Pakistan and Afghanistan Gear Up for ODI Clash in Sri Lanka

Mainul Islam

August 21, 2023

2.3 minutes

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Author:

Mainul Islam

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Pakistan and Afghanistan Gear Up for ODI Clash in Sri Lanka

Afghanistan vs Pakistan
With eager anticipation, the cricketing world turns its attention to the exciting clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as they embark on a riveting three-match one-day international series in Sri Lanka. This series, commencing on Tuesday, carries immense significance as Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, recognizes its importance as a valuable preparation ground for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup tournaments.

Pathway to Glory: Asia Cup and World Cup

This landmark bilateral ODI series marks just the beginning of a captivating cricketing journey. Following these spirited encounters, both teams will transition seamlessly into the high-stakes arena of the six-nation Asia Cup, set to unfold in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, commencing on August 30. The fervor continues as the cricketing focus then shifts to the prestigious World Cup, slated to take place in India from October 5.

Afghanistan's Home Series Amidst Security Concerns

Afghanistan, constrained by security apprehensions, finds itself in a unique predicament, unable to host international cricket matches on its own soil. Thus, this series gains a special resonance as they face Pakistan in their home series, albeit on neutral grounds.

A Testing Ground for Excellence

Babar Azam elucidates, “These three matches are a good opportunity for us to test our players in the match situation.” The driving force behind Pakistan’s campaign, Azam, stands as the top-ranked ODI batsman and leads a formidable team. Complemented by the prowess of openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, ranked third and fourth respectively, Pakistan bolsters its lineup. The team’s potency extends to an imposing pace attack, featuring the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

Afghanistan's Revival and Rashid Khan's Return

Afghanistan eagerly welcomes back world-class spinner Rashid Khan, fully recovered after withdrawing from England’s The Hundred competition. In light of Afghanistan’s recent victories, Azam affirms, “Afghanistan have developed into a good side,” referencing their triumphant 2-1 ODI series win against Bangladesh.

No Room for Complacency

Azam’s conviction resounds, “We are not going to take these matches lightly,” despite Pakistan’s track record of triumphing in all four ODIs against Afghanistan since their inaugural clash in 2012. Azam emphasizes the team’s readiness to navigate spin bowling, making the series a thrilling spectacle.

Afghanistan's Lineup and Match Details

Under the captaincy of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan introduces fresh talents, including fast bowlers Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand. The series kicks off in Hambantota on Tuesday, followed by the remaining two matches in Colombo on Thursday and Saturday.

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Haris, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Wafadar Momand

Last Updated: Aug 21, 2023