Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening match of the ODI tri-nation series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi announced that wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig is making his ODI debut.
Afridi stated that Pakistan aims to set a target of around 300 runs to put pressure on the visitors. Following this opener, the hosts will face England at the same venue on October 20.
The tournament schedule is packed, with Sri Lanka set to take on England in Rawalpindi on October 22. After these initial fixtures, the tournament moves to Lahore for the remaining group-stage matches.
The Green Shirts will face England at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25 before meeting Sri Lanka at the same venue on October 27. Sri Lanka and England will contest the final group-stage match on October 29.
The top two teams will qualify for the final, which is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan enters the tournament following a 2-1 victory in the three-match Twenty20 International (Twenty20 International cricket (T20I)) series against Sri Lanka.
Led by Sahibzada Farhan, the Green Shirts won the first two matches before Sri Lanka claimed the final Twenty20 International cricket (T20I). The team management is hopeful that the momentum from the T20 series will carry over into the 50-over format.
The pitch at Rawalpindi is expected to assist the pacers early on, which influenced the decision by the Sri Lankan captain. Both teams have made strategic adjustments to their lineups to accommodate the longer format of the game.
Pakistan's playing XI includes: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. Sri Lanka's playing XI includes: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Cricket fans across the country are eagerly watching the series, as it serves as a crucial preparation phase for upcoming international assignments. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has ensured top-tier security and facilities for the visiting teams.
The weather in Rawalpindi remains pleasant, providing ideal conditions for a high-scoring encounter. Both captains emphasized the importance of a strong start in the tri-series.
As the match progresses, the spin department is expected to play a vital role in the middle overs, particularly at the Gaddafi Stadium later in the tournament.