and Afridi should be out for good and Shoaib should be used only selectively.

Also, it might help to bring Saeed back in because Pakistan still needs an established opener while the other end gains experience.
Firaz, USA

I think Pakistan's new young side was very impressive against Sri Lanka and also the batting performances of middle-order batsmen Yousuf Youhana and Younis Khan were brilliant.

Pakistan have proved that they are a very talented team who don't need players like Shoaib to win Saima, London

Faisal Iqbal's inclusion is questionable. Iqbal is not a one-dayer player and is much more equipped for the Test arena. And Youhana showed his true class with a quality 64 and he has continued his excellent form from the World Cup.

Pakistan's youngsters have a great temperament and could oust senior stars like Shahid Afridi and Inzamam ul Haq.
Ibrar al-Majeed, Scotland

The young side is looking great for Pakistan with some good future players such as Umar Taufeeq - possibly the next Saeed Anwar? Also they look a lot more motivated and quick in the field.

I think the seniors should be left out for a while, especially Shoaib and Inzi. Personally I believe the Pakistani youngsters will prove to the world they are going to make an impact on the world stage. It looks like it's going to be a Kenya v Pakistan final.
Anon, Halifax, England

Congratulations to the young Pakistan team. I must say that it was a very interesting match and Sri Lanka sure did put up a good challenge.

Pakistan still shouldn't get too excited by winning this match as they are an inexperienced side in international cricket and must work hard to win this tournament.

Congratulations also go to the man of the match Kumar Sangakkara for his brilliant century. I hope to see Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the final for a tough match. Keep up the good work young fellas.
Abdul Wahab Mirza, Washington DC, USA

Pakistan have proved that they are a very talented team. They don't need players like Shoaib to win. The new team has impressed everyone, they have beaten both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. They will win this for sure. All the best Pakistan!
Saima, London

I think this will prove that Pakistan are the best side without any doubt and why they are so good. The World Cup is history, and we have learnt from the mistakes we made, especially by getting rid of Pybus.
Zeeshan Ashraf, Manchester, UK

I obviously support my home team but I reckon it will be a Kenya- Pakistan final. Kenya will come out on top!
Douglas Trewartha, Zimbabwe

I think Pakistan have a very bright future the way they are going now, this could be their chance to prove they are a very talented team.
Qasim Chaudhry, Birmingham, England

Looking at Pakistan's young team in action they should win the tournament comfortably Mani, Manchester

I am sure that new Pakistani team will do some good for the feature. good luck
Sonia Javaid, UK

This is a good Pakistan team but they need Shoaib Akhtar to add a bit of experience in the bowling department
Shuayb Hussain, Sheffield, England

Its going to be a Sri Lanka-Pakistan final Sri Lanka will come out victorious
Santosh, Dubai

Pakistan have a team of champions in the making! See the spirit in our last match.

Watch out we will win Sharjah and then win the World Cup in 2007! Beware Aussies!
Shahzad Quraishi, Manchester

Looking at Pakistan's young team in action yesterday against Zimbabwe, they should win the tournament comfortably.
Mani, Manchester

2909823 Looking at the way they played today, I am sure the new Pakistani team will make it to finals and win the Sharjah Cup eventually.
Syed Saab, Chicago, US

The final will be comprised of SL and PAK. SL will lift the trophy and do it quite convincingly too.

They have a good balance in the team with some young players and a few seniors. They'll definitely miss Vaas but I'm sure the others will take the opportunity to impress the public.

Watch out for Vandort's batting and Jaya's fireworks!
Matt Abeysekera, Charlotte, NC

Watch out for Pakistan's new young blood. They are ready and more hungry for success than the fragile Inzaman and pointless Afridi.
Dean Walth, Dubai, UAE

I hope Pakistan will win! But I think the Sri Lankan team will create many problems for Pakistan.
Umar Mirza, Pakistan

I think the young Pakistani team will do it !! Don't forget it is in Sharjah.
Madhu, USA

Pakistan holds the best winning record in Sharjah and is my favourite for the tournament
Azeem, London

I can't believe some of you guys are actually expecting Kenya to get to the finals. I too believe that Kenya played out of their boots in the WC, but they would never have got the semis had NZ not forfeited their match.

Let's be honest the final will be played against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with Sri Lanka lifting the trophy.
Aftab Baig, Romford

This is the right time for Zimbabwean cricket to start blossoming. They will certainly reach the final.
Fani, Harare, Zimbabwe

Kenya and Zimbabwe have no chance. Sri Lanka might win but Pakistan will win it!
Junaid Saleem, Leeds,England

Sri Lanka look to be the best bet on form but I would watch out for Kenya too!
Hasmukh Parikh, Flushing, New York, USA

Pakistan's inexperienced side could do well Mohammed Bin Shehri, England

I like the idea of the new Pakistan team. I think it will be a very close fought out final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the one keeping its nerves till the end winning.

As far as Kenya and Zimbabwe are concerned, I don't see that they have a chance.
Faisal, Ottawa, Canada

Kenya! Hakuna Matata (No Problems)!
Rizwan Karim, Toronto, Canada

Pakistan's inexperienced side could do well. Young players like Mohammed Hafeez and Umer Gul can take this opportunity to oust some of the out-of-form stars like Inzamam ul-Haq.

Sri Lanka and Kenya are the other sides who I think will impress. Kenya did fantastically well at the World Cup and they will be looking to improve on their super tournament with some victories in Sharjah.
Mohammed Bin Shehri, England

Sharjah is like a home pitch for Pakistan. With the support of the crowd, they really should win comfortably.
Rizwan, Birmingham, UK

It will be a SL vs Kenya final with Lions lifting the trophy Shaluka Perera, North Carolina, USA

Sri Lanka will win because they have most of their experienced players there!

Zimbabwe have no chance, Kenya very little and Pakistan will be beaten finalists!
Andy, UK

Although Pakistan have come into the tournament with a very inexperienced side, they always seem to do well with debutants.

However, there are some rising stars in the team, such as Faisal Iqbal, Mohammed Sami and Shoiab Malik. This could be the tournament where these youngsters make a name for themselves.
Waqas Ali, Birmingham, England

Sri Lanka will be the ultimate winners. They will use this as a perfect opportunity to amend their below-par performance in WC 2003. Also, they will be sure not make the same mistakes against Kenya and come out victorious.

It will be a SL vs Kenya final with Lions lifting the trophy. Watch out for Vandort.
Shaluka Perera, North Carolina, USA

Kenya is coming to make a statement. Their tails are up from the World Cup. I fancy their chances. Go Kenya, go.
Starnie Vidal, Com. of Dominica

It's time for the underdogs to wreck havoc! Nadir, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The Sharjah Cup is the first competition after the World Cup, and every team playing now has a new look. This will be a good opportunity to test the youngsters and gain some experience.

I am on Pakistan's side for this tournament, but best of luck to everyone.
Mohsinq, Saudi Arabia

It's going to be a really good tournament as you have two of the best teams in the world of cricket on display. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the teams to watch.
Ashraf, Harris, Canada

It's time for the underdogs to wreck havoc! Kenya is improving every day. They're playing cricket for 'cricket' and not for the fat checks that some teams don't even deserve.
Nadir, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Though Sri Lanka's batting is a bit of concern, they are going to win the tournament. Pakistan has a strong possibility of being runner-up.

The underdogs Kenya can not be under estimated for a chance of being runners-up, as they can upset any/all of their rivals.
Srinivas Korumilli, USA

This is a tough one to call. Logic would say Sri Lanka. I personally am a die hard Pakistan supporter and hope the young guns show their talent but somehow I just don't have confidence in Latif's captaining ability.

Such is the state of Pakistani cricket at present that calling it a total shambles would be generous Sharafat Ali Bandukwala, Coventry

Zimbabwe are a write-off, while it will be interesting to see if Kenya can justify their brilliance from the World Cup despite the loss of Ravindu Shah.
Samad, Toronto

Kenya might surprise everyone in this tournament. Pakistan should be stripped of their Test status and be replaced by Kenya who at east would not bring so much shame to their country.

The selection of this tournament gives an insight to the short-sightedness of the Pakistani selectors. I think that Latif as a captain is a disastrous choice and what happened to Imran Nazir?

Such is the state of Pakistani cricket at present that calling it a total shambles would be generous.
Sharafat Ali Bandukwala, Coventry

If Sri Lanka wants to take the Sharjah title, they have to provide professional performances in all departments, even playing against the likes of Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Yoganadan Prakash, UK

Tricky one - All the teams have a large un-known quantity. The conditions should favour Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

My money is on Sri Lanka, but I do hope that Kenya can make it interesting.
Michael Potts, London

The winner of the Sharjah Cup will be between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The Pakistan team is young but do not have the experience.

Kenya may not be able to duplicate the WCC performance in Sharjah conditions, so that leaves Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.

If the bowlers do their job at their optimum, Sri Lanka have a good chance. Zimbabwe's batting must come through for them to win it.
Raj, Canada

Looking at the form books it's Sri Lanka all the way Matthias Bandara, London

It has to be Pakistan. I would love Zimbabwe to win it after their nightmare of the last year, but I can't see it.

Sri Lanka are a good team, but they crack under pressure... and Pakistan will win this comfortably.
Guy, England

Sri Lanka have to be the overwhelming favourites, with all their major stars performing. Pakistan, despite their inexperienced squad, should still make the final. Kenya will beat Zimbabwe again to prove their World Cup win over their African rivals was no fluke.
Muhammad Wijdan, Pakistan/UK

Looking at the form books it's Sri Lanka all the way, but I think the Kenyans could yet again provide a surprise package.

Zimbabwe and Pakistan will be grooming some new blood so it should be a good contest, but I back Sri Lanka for the win.
Matthias Bandara, London

I do not care who wins the tournament in Sharjah because there is too much cricket going on. What is the meaning of having a tournament of this nature immediately after the World Cup?

It is going to be a shocker, Kenya will win Krishnan, USA

It surely shows people are only interested in money and not cricket that includes the ICC. I think all cricket administrators have gone absolutely bonkers.
Capt L.K. Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka

Because of Murali Sri Lanka will go all the way......
Piraveen, Toronto Canada

It is going to be a shocker, Kenya will win... maybe it's not a shocker, the way Kenya performed in the WC!
Krishnan, USA

Murali or Vass should have been rested for this series, after a very hard season. I hope Murali will continue to play ODI until we groom another class spinner.
Gayantha, Dubai

No doubt it will be Sri Lanka. The infusion of new blood whilst retaining the core of seniors under Sanath will certainly give them the edge.
Gihan, Colombo

Let's see how Pakistan bounce back from their shock World Cup performance Syed Kamran, California

I think Sri Lanka has a good chance of winning this series.
Fahad Anwer, Karachi, Pakistan

I think Sri Lanka will win the series with a stiff challenge from Zimbabwe in the final.
Joyce, Bahrain

Sri Lanka will win, Pakistan haven't got a chance. The reason being that Saeed Anwar has been excluded from the squad. He's a match winner.
Rashid Mohammed, Birmingham

Let's see how Pakistan bounce back from their shock World Cup performance. My guess is that it will be a close encounter between a young Pakistan team and Sri Lanka for the Cup.
Syed Kamran, California

I believe with the batting power of Hondo, Zimbabwe will win.
Smith Long , US

I see some people trying to imply that Sri Lanka will carry their good bowling form from the World Cup into the Sharjah Cup. I would ask them to consider the fact that not only are Sri Lanka without their coach, but the Sharjah wicket is nothing like those in South Africa. It is much more placid and it will be all the more difficult to contain good batsmen on this true batting track.

I think the team with the best batting, Pakistan, will win this tournament hands down.
Salman Pervez, Pakistan