Afghanistan emerged victorious in a three-match T20I series against their neighboring countries earlier this year in March, securing a 2-1 win in Sharjah. Now, as per a media report, the picturesque city of Hambantota in Sri Lanka has been chosen to host Afghanistan’s three-match home ODI series against Pakistan.
The decision to select Sri Lanka as the venue for the series is influenced by the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be held jointly in Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. Though the official schedule for the ODI series is yet to be released, it is anticipated that the matches will take place in the third week of August.
In a recent press conference, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Shammi Silva, confirmed that they are in discussions with the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) regarding the series. Silva expressed enthusiasm about supporting Asian countries and other cricketing nations.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team is currently playing a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with the final match being held in Colombo. Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan has managed to take a 1-0 lead in the series, having defeated the hosts in the Galle Test by four wickets.
After the Test series concludes, several Pakistani players, including their captain Babar Azam, are set to participate in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is scheduled to begin on July 30. Babar will be making his debut in the Sri Lankan league and will lead the Colombo Strikers during the tournament.
This upcoming ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan promises to be an exciting encounter and will serve as a crucial preparation for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023.
