Sri Lanka Chooses to Field First After Winning Toss in 1st ODI vs Pakistan
Sri Lanka opted to field first after winning the toss in the first One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan on Tuesday. The match took place at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka’s Strategy
Captain Charith Asalanka expressed confidence in his decision, anticipating dew may affect gameplay as the match progressed. Sri Lanka’s lineup featured a notable return for leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside a debut for 24-year-old opener Kamil Mishara.
Pakistan’s Adjustments
Pakistan made a significant change from the team that triumphed against South Africa last Saturday. Abrar Ahmed, who had impressed with figures of 4-27, was sidelined due to illness. Fast bowler Naseem Shah took his place in the lineup.
Lineups
- Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.
Upcoming Matches
All three ODIs of this series are scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi. After the ODIs, Zimbabwe will join the teams for a Twenty20 tri-series. Pakistan, under the leadership of new ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, recently revived their form by defeating a weakened South African side 2-1.
