Shaheen Afridi, the newly appointed ODI captain of Pakistan, has delivered an encouraging message to his teammates ahead of a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. This series is set to begin in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, and Afridi has emphasized the importance of maintaining the winning momentum established during their recent series victory against South Africa.
Afridi’s captaincy debut was marked by a triumphant 2-1 series win over South Africa, a significant achievement that restored confidence for Pakistan following a disappointing performance at the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. As he reflects on his first series in charge, Afridi praised the team’s ability to respond effectively under pressure and their impressive teamwork.
“The series win against South Africa in Faisalabad was a great boost for our confidence. I was really proud of the way the players responded to different situations and played as a unit. The energy, intent, and teamwork were outstanding,” Afridi remarked.
As they look ahead to facing Sri Lanka, Afridi is determined to build on this success. He highlighted the need for consistency and improvement across the board. “Our focus is to carry that winning momentum forward. We want to build consistency in our performances and make sure that we keep improving as a team in every department,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by Sri Lanka, Afridi recognized their disciplined approach and competitive skills. He stressed the importance of playing intelligent cricket, adhering to team strategies, and maintaining a positive outlook. “The goal is to keep developing as a team and to continue giving our fans performances they can be proud of,” he stated.
Afridi also emphasized collective responsibility within the squad, encouraging all players to contribute and not rely solely on senior members for leadership. He affirmed, “All the players should take responsibility. We should support those who are not performing and always believe that we can perform as a team.”
The Pakistan squad for the series includes key players such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf, alongside new talents, showcasing a blend of experience and youth eager to make an impact.
This series against Sri Lanka presents a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to solidify its return to form in the ODI format, and with Afridi at the helm, hopes are high for continued improvement and success on the international stage.