- Pakistan and Afghanistan face off in a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka.
- The series serves as crucial preparation for the Asia Cup and World Cup.
- Babar Azam leads Pakistan’s strong side, while Afghanistan boasts Rashid Khan’s return.
In a significant cricketing event, Pakistan is set to face Afghanistan in a three-match one-day international series in Sri Lanka, commencing on Tuesday. This series holds vital importance as it serves as valuable preparation for both the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
The first-ever bilateral ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be followed by the eagerly anticipated six-nation Asia Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, starting from August 30. Subsequently, the cricketing world’s attention will shift to the World Cup, set to unfold in India from October 5.
This series represents a unique opportunity for both teams, with skipper Babar Azam emphasizing its significance as a platform to assess player performance under match conditions. Babar Azam, the top-ranked ODI batsman, leads a formidable side featuring openers Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq, ranked third and fourth in the ODI rankings. Pakistan’s bowling lineup is equally potent, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.
On the Afghan side, world-class spinner Rashid Khan is back in action after withdrawing from The Hundred competition in England. Pakistan’s skipper acknowledged Afghanistan’s growth as a cricketing force, especially following their recent 2-1 ODI series win against Bangladesh.
Babar Azam emphasized that Pakistan would not underestimate Afghanistan, despite having a flawless record of winning all four ODIs against them since their inaugural encounter in 2012. He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to handle spin bowling, setting the stage for an exciting series.
Action under lights! 🏟️
🎥 Watch openers @ImamUlHaq12 and @FakharZamanLive face off against the pacers in the nets 🔥#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/7Uch37eVSE
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 20, 2023
Sweating it out in the nets for the next mission 🎯#AFGvPAK pic.twitter.com/EMV2nhT4mD
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 20, 2023
Afghanistan, led by batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi, introduces fresh faces in their fast bowling department, including Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand.
The series kicks off in Hambantota, with the remaining two matches scheduled in Colombo on Thursday and Saturday. Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating this thrilling clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, setting the stage for an exciting season of cricket ahead.