ODI Tri-Series Opens in Rawalpindi Today as Shaheen Says Pakistan’s Focus Is the World Cup and Babar Is the Team’s Backbone

RAWALPINDI: The ODI tri-series gets under way at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today, with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in the opening match. England are the third side in the tournament, which runs until October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore.

“We all have one focus — how to win the World Cup”

Speaking at the pre-series press conference, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi made clear the team has moved on from the T20 series and is thinking only in 50-over terms now. Pakistan have been building this side over their last four ODI series, he said, and even the pitches are being prepared with the World Cup in South Africa and England in mind, so the bowlers learn to take wickets and the batters learn to chase big totals there. “Our team unity is very good. There is love in this team and we play together. We all have one focus, how to win the World Cup.”

No pressure on Babar

Asked about Babar Azam’s form, Shaheen did not leave much room for doubt. “There is no pressure on Babar. He is our main player, he is the backbone of this team. He has always scored runs for Pakistan.” He also praised Salman Ali Agha, calling him a strong character who has just come out of first-class cricket with a triple hundred and a hundred behind him. On young players, his view was simple: you do not throw in five or six at once, you give one or two their chance so they can learn from the seniors around them.

Sri Lanka arrive confident too

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his squad is ready and took heart from winning the third T20I in Rawalpindi. Spin, he believes, will be their strength, with Maheesh Theekshana joined by newcomers Dunith Wellalage and Sachindu Colombage. Shaheen, for his part, backed his batters to go as high as the day demands. If the wicket asks for 300, they will go for 300, he said — and if it comes to it, this side can chase 350 or even 400.