https://arab.news/w7yph
- Shaheen Afridi says hosts eager to mark milestone with strong performance
- Pakistan have won each of the last two bilateral ODI series against Australia
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Australia will begin a three-match one-day international (ODI) series starting today, Saturday, with the hosts set to mark a major milestone by playing their 1,000th ODI in the opening match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The series pits fifth-ranked Pakistan against third-ranked Australia and continues a long-running contest between the two sides. The second and third ODIs will be played in Lahore on June 2 and June 4, respectively.
Pakistan have enjoyed recent success against Australia in the 50-over format, winning each of the last two bilateral ODI series between the sides by a 2-1 margin. The hosts won a home series against Australia in 2022 before repeating the feat during a tour of Australia in November 2024.
“The first ODI in Rawalpindi will be a special occasion as it marks Pakistan’s 1,000th ODI,” Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said on the eve of the series, according to a statement circulated by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday.
“It is an important milestone in our cricket history and we would like to celebrate it with a strong performance against Australia.”
Pakistan played their first ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1973 and have since featured in 999 matches, winning 527 and losing 442. Nine matches ended in ties and 21 produced no result.
Australia, however, hold a commanding advantage in the overall head-to-head record. In 111 ODIs between the two sides, Australia have won 71 matches compared with Pakistan’s 36 victories. Three matches ended without a result, while one was tied.
“Australia are one of the strongest teams in world cricket and contests between the two sides have always been highly competitive,” Afridi said.
“Our preparations for the series have been good. The players have worked hard during the training camp and everyone is eager to contribute toward the team’s success.”
Afridi said Pakistan would draw confidence from their recent record against Australia but remained focused on the challenges ahead.
“We have enjoyed success against Australia in the last two bilateral ODI series and that gives us confidence, but we understand that every series presents a new challenge,” he said.
The PCB said the matches would be broadcast live on PTV Sports and streamed domestically through its “PCB Live” platform, while international broadcasters would carry coverage in Australia, North America, Europe, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Middle East.