PAK vs SL 2nd ODI: Discover Why Shaheen Afridi Misses Today’s Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match and View Full Playing XI

The highly anticipated second ODI match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka took place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Pakistan, leading the three-match series 1-0, won the toss and chose to bowl first. The team aimed to secure the series with a victory in this match.

Shaheen Afridi Misses the Match

Notably, Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Afridi was absent from the playing XI due to illness, specifically a fever. Mohammad Wasim stepped in to replace him. Shaheen had a challenging performance in the first ODI, conceding 50 runs without taking any wickets.

Pakistan’s Revised Lineup

With Afridi sidelined, Salman Ali Agha acted as the stand-in captain and led the team during the toss. Additionally, Abrar Ahmed was included in the squad after recovering from illness, taking the place of all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

• Pakistan XI:
  • Fakhar Zaman
  • Saim Ayub
  • Babar Azam
  • Mohammad Rizwan
  • Salman Ali Agha (captain)
  • Hussain Talat
  • Mohammad Nawaz
  • Mohammad Wasim
  • Haris Rauf
  • Naseem Shah
  • Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka’s Playing XI

• Sri Lanka XI:
  • Pathum Nissanka
  • Kamil Mishara
  • Kusal Mendis
  • Sadeera Samarawickrama
  • Charith Asalanka (captain)
  • Janith Liyanage
  • Kamindu Mendis
  • Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Dushmantha Chameera
  • Pramod Madushan
  • Asitha Fernando

Security Concerns Resolved

The backdrop of the series included significant tensions following a tragic incident where a suicide bombing in Islamabad claimed 12 lives, sparking concerns among Sri Lankan players. However, reassurances of security from the Pakistan Cricket Board allowed the series to proceed, with matches rescheduled for Friday and Sunday.

With the stakes high, both teams aimed to showcase their best performance in the second ODI, which promised to be a thrilling encounter in the 2023 cricket calendar.