Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is poised to lead his team into a three-match series against Sri Lanka, commencing on Tuesday at Rawalpindi. The objective is clear: maintain their winning momentum following a recent 2-1 series victory over South Africa.
Aiming for Consistency
Addressing the media at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Afridi emphasized the importance of carrying forward the team’s winning spirit. “We want to build consistency in our performances and improve in every department,” he stated.
Challenges Faced in 2025
Pakistan’s ODI performance earlier this year has been underwhelming. They have lost 10 of 14 matches throughout 2025, leading to Afridi’s appointment as captain, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. Prior to the win against South Africa, the team faced losses in bilateral series against New Zealand and West Indies, and they were also defeated in the tri-nation series final.
Team Responsibility and Player Performance
Afridi underscored the significance of collective responsibility in the ODI format. “All the players should take responsibility. It’s not just one or two players; we all need to back each other,” he remarked. This approach is essential as the team gears up for the Sri Lanka series.
Promising young batsman Saim Ayub shone in the South Africa series, scoring two half-centuries, including a notable 77 runs in the final ODI. While senior players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman had inconsistent performances, contributions from players like Salman Ali Agha and Rizwan were vital.
Upcoming Series Against Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, currently ranked fourth in ODIs, will be fielding a full-strength squad led by Charith Asalanka. Their recent performances include notable victories against Australia and Bangladesh, along with an away win over Zimbabwe. The absence of fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka due to injury has not diminished their confidence.
Asalanka acknowledges the challenge of playing in Pakistan’s home conditions. “It’s always tough when it comes to Pakistan, especially in their conditions,” he noted, reflecting on the competitive spirit of both teams.
Strategic Preparations
In preparation for the series, Pakistan is expected to prepare batting-friendly pitches. This strategy aims to counter Sri Lanka’s formidable spin attack, which includes Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Future Fixtures
Following the ODI series, Pakistan will participate in a T20 tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin on November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
- Series Start Date: Tuesday
- Number of ODIs: Three
- Location: Rawalpindi
- Upcoming T20 Tri-Series: Start on November 17
