Pakistan Aims to Continue Winning Streak Against Sri Lanka
The Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for an exciting three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, commencing this Tuesday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Fresh from a 2-1 series victory over South Africa in Faisalabad, the team, under the new leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, is determined to keep the winning rhythm going. The entire series will be hosted at the same venue this week.
Captain Afridi's Blueprint for Consistency
Speaking at the stadium, Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi outlined the team's clear objective. "Going into the Sri Lanka series, our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward," he stated. "We want to build consistency in our performances and make sure that we keep improving as a team in every department." This series is crucial for Pakistan to rebuild their reputation in the 50-over format after a dismal run in 2025, where they lost 10 out of 14 matches, leading to Afridi replacing Mohammad Rizwan as captain.
Afridi emphasised collective responsibility, urging every player to step up. "All the players should take responsibility," he asserted. "It's not Shaheen, Fakhar (Zaman), Babar (Azam), or Saim's (Ayub) job, we all should do our best. We should even back those players who are not performing and always believe that we can perform as a team." This philosophy was evident in the recent series, where young batsman Saim Ayub shone with two half-centuries, including a match-winning 77 in the decisive third ODI.
Sri Lanka Presents a Formidable Challenge
The visiting Sri Lanka team, ranked fourth in ODIs compared to Pakistan's fifth, is a formidable opponent. Unlike the depleted South African squad, Sri Lanka has arrived with a full-strength team captained by Charith Asalanka. Their recent form is impressive, with successful home victories against Australia and Bangladesh, complemented by an away series win in Zimbabwe.
Asalanka acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, "That's always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions. Pakistan played good cricket in their last series and we too." The only significant absence for Sri Lanka is fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who is injured and replaced by potential debutant Eshan Malinga.
To counter Sri Lanka's potent spin attack, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay, Pakistan is expected to prepare batting-friendly wickets in Rawalpindi. Following the ODI contest, a T20 tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will begin on November 17, with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
