RAWALPINDI: All is set for Pakistan and Sri Lanka to face each other in the opening match of the ODI tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (tomorrow) Sunday.
The match will begin at 1pm with the toss at 12:30pm, marking the start of the seven-match tournament featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England. The series will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore cricket stadiums.
Pakistan will be led by left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka. The hosts will look to make a winning start in front of their home crowd. Pakistan’s squad includes experienced batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, along with Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.
The bowling attack features Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, while Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem provide spin options. Sri Lanka will rely on players including Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka.
Their bowling options include Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka.
The opening match will give both teams an early opportunity to build momentum in the competition. Pakistan will aim to benefit from home conditions, while Sri Lanka will look to challenge the hosts and begin their campaign on a positive note.
After the opening match in Rawalpindi, the tournament will move to Lahore, where the remaining league matches and the final will be played at Gaddafi Stadium. The final is scheduled for October 31. It merits mention here that Pakistan has recently won the T20I series against Sri Lanka 2–1, and will now aim to begin the ODI tri-series on a winning note.
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