Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has urged his team to maintain their winning spirit as they face Sri Lanka in an upcoming three-match series. The confidence-boosting 2-1 series victory over South Africa, marking Afridi’s first as captain, has set a positive tone. This resurgence is vital for Pakistan’s 50-over campaign following a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy performance.
“The series win against South Africa in Faisalabad was a great boost for our confidence,” Afridi 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.” He is now focused on building on this achievement.
The captain’s mandate for the Sri Lanka series is clear: “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.” Acknowledging Sri Lanka as a formidable opponent, Afridi emphasized the need for strategic acumen and a positive outlook. “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 highlighted the principle of shared responsibility within the squad, stating, “All the players should take responsibility. It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job, we all should do our best.” He further advocated for a supportive environment, encouraging belief in teammates regardless of their current form. The series commences in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan aiming to build on their recent successes.