Pakistan is set to host Sri Lanka for a gripping three-match One Day International (ODI) series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 11 to 15, marking the first bilateral ODI series between the two cricketing nations on Pakistani soil since 2019. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the fixtures today, adding to an already packed international schedule.
This series comes after Sri Lanka”s last visit to Pakistan in 2023 for the ACC Asia Cup, during which they faced Afghanistan in Lahore. The 2019 ODI series in Pakistan saw the home side, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, emerge victorious with a 2-0 win, as one match in Karachi was washed out due to inclement weather.
In a broader context, Pakistan is gearing up for an intensive cricket season. Prior to hosting Sri Lanka, Pakistan will engage in two ICC World Test Championship matches against South Africa, followed by six white-ball matches spanning from October 12 to November 8. The cricket action will continue with Pakistan”s inaugural participation in a T20I tri-series from November 17 to 29, featuring Afghanistan as the third contender.
The upcoming schedule promises a cricketing feast, starting with South Africa”s tour, which includes Test matches and limited-over games, before transitioning into the highly anticipated series against Sri Lanka and the subsequent tri-nation T20I tournament. Fans and players alike are eager to witness the cricketing spectacle unfold across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad over the coming weeks.