Pakistan gear up for ODI Tri-Series showdown

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan have launched their preparations for the upcoming ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and England, with the national squad holding its first training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

The tournament will run from October 18 to 31, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Newly appointed bowling coach Shaun Tait supervised fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi and Razaullah during the practice session, while the players also worked on their batting and fielding under the coaching staff.

Sri Lanka also held a training session at the venue, while England are expected to arrive on Friday ahead of the opening fixtures.

Pakistan will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on October 18 in Rawalpindi before facing England on October 20. The two sides will meet again later in the tournament as the teams compete for places in the final.

The tri-series final is scheduled for October 31 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The top two teams in the standings will advance to the title clash.

Led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s 16-member squad includes prominent players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha.

With preparations underway and all three teams assembling for the competition, Pakistan will look to make the most of home conditions and build momentum ahead of the decisive stages of the series.