Following a triumphant series win against South Africa, Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has issued a crucial message to his squad: sustain the winning momentum as they prepare to face Sri Lanka. This recent 2-1 series victory, Afridi’s first as captain, provides a vital springboard for Pakistan’s 50-over aspirations after a lackluster Champions Trophy showing.
“The series win against South Africa was a great boost for our confidence,” Afridi shared, expressing immense pride in his team’s collective effort. “It was my first series as ODI captain and 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.” The focus now shifts to replicating this success.
“Going into the Sri Lanka series, 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,” the captain elaborated. He anticipates a stern test from Sri Lanka, citing their disciplined approach and skill set, which necessitates intelligent cricket and adherence to game plans. “Sri Lanka are a disciplined side and always challenge you with their skills. We will need to play smart cricket, stick to our plans and stay positive.”
Afridi also stressed the importance of collective accountability, asserting, “All the players should take responsibility. It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job, we all should do our best.” He championed the idea of unwavering team support, emphasizing the need to believe in each other’s capabilities, particularly during challenging periods. The series is set to kick off in Rawalpindi.