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Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan opt to field against Australia in historic 1,000th ODI

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Pakistan opt

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Australia in the opening match of a three-match One-Day International series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said the occasion was particularly significant as Pakistan was playing its 1,000th ODI, becoming one of the few teams to reach the milestone in international cricket.

“It is an honor to captain Pakistan in its 1,000th ODI,” Afridi said at the toss. “It is a historic moment for the entire team, and we will try to deliver a strong performance and secure a victory.”

Pakistan handed an ODI debut to Arafat Minhas, one of several young players included in the lineup.

Pakistan Playing XI:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Moaz Sadaqat, Babar Azam, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed.

The match marks the beginning of a three-game ODI series between Pakistan and Australia, with the hosts aiming to celebrate their milestone appearance with a victory.

Rizwan likely to be dropped for Australia ODI series

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Rizwan likely

LAHORE: Experienced Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is likely to be dropped from the upcoming ODI series against Australia national cricket team as the team management considers trying new wicketkeeping options.

According to reports, the squad for the three-match ODI series is being finalized after consultations between head coach Mike Hesson and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, with Rizwan’s inclusion appearing increasingly unlikely.

Sources said Hesson is not in favor of retaining Rizwan in the ODI setup after already moving away from him in T20 cricket.

The 33-year-old Rizwan has scored 2,979 runs in 103 ODIs for Pakistan at an average of 40.08, including four centuries and 19 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he has taken 113 catches and completed seven stumpings.

In Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against Bangladesh national cricket team in March 2026, Rizwan managed 58 runs.

Reports further suggested that Ghazi Ghori, who made his debut as a batter in the third ODI against Bangladesh on March 15, 2026, is likely to remain with the squad for the Australia series. One of Usman Khan or Mirza Saad Baig could also be selected as the second wicketkeeper.

The Australian team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on May 23, while Pakistan will begin training in Rawalpindi from May 22 and is also expected to play a practice match ahead of the series.

The ODI matches between Pakistan and Australia are scheduled for May 30, June 2 and June 4.

Shaheen Shah Afridi hosts Iftar dinner for Lahore Qalandars players

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Shaheen Shah Afridi


ISLAMABAD: Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi hosted an Iftar dinner for his team, Lahore Qalandars, at his residence in Islamabad.

The gathering was attended by team owner Sameen Rana, along with all local squad members. Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza and members of the team management were also present at the event.

The team had recently been participating in a three-day conditioning camp in Islamabad. However, the final day of the camp was disrupted due to rain in the city.

According to team sources, members of the Lahore Qalandars squad are scheduled to regroup in Lahore on March 23.

Pakistan Cricket Board announces ODI squad for Bangladesh series

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Pakistan Cricket Board

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-member One Day International (ODI) squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will continue to lead the ODI side for the series.

Key Players Dropped

In a surprising move, several prominent players have been left out of the squad, including: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Haseebullah Khan and Hassan Nawaz

15-Member Squad

The selected squad includes: Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram,Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha and Shamyl Hussain

Series Schedule

The ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15.

The matches are expected to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where both sides will look to build momentum ahead of upcoming international commitments.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore Test

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.

Resuming on the fourth day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, South Africa’s hopes of a chase were dashed early when de Zorzi fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi without adding to his overnight score.

Spinner Nauman Ali then dismissed Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham in quick succession, while Sajid Khan removed set batter Ryan Rickelton for 45.

Afridi continued his fine form, accounting for Verreynne and Subrayen, before Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by taking Muthusamy’s wicket, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

South Africa

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch on day three, replying to Pakistan’s 378. Pakistan then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 277 runs.

By the close of the third day, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) already dismissed — paving the way for Pakistan’s bowlers to finish the job on day four.