Newly appointed Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has called on his team to build on their recent success as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in a three-match series in Rawalpindi. Afridi, who led Pakistan to a 2‑1 series victory over South Africa in their previous ODI encounters, emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum and maintaining a team-focused approach.
Afridi stressed that responsibility does not rest on individual players alone. “It’s not just about me, Fakhar, Babar or Saim. We all need to do our best. We should support players who are not performing and always believe in the team,” he said, highlighting the value of collective effort and trust in team dynamics.
Pakistan enters the series looking to stabilize their ODI performances after a challenging year, which included losses against New Zealand and the West Indies and a failure to progress to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy on home soil. Afridi’s captaincy is seen as a fresh start aimed at providing stability and clarity for the team.
The South Africa series demonstrated Pakistan’s potential when the team functions cohesively. Young batter Saim Ayub impressed with consistent contributions, while other emerging players showcased their skills under pressure. Afridi noted that the “energy, intent, and teamwork” were key factors in achieving the series win and that replicating this approach would be crucial against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, ranked just above Pakistan in the ODI standings, arrive in Rawalpindi with a full-strength squad and a reputation for resilience in subcontinental conditions. Afridi acknowledged the challenge, stressing that the team must approach every match with focus and discipline. He emphasized the need for clear match plans, supporting each other on the field, and executing strategies effectively under pressure.
For Pakistan, this series is more than a set of three matches; it represents an opportunity to instill a culture of consistency, accountability, and forward-looking ambition within the ODI setup. Afridi’s leadership approach aims to balance nurturing young talent with leveraging the experience of senior players, creating a team capable of sustained performance.
Afridi’s message to the squad is clear: past victories are a platform, not a guarantee. Maintaining winning momentum requires mental resilience, collective commitment, and strategic execution. By emphasizing teamwork and shared responsibility, Afridi hopes to ensure that Pakistan can convert potential into tangible results and establish a competitive edge in the ODI format.
As the series unfolds in Rawalpindi, all eyes will be on Afridi and his team to see if the combination of fresh leadership and renewed focus can translate into consistent performances. The series will test not only Pakistan’s cricketing depth but also the culture and mentality Afridi seeks to instill, setting the tone for future international challenges in the ODI arena.
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