Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 two big Asian rivals are colliding against each other in a 3-match ODI series. Due to the ongoing political turmoil in the country Afghanistan has chosen Sri Lankan to host the series which could prove to be very useful for both teams as some of the matches of the Asia Cup are also scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka. Here is PAK vs AFG 2023 Schedule, ODI Squads, and more.
However, these two teams are divided into different groups in the Asia Cup 2023 but it is very likely that these two teams might face each other in the last 4 stages. In conclusion, it will be very useful for both teams to get the right balance of their teams before the forthcoming event.
PAK vs AFG ODI 2023 Schedule
The Mahinda Rajapaksa Internation Stadium will host the first two games of the series whereas the infamous R.Premadasa will take the responsibility of 3rd ODI.
22 Aug – First ODI, Hambantota
24 Aug – Second ODI, Hambantota
26 Aug – Third ODI, Colombo
ODI Squads of Pakistan and Afghanistan
Pakistan recalled their pace bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf back in the team along with the latest test sensation Saud Shakeel. Faheem played his last ODI back in July 2021 against England since then the player has been sidelined.
On the other hand, Saud Shakeel has managed to get a comeback chance from PCB in ODI due to his outstanding form in Test cricket. Saud played his last ODI back in March 2022 against Australia.
The new PCB chief selector Inzmam Ul Haq has made some critical changes as well by removing Shaan Masood and Ishanullah from the squad.
Pakistan
Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Haris (wk), Shadab Khan (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.
Afghanistan on the other hand has got a major boost with the return of talented leg spinner Noor Ahmed in their squad. However, the return of Noor Ahmed has axed the chances of young left-arm spinner Zia Ur Rehman.
Afghanistan
Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi and Wafadar Momand.
Reserves: Farid Ahmad Malik and Shahidullah Kamal.
Where to Watch PAK vs AFG ODIs
Sony Sports Network will broadcast Pakistan vs Afghanistan ODI series in India. The matches can be watched live on Sony Ten 5 channel.