Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Pakistan Batting Faces Early Pressure in First ODI

Overview

Pakistan’s innings struggled early in the first ODI against Sri Lanka as openers failed to build a strong partnership. Fakhar Zaman scored 32, while Saeem Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply. Captain Shaheen Afridi aims for a comeback in the ongoing Rawalpindi ODI series.

Fakhar Zaman batting during the first ODI against Sri Lanka

The opening match of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series began with Pakistan batting first in Rawalpindi. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saeem Ayub walked out to start the innings, but Pakistan’s top order struggled to gain momentum.

Pakistan Early Setbacks

Saeem Ayub was dismissed for just 6 runs, leaving Pakistan under early pressure. Fakhar Zaman showed some resistance with a solid 32-run innings before also returning to the pavilion. Soon after, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan departed for 5 runs, reducing Pakistan to 76/3. The early wickets halted Pakistan’s rhythm, forcing the middle order to rebuild under difficult conditions.

Captain Shaheen Afridi’s Strategy

Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi revealed that he would have preferred to field first had he won the toss. He emphasized that the team aims to continue the positive form shown in previous series and improve consistency in all departments.

Afridi’s leadership will be crucial as Pakistan seeks to regain control in this home series and set the tone ahead of the upcoming tri-nation competition.

Pakistan Squad for the First ODI

The playing XI for the first ODI includes:

Fakhar Zaman, Saeem Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Nawaz.

This blend of experienced and young players reflects Pakistan’s focus on long-term team development.

Sri Lanka Response

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform well throughout the series. He stated that the players are motivated to challenge Pakistan on their home ground and deliver strong performances in all three matches.

ODI and Tri-Nation Series Schedule

The Pakistan–Sri Lanka ODI series will continue in Rawalpindi until November 15.

Following that, a Tri-Nation Series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will take place from November 17 to November 29.

Cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see how Pakistan bounces back and whether Sri Lanka can maintain pressure in this competitive cricket month.