Pakistan Captain Afridi Urges Team Unity Ahead of Sri Lanka ODIs
As Pakistan prepares to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series, team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi emphasizes the importance of unity and consistent performance. The series will commence on Tuesday at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, marking a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to build on their recent successes.
Pakistan’s Recent ODIs Performance
Under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistan recently secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa, gaining momentum ahead of the upcoming series. Afridi took over the captaincy from Mohammad Rizwan after a disappointing year for Pakistan in ODIs, where they lost 10 out of 14 matches in 2025.
- Losses against New Zealand and West Indies.
- Defeat in the tri-nation series final against New Zealand.
- Failure to reach the Champions Trophy semifinals on home soil.
Focus on Team Responsibility
Afridi stresses that every player must take responsibility to enhance the team’s overall performance. “It’s not just about individual players; we must work collectively,” he stated. Key players, including young batsman Saim Ayub, made notable contributions in their last series, with Ayub scoring two half-centuries, including a top score of 77.
- Babar Azam: 45 runs in three innings.
- Fakhar Zaman: Scored 45 in the first match and two ducks thereafter.
- Salman Ali Agha: Contributed significantly with two fifties.
- Rizwan: Scored 55 against South Africa.
Sri Lanka’s Squad Strength
Sri Lanka enters the series as the fourth-ranked ODI team and boasts a full-strength squad under the leadership of Charith Asalanka. Their recent victories against Australia, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe reflect a strong performance that poses a challenge for Pakistan.
Only fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka is unavailable due to injury, replaced by debutant Eshan Malinga. Asalanka acknowledged the competitive nature of the upcoming series, stating, “Pakistan played well in their last series, and we are also in good form.” The ODI series provides a platform for both teams to demonstrate their skills in bilateral competition.
Pakistan is expected to prepare batting-friendly pitches to counter Sri Lanka’s spin attack, which includes prominent bowlers like Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay. Following this ODI series, a T20 tri-series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will commence on November 17, held in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
