Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka will begin a one-day international tri-series on Sunday as they prepare for next year’s World Cup. The tournament starts in Rawalpindi before moving to Lahore for its remaining matches. All three teams hope to improve their performances ahead of cricket’s biggest 50-over competition.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi stressed the importance of the series for his team’s preparations. He said strong performances would help Pakistan build momentum before the World Cup. The global tournament will take place next year, with South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia serving as co-hosts.
Read more: England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for ODI tri-series
Despite their previous World Cup victories, all three teams have struggled in recent editions. Pakistan won the title in 1992 but has not reached the semi-finals since 2011. The team finished fifth at the 2023 World Cup in India. England, champions in 2019, finished seventh in the same tournament.
Sri Lanka, which won the World Cup in 1996, also faced difficulties in recent competitions. However, the upcoming tri-series gives each side an opportunity to assess its progress. Pakistan will also welcome batter Babar Azam, who missed the recent Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan won that series 2-1 last week.
England captain Harry Brook described the competition as valuable preparation against two strong opponents. He said reaching the final would help his team understand its current position. England will miss batter Jos Buttler through injury, while fast bowler Jofra Archer will rest. Nevertheless, England enters the series after three consecutive ODI series victories against Sri Lanka and India.
Read more: England cricket team arrives in Pakistan for ODI tri-series
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his team had established plans for the World Cup. He also expressed hope that the players would show meaningful improvement during the competition. Each team will face both opponents twice before the final on October 31. Pakistan opens against Sri Lanka on October 18 in Rawalpindi, while the final will take place in Lahore.
Tri-series schedule
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi
- October 20: Pakistan vs England — Rawalpindi
- October 22: England vs Sri Lanka — Rawalpindi
- October 25: Pakistan vs England — Lahore
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka — Lahore
- October 29: England vs Sri Lanka — Lahore
- October 31: Final — Lahore