Pakistan seek to extend dominance as Sri Lanka ODI series begins

RAWALPINDI: Riding high on back-to-back white-ball series triumphs, Pakistan’s cricketers are brimming with confidence as they gear up to take on Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series starting Tuesday (today) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The series is Pakistan’s final outing in the 50-over format before switching focus to T20 cricket in preparation for the February 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. With the Sri Lankan side already in town, Pakistan aim to carry their winning momentum forward and solidify their form ahead of the upcoming Tri-Nation T20I Series featuring Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, scheduled from November 17 to 29 in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

Over the decades, Pakistan have maintained a commanding record in ODIs against Sri Lanka, winning 93 and losing 59 out of 159 encounters between the two sides. However, in recent years, Sri Lanka have transformed into a far more competitive outfit, powered by an impressive crop of young talent.

“We are here to win against a side that’s always strong on home turf,” Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka told reporters in a pre-series media interaction. “Pakistan proved their strength with an emphatic win over South Africa, but we’ve brought a well-balanced team of youth and experience capable of challenging them. Our goal is to clinch the series.”

The Sri Lankan squad boasts an exciting mix of seasoned performers and emerging stars, with Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Kamindu Mendis anchoring the batting order, and a promising pace unit led by Dushmantha Chameera and rising right-arm quick Ehsan Malanga.

Acknowledging Pakistan’s depth, Asalanka praised the hosts’ batting might. “Pakistan have world-class players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but when it comes to experience and hunger, we’re not far behind,” he said.

For Pakistan, this series also holds special significance for captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who leads the side in his second ODI assignment. The left-arm speedster expressed delight over Pakistan’s resurgence in home conditions.

“It feels great to know Pakistan have finally won a home ODI series after two years,” Shaheen said, recalling the recent success against South Africa. “Starting my ODI captaincy with a series win is special, but we’re focused on improving further and maintaining that winning rhythm against Sri Lanka.”

Pakistan’s last home ODI series victory before the recent South Africa triumph came in April-May 2023, when Babar Azam led the side to a 4-1 win over New Zealand. “We’ve identified areas to improve from the South Africa series,” Shaheen added. “Our aim is to put up a more complete, disciplined performance against Sri Lanka and continue to raise the bar.”

With both sides carrying momentum and intent, the Rawalpindi ODI series promises a thrilling battle of skill, strategy, and national pride, a perfect curtain-raiser to Pakistan’s countdown toward the global T20 challenge ahead.

Expressing confidence in his teammates, Shaheen backed Babar Azam to return to form with a big century soon. “I take advice from whoever I feel can help, not just former captains,” he said.

“Our focus is on all three departments, batting, bowling, and fielding. Every player has to take responsibility not just Rizwan, Babar, Fakhar, Saim, or myself.” Highlighting Rizwan’s consistency, Shaheen noted, “Rizwan is Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in ODIs since 2023. Our priority is to support every player who is struggling with form.”

On team composition, the captain revealed that while the same squad is playing against South Africa, the management plans to give opportunities to other players in upcoming series to strengthen the bench ahead of major tournaments. “Pakistan often faces injury issues before big events, so this preparation is crucial,” he added.

Addressing selection matters, Shaheen stressed, “The captain should always be part of the selection process. The selection committee prepares the squad, but the captain’s input is vital.”

He also clarified that Hassan Nawaz was released from the current squad to spend time with his family, dismissing the impression that the young batter was dropped permanently. “He remains part of our long-term plans and will continue to play in his natural position in domestic cricket,” Shaheen explained.