Pakistan Captain Afridi Aims to Sustain Winning Momentum in ODI Series Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s cricket team aims to maintain its winning momentum against Sri Lanka in the upcoming ODI series. This three-match series begins on Tuesday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Shaheen Shah Afridi, newly appointed ODI captain, strives to improve consistency in team performance after a recent victory over South Africa.
Recent Performance Overview
Under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistan secured a 2-1 victory in the last series against a weakened South African squad. Afridi stated, “Our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward.” This sentiment underscores the team’s determination to enhance their competitiveness in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Major Changes and Challenges
- Afridi replaced Mohammad Rizwan as captain due to Pakistan’s disappointing ODI performance earlier in the year.
- In 2025, the team struggled with a record of 4 wins out of 14 ODIs.
- Pakistan faced defeats in bilateral series against New Zealand and the West Indies, as well as failing to reach the Champions Trophy semifinals.
Afridi emphasizes shared responsibility among players. “It’s not just one or two players. We all should do our best,” he remarked. This approach aims to foster unity and accountability within the squad.
Key Players to Watch
Several players significantly impacted the recent victory over South Africa:
- Saim Ayub scored two half-centuries, including a top score of 77 in the series decider.
- Salman Ali Agha also made notable contributions with two half-centuries.
- Mohammad Rizwan added 55 runs to support the team’s efforts.
However, stars like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman struggled, prompting the team to look for improvements in their batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s Strengths
Sri Lanka, currently ranked 4th in ODIs, arrives with a full-strength squad. Captain Charith Asalanka leads a team fresh from a successful series against Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling options include Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, presenting a challenge for Pakistan’s batsmen.
Asalanka acknowledged the difficulties of playing in Pakistan, stating, “That’s always a tough series… Pakistan played good cricket in their last series.” The need for more batting-friendly pitches may prove strategic for Pakistan to counteract Sri Lanka’s spin threat.
Looking Ahead
The ODI series will be followed by a T20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe, commencing on November 17. Pakistan’s performance not only against Sri Lanka but also in the forthcoming tournaments will be crucial for building momentum within the team.
