ISLAMABAD (TNS) The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will begin today, November 11. After the three ODIs, there will be a T20 triangular series. Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka will compete in the T20 triangular series. The T20 triangular series will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from November 17 to 29. One-day internationals have a long history, Pakistan has dominated Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s highest score against Sri Lanka is 338, while Sri Lanka’s highest score is 288.
Out of the 157 matches played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan has won 93 while Sri Lanka has won 59. There were four no results and one tie.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the national squad for the ODI and T20 International matches against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan ODI Squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)
Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Faheem Ashraf
Faisal Akram
Fakhar Zaman
Haris Rauf
Hasibullah
Hassan Nawaz
Hussain Talat
Muhammad Nawaz
Muhammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
Muhammad Wasim Jr
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
The three One-Day International matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played from November 11 to 15 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The schedule of the matches is as follows:
First ODI: November 11
Second ODI: November 13
Third ODI: November 15
Talking about the team, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi said that Mohammad Rizwan became the captain after taking him on board. The captain should be involved in the team selection, not just the batters but all the players will have to take responsibility. I will not talk about being removed from the captaincy in the past, the focus is on the team’s good performance, they are overcoming mistakes. Addressing a press conference at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Shaheen Afridi said that for the first time we won the home ODI series against South Africa, the players know very well which mistakes to work on. We talk about our mistakes among ourselves, no player drops catches intentionally, it is part of the game. There has been a clear improvement in our fielding in the past few years. On the question regarding captaincy, Shaheen said that when I first became the captain, I had contacted all the senior players including Babar Azam. Mohammad Rizwan is a great person, I had first told Rizwan that I was going to become the captain and asked his opinion. Rizwan himself decided to leave the captaincy and after consulting him, I accepted this responsibility. Shaheen Afridi said that Babar Azam will definitely return with form and a century. He said that I take advice from whoever I deem appropriate — not just from former captains. He said that the focus is on all three departments — batting, bowling and fielding. Not just the batters, but all the players have to take responsibility. This is not just the job of Rizwan, Babar, Fakhar, Saim or Shaheen. Shaheen said that Rizwan is the highest run-scorer in the ODI format for Pakistan since 2023. Our priority is to support players who are not in form. This is the squad that is playing against South Africa, but going forward, we want to give all the players a chance so that the bench strength is strong. Usually, Pakistan faces injuries before big events, so this preparation is necessary. Regarding captaincy and selection, Shaheen said that the captain should be involved in team selection. The selection committee prepares the squad, but it is important to take the captain’s opinion. He said that Hassan Nawaz was released from the squad to spend time with his family. Leaving him out does not mean that he is out of the plan. Hassan Nawaz will continue to play at his batting position in domestic cricket, currently other players are performing well at this number. Shaheen Shah Afridi said: No one drops catches intentionally, dropping catches is part of the game. Our fielding is getting better than before. While holding a press conference at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Sri Lankan cricket team captain Charith Asalanka said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always seen great cricket, there will be a great competition between the two teams this time too, Charith Asalanka said that Pakistan’s hospitality is amazing, the environment and weather here are perfect for cricket, the fans will get to see good cricket. Pakistan has good batsmen while we have excellent bowlers. He said that Pakistan showed a brilliant performance against South Africa, they have excellent batsmen like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, while we also have excellent bowlers who can put any team in trouble. The Sri Lankan captain said that our batsmen will face world-class bowlers like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, which will create an interesting and challenging series.
