Newly appointed Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has set a clear objective for his team ahead of the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka. Following a crucial series victory over South Africa, Afridi is emphasizing the importance of building on that winning momentum. This triumph marked a significant positive step for Pakistan’s ODI performance, especially after a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign.
Afridi expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome challenges and perform as a cohesive unit during the South Africa series. “The series win against South Africa was a great boost for our confidence,” he stated. “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.”
Looking ahead to the Sri Lanka contests, the captain stressed the need for sustained performance. “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.” He acknowledged Sri Lanka as a skilled and challenging opponent, highlighting the necessity for smart play and adherence to strategies. “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 underscored the collective responsibility within the squad. “All the players should take responsibility. It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job, we all should do our best,” he asserted, advocating for mutual support and belief within the team, even for players facing performance slumps. The series begins Tuesday in Rawalpindi.