By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Following a disappointing Test series against Bangladesh which the latter won 2-0, Pakistan ODI squad will now face a challenge from a highly truncated Australian side in their three-match ODI series which is set to commence at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday.
The game will start at 4:30pm. The pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi will lead Pakistan which will be direly missing Mohammad Rizwan who has been surprisingly dropped by the selectors despite having a decent record in ODI cricket. His omission from the squad came at a time when he had just managed a superb innings in the Sylhet Test in which he hit a gallant 94.
Aussies will be led by Josh Inglis.
In the head-to-head record, third-ranked Australia have played 111 ODIs against fifth-ranked Pakistan. Pakistan have won 36 matches while Australia have emerged victorious on 71 occasions. Three matches ended with no result while one match was tied.
Pakistan have won each of the last two bilateral ODI series between the sides by a 2-1 margin. Australia toured Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in 2022, which the hosts won 2-1. Then in November 2024, Pakistan toured Australia for a three-match ODI series, which the visitors won 2-1.
“The first ODI in Rawalpindi will be a special occasion as it marks Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI. It is an important milestone in our cricket history and we would like to celebrate it with a strong performance against Australia,” Shaheen Afridi said.
“Australia are one of the strongest teams in world cricket and contests between the two sides have always been highly competitive. Our preparations for the series have been good. The players have worked hard during the training camp and everyone is eager to contribute towards the team’s success. We have a talented group that combines experience with exciting young players,” Afridi said.
“We have enjoyed success against Australia in the last two bilateral ODI series and that gives us confidence, but we understand that every series presents a new challenge. Our focus is on executing our plans well and maintaining consistency throughout the three matches.
“Playing at Rawalpindi and Lahore is always special because of the passionate support we receive from the fans. Their encouragement motivates us to give our best on the field and we hope to provide them with an entertaining brand of cricket.”
Pakistan squad:
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Sufyan Moqim
Team officials
Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Iftikhar (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Col. Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)
Series schedule (All matches to begin at 4.30pm local time):
30 May – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
2 June – 2nd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
4 June – 3rd ODI, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
