The Pakistan cricket team is set to play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting Tuesday. All matches will be held in Rawalpindi.
Newly appointed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi wants to strengthen the team after the 2-1 victory over South Africa. Pakistan’s ODI record in 2025 has been very poor, winning only four out of 14 matches.
Now Afridi is warning everyone that victory is not the responsibility of just a few players.
Afridi’s Strong Message
Speaking to the press at Pindi Stadium, Afridi said,
“Going into the Sri Lanka series, our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward. We want to build consistency in our performances and make sure that we keep improving as a team in every department.”
He further said, “All the players should take responsibility. 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.”
Afridi praised the South Africa series, “I was really proud of the way the players responded to different situations and played as a unit (against South Africa). The energy, intent, and teamwork were outstanding.”
Saim Ayub scored two half-centuries against South Africa, including 77 in the last match. Babar Azam managed just 45 runs in three innings. Fakhar Zaman scored 45 runs in the first match, followed by two ducks.
Salman Ali Agha scored two fifties and Rizwan made 55. Batting-friendly pitches are now being prepared against Sri Lanka to restrict their spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay.
Strong Sri Lankan Team
Sri Lanka is ranked fourth in the rankings, while Pakistan is fifth. They have defeated Australia, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.
Captain Charith Asalanka said, “It’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan, their home, their conditions. Pakistan played good cricket in their last series, and we did too. We played 30-45 days ago in Zimbabwe and did really well, especially our ODI side has been doing really well.”
Only Dilshan Madushanka is out due to injury; Ashan Malinga may get a chance in his place. After the series, a T20 tri-series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will begin on November 17 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
