Pakistan open the seven-match tri-series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday and take on England at the same venue on October 20. “We are excited to begin a busy ODI season at home against two very good teams. The tri-series will be highly competitive given the presence of a number of skilful and talented cricketers across the three teams.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi on Saturday said the three consecutive days of training his side managed ahead of the ODI tri-series would serve them well, with the hosts set to face Sri Lanka and England in quick succession before the action shifts to Lahore.
Sri Lanka had an even longer lead-up, having arrived on October 12 and holding their first training session two days later. Shaheen, who has captained Pakistan in 11 ODIs and won seven of them, said the balance in his squad would provide the team with options through different phases of a match. “Our squad comprises young and exciting players along with some really experienced ones, and that will allow us to challenge the opposition in various phases of a 50-over game and eventually turn those efforts into positive results for Pakistan.
We had the opportunity to train for three consecutive days, and that will hold us in good stead when we take on both Sri Lanka and England within the space of three days before moving to Lahore,” Shaheen said in a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his team was eager to test itself. “As captain, I’m looking forward to giving my players enough backing and support to get the best out of them on the field. “Our team is looking forward to this tri-series and is happy to compete against two good teams. We take every series and tournament as an opportunity to compete at the highest level and achieve our goals.”
The Pakistan squad assembled in Islamabad on Wednesday and has trained every day since. England, who landed on Friday, will have three training sessions before their opening game.
