Pakistan opts to field in second ODI against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, but the team entered the match with two significant changes.

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out due to ill health, prompting the team management to rest him as a precaution. In his absence, Salman Ali Agha is leading the national side for the match.

All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has also been left out of the playing XI. To strengthen the bowling attack, Pakistan has included Mohammad Wasim Jr and Abrar Ahmed in place of Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf.

According to team management, resting Shaheen was necessary to ensure his recovery, while the inclusion of Wasim and Abrar is expected to bolster Pakistan’s bowling lineup.

PAKISTAN TEAM FINED AFTER FIRST ODI

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) fined the Pakistan cricket team for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first One Day International against Sri Lanka.

According to the ICC, Pakistan were found four overs short of the target during the match played on November 11 in Rawalpindi, which was part of the three-match ODI series.

As a result, the Pakistani team was fined 20 per cent of their match fees. Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi accepted the sanction.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six runs in a nail-biting contest to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series.