Rawalpindi, October 17: Pakistan have completed their preparations for the upcoming ODI tri-nation series featuring England and Sri Lanka, with the hosts set to take on Sri Lanka in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
The Pakistan team participated in a two-hour training session on Saturday, focusing on batting, fielding and other preparations ahead of the much-anticipated 50-over contest.
The players began the session with warm-up exercises and fielding drills before the batters took to the centre wicket and side nets for batting practice. The session provided the squad an opportunity to fine-tune its preparations and build momentum ahead of the opening fixture.
Pakistan will be led by left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi in the seven-match tri-nation series, which runs from October 18 to 31. The tournament will feature a double round-robin format, with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
Sunday’s opening match against Sri Lanka will begin at 1pm Pakistan Standard Time, with the toss scheduled for 12:30pm. The contest will provide both sides with an early opportunity to assess their combinations and establish momentum in the competition.
Pakistan will next face England on October 20 at the same venue, while Sri Lanka and England will meet on October 22 to complete the Rawalpindi leg of the tournament.
The action will then move to Lahore, where the remaining league matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium on October 25, 27 and 29. The final is scheduled for October 31 at the same venue.
The tri-series is an important opportunity for the three teams to test their combinations and strengthen their preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
With home conditions offering Pakistan a potential advantage, the hosts will look to make a positive start against Sri Lanka and carry that momentum into their subsequent matches against England and Sri Lanka.
