PAK vs SL, 1st ODI Preview: New Beginning For Sarfaraz & Co On Home Soil

PAK vs SL, 1st ODI: It’s a fresh challenge for Sri Lanka when they face an elated Pakistan at their backyard

After 10 longs years, ODI cricket returns to Karachi as Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all geared up to lock horns in the first ODI of the 3-match series on Friday. This tour wasn’t easy to conduct as 10 of the top Lankan players backed off and then there were terror threats. However, a high-level security assurance from the hosts convinced the guests for the visit. Over the years, Pakistan have toured a lot. They won some. They lost some. But playing on home soil, that too, after a decade is itself a different feeling altogether. It’s no less than a new dawn for Pakistan under skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed who had already termed this series as the highlight of his career. They have got the guidance of newly appointed head-coach Misbah-ul-Haq to start with, following the World Cup turmoil. Things will begin without their leading pacer Shaheen Afridi who is down with dengue. No more services of Shoaib Malik means the green army need to show confidence in the younger lot.

Its time to relive this moment from my game in Karachi, Pakistan. I am not part of this series, but I am so happy and thrilled for these games. Thanks for coming @OfficialSLC. Pakistan, lets show some love to this amazing team. #PakvSL #TheFalcon #TimeToFly #RiseAndRise pic.twitter.com/QfmSZk7KZI

— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) September 26, 2019

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have arrived here with some bitter memories of the 2009 terrorist attacks. 10 players drawing out was a major setback for the management as most of the efforts were put to solidify a proper team. The current one touring to Pakistan has 14 players of international experience but most of them aren't regulars.

📸 @OfficialSLC training session at the National Stadium Karachi on the eve of #PAKvSL ODI series. pic.twitter.com/D0yTXLVsLG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 26, 2019

After a disappointing World Cup, they may have had blanked Bangladesh at home but right now, they lack those players who made that happen. It’s a fresh challenge for the islanders when they face an elated Pakistan at their backyard. Squads: Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Wahab Riaz