Pakistan focus on World Cup plans ahead of ODI tri-series opener against Sri Lanka

Pakistan are preparing for a crucial test against Sri Lanka as the three-team ODI series begins at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan are preparing for a crucial test against Sri Lanka as the three-team ODI series begins at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday. With England also competing the tournament offers all three sides an opportunity to assess their squads and strengthen their preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has made it clear that building a competitive team for the global tournament remains the main objective. Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening match, he said the team had been working towards that goal since the previous series with particular attention to the conditions expected in South Africa.

Shaheen also stressed the importance of an aggressive approach and greater consistency. Although Pakistan have enjoyed success in recent series he acknowledged that the side still needed to improve its ability to complete clean sweeps.

The captain expressed confidence in senior batter Babar Azam describing him as a central figure in the team. He said Babar’s experience could provide valuable guidance to younger players and noted that the batter had been working to improve his form through first-class cricket.

Shaheen also praised Salman Ali Agha following his impressive triple century in domestic first-class cricket. He highlighted Pakistan’s experienced middle order as a strength and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to pursue demanding totals. Young all-round options, including Saim Ayub’s bowling, could also contribute to the side’s ODI plans.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis is equally keen to use the series to measure his team’s progress towards the World Cup. His side struggled in the first two T20 internationals against Pakistan in Rawalpindi but recovered with an eight-wicket victory in the third match. Sri Lanka will hope to carry that confidence into the ODI competition.

England captain Harry Brook expects a challenging contest against both opponents. He said his team wanted to become more adaptable and capable of winning in different playing conditions. Brook believes his experience in the Pakistan Super League with Lahore Qalandars helped him understand local pitches and conditions.

He also highlighted the need for England’s relatively inexperienced ODI squad to gain more match practice before the World Cup.

The tri-series begins in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore, where the final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium. For Pakistan, the opening match will be an early opportunity to test their plans and establish momentum.