Key Takeaways
- England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan start one-day international tri-series in Rawalpindi.
- Teams aim to prepare for upcoming 50-over World Cup, with final on October 31 in Lahore.
- Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi emphasizes importance of series for World Cup preparation.
England, Sri Lanka and hosts Pakistan are set to compete in a one-day international tri-series beginning in Rawalpindi, as they prepare for the upcoming 50-over World Cup. The series, which will see all teams play each other twice, is scheduled to conclude with a final in Lahore on October 31.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi highlighted the significance of the series, stating, 'It will be important we do well as the focus will be on the World Cup and we need to get good preparations.'
England, who won the title at home in 2019, are without star batter Jos Buttler and fast bowler Jofra Archer, who are both injured and rested, respectively. However, the team has been on a winning streak, securing three consecutive ODI series victories, including two against Sri Lanka and one over India.
Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, were also optimistic about their chances, with skipper Kusal Mendis saying, 'We have plans in place (towards the World Cup) and I hope the team shows some good progress.'
The tri-series schedule includes matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the first match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka taking place on October 18, followed by a match between Pakistan and England on October 20. The series concludes with a final in Lahore on October 31.
England’s Harry Brook expressed his team’s readiness, stating, 'It’s a great opportunity against two very strong sides and will hold us in good stead, and if we play the final it will show us where we stand.'
Babar Azam, the ace batsman of Pakistan, returns to the team after missing the recent Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, which Pakistan won 2-1. The series will provide valuable experience and preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
The tri-series serves as a crucial stepping stone for all three teams, offering a platform to assess their strengths and weaknesses as they gear up for the 50-over World Cup.
It will be important we do well as the focus will be on the World Cup and we need to get good preparations.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan captain
It’s a great opportunity against two very strong sides and will hold us in good stead, and if we play the final it will show us where we stand.
Harry Brook, England skipper
We have plans in place (towards the World Cup) and I hope the team shows some good progress.
Kusal Mendis, Sri Lankan skipper
