Shaheen Afridi Eyes First ODI Series Win as Pakistan Captain – SUCH TV

Pakistan’s newly appointed ODI captain, Shaheen Afridi, is set to lead the national team in his debut 50-over series as skipper, starting Tuesday against South Africa in Faisalabad.

“It is an honour to captain my country,” said the 25-year-old during a pre-match press conference. Shaheen previously served as Pakistan’s T20I captain, a stint that ended after a 4-1 series defeat in New Zealand last year.

“Wearing the national jersey is always a proud moment, but captaining the team comes with added responsibility,” he added.

Asked about being handed the ODI captaincy after his earlier T20I role, Shaheen remained composed. “Our duty is to serve Pakistan cricket and perform in whichever role we’re assigned. Leadership appointments are management decisions, and we respect that. My focus is on improving our one-day game and leading the team from the front,” he said.

Pakistan will feature a strong lineup, with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah spearheading the attack, and Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the batting.

South Africa, on the other hand, will miss several key players, including regular skipper Temba Bavuma and pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who are being rested.

The team will be led by newcomer Matthew Breetzke, who made headlines with a record-breaking 150 on ODI debut against New Zealand in Lahore earlier this year.

Despite fielding an under-strength squad, Breetzke remains confident and optimistic about his team’s performance.

“We are missing the core group of ODI players that we usually have, but in saying this there is an opportunity for the younger guys to step up and take the challenge,” said Breetzke.

South Africa’s star Quinton de Kock will make a comeback to ODI cricket after reversing his 2023 retirement before the tour.

The three-match ODI series is a part of the Proteas tour of Pakistan, featuring an all-format series. A two-match Test series was shared by both teams 1-1, while Pakistan won the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Meanwhile, Shaeen and his counterpart Breetzke unveiled the glittering trophy for the three-match ODI series between.

International cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years

With the ODI series commencing from Tuesday at the Iqbal Stadium, international cricket is making a return to Faisalabad after 17 years. The remaining matches will be played on 6 and 8 November at the same venue.

The last international match at the Iqbal Stadium was played on 11 April 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in an ODI by seven wickets.

The historic venue has hosted 16 ODIs to date, including four World Cup matches – one in 1987 and three in 1996.

Pakistan have featured in 12 ODIs at this ground, winning nine and losing three.

South Africa, on the other hand, have played five ODIs here, winning two and losing three.

Across all ODIs between the two sides, Pakistan and South Africa have met 87 times, with Pakistan winning 34 and South Africa emerging victorious in 52 encounters.

In Pakistan, both teams have won eight matches each out of 16.

In Faisalabad, Pakistan and South Africa have contested in three ODIs. Pakistan have won on two occasions (in 1994 and 2007), while South Africa secured victory in one (2003).