Pakistan, Australia Set for ODI Series Opener in Rawalpindi
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan and Australia are set to lock horns in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series beginning on May 30, with the opening fixture scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The second ODI will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, June 2, while the third and final match of the series will also take place at the same venue on Thursday, June 4. All matches are scheduled to begin at 4:30pm Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).
Pakistan will be led by fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, while wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will captain Australia.
The opening ODI in Rawalpindi will mark a historic milestone for Pakistan cricket as it will be the country’s 1,000th ODI appearance. Pakistan played their first-ever ODI against New Zealand national cricket team in Christchurch in 1973.
So far, Pakistan have played 999 ODIs, winning 527 and losing 442 matches. Nine games ended in ties, while 21 matches produced no result.
In head-to-head encounters, third-ranked Australia national cricket team hold the advantage over fifth-ranked Pakistan national cricket team. The two teams have faced each other in 111 ODIs, with Australia winning 71 matches and Pakistan securing 36 victories. Three matches ended without a result, while one match was tied.
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Pakistan, however, have won the last two bilateral ODI series between the sides by a 2-1 margin. Australia toured Pakistan in 2022 for a three-match ODI series, which the hosts won 2-1. Pakistan then returned the favour during their tour of Australia in November 2024, where they again clinched the series 2-1.
Speaking to PCB Digital ahead of the series, Shaheen Shah Afridi described Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI as a special moment in the country’s cricket history.
“The first ODI in Rawalpindi will be a special occasion as it marks Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI. It is an important milestone in our cricket history and we would like to celebrate it with a strong performance against Australia,” he said.
He added that matches between Pakistan and Australia have always been highly competitive and expressed confidence in his side’s preparations.
“Our preparations for the series have been good. The players have worked hard during the training camp and everyone is eager to contribute towards the team’s success. We have a talented group that combines experience with exciting young players,” Shaheen said.
He said Pakistan would look to maintain consistency throughout the series despite their recent success against Australia.
“Playing at Rawalpindi and Lahore is always special because of the passionate support we receive from the fans. Their encouragement motivates us to give our best on the field and we hope to provide them with an entertaining brand of cricket,” he added.
