DAMBULLA (APP) – Following a remarkable victory in Test series, Pakistan is now focusing on the ODIs against Sri Lanka from Saturday that could determine their qualification for the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Led by captain Misbah-ul Haq, Pakistan won the Tests 2-1 by chasing down a target of 377 for the loss of just three wickets after being 13/2 in the decisive final match in Pallekele on Tuesday.
Pakistan achieved the sixth highest successful chase in history through a brilliant unbeaten 171 from Younis Khan, 125 from opener Shan Masood and 59 not out from Misbah.
But none of these batsmen will be seen in action when the five-match one-day series opens in Dambulla – with Misbah having retired from limited-overs cricket and both Younis and Masood not selected.
Top order batsman Azhar Ali will lead the ninth-ranked tourists who need a series win to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the eight-nation Champions Trophy in England.
“This is obviously a very important series for us and we will make sure we play well and win,” Azhar said. “Most of the players know what to expect in Sri Lanka. We are ready.”
The touring squad includes two new batsmen Mukhtar Ahmed, 22, and Bilal Asif, 29, while batsman-wicketkeeper Umar Akmal and seamer Junaid Khan were not selected.
The rivals will get their first taste of the new one-day regulations which have no batting powerplay, no compulsory close-in catchers in the opening 10 overs, and allow five fielders outside the circle – instead of four – in the final 10 overs.
The series starts with a day match in Dambulla, followed by day-night games in Pallekele (July 15), Colombo (July 19, 22) and Hambantota (July 26).
SQUADS
Pakistan: Azhar Ali (capt), Mukhtar Ahmed, Ahmed Shezad, Mohammad Hafeez, Asad Shafiq, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif, Immad Wasim, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Adil, Rahat Ali.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardana, Ashan Priyanjan, Nuwan Pradeep, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Sachithra Senanayake, Seekuge Prasanna, Sachith Pathirana.
