Hosts Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the opening match of the One-Day International (ODI) tri-nation series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today, October 18.
England are the third team in the seven-match tournament. They will play their opening match against hosts Pakistan on October 20 before taking on Sri Lanka on October 22.
The tournament will move to Lahore for the final four matches, including the final scheduled for October 31, when the top two teams will compete for the title.
Pakistan will be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has won seven of his 11 ODIs as captain. Harry Brook will captain England, while Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka.
The ODI tri-series will be the fourth tournament of its kind hosted by Pakistan. The country previously hosted Australia and South Africa in 1994, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2004, and New Zealand and South Africa in 2025.
Shaheen Afridi looks forward to competitive series
Speaking at a press conference, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the team was excited to begin a busy ODI season at home against two strong opponents.
“We are excited to begin a busy One-Day Cricket season at our home and against two very good teams. The tri-series will be highly competitive given the presence of a number of skilful and talented cricketers across the three teams,” he said.
Afridi said he would focus on supporting his players and helping them perform at their best. He added that the team had trained for three consecutive days ahead of the tournament.
The Pakistan captain said the preparation would help the side as it faces Sri Lanka and England within three days before the competition moves to Lahore.
“Our squad comprises young and exciting players along with some really experienced ones, and that will allow us to challenge the opposition in various phases of a 50-over game, eventually turning them into positive results overall for Pakistan,” he added.
Harry Brook highlights challenge for England
England captain Harry Brook described the tournament as a major challenge, citing the different playing conditions and the opportunity to compete in front of Pakistani fans.
“This will be a massive challenge to play against two really good teams in different conditions to what we are used to at home and in front of great fans in Pakistan,” Brook said.
He said England wanted to adapt to different conditions and find ways to win, adding that the series would provide an opportunity to test the team’s ability to handle challenging situations.
Brook also referred to England’s recent performances against Sri Lanka and India, saying the team had won series that went down to deciding matches.
He said the possibility of reaching the final would provide another opportunity for England to test themselves, but acknowledged that the team would need to perform strongly to qualify.
Kusal Mendis welcomes tri-series challenge
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his team was looking forward to competing against Pakistan and England.
“Our team is looking forward to this tri-series, and happy to compete with two good teams. We as a team take every series and tournament that comes our way to compete at the highest level and reach our desired goals,” Mendis said.
Pakistan squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka squad
Kusal Mendis (captain), Sahan Arachchige, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Avishka Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage.
