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pakistan odi squad for south africa and sri lanka series

Pakistan ODI Squad for South Africa and Sri Lanka 2025

Key Players in Pakistan ODI Squad for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series

As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) gears up for two key white-ball series at home, against South Africa national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team, the announcement of the 16-member One-Day International (ODI) squad signals both intent and a shift in strategy. The series will be critical for Pakistan as they seek to solidify form, test bench strength and build momentum ahead of major tournaments.

Let’s dig into the details of the squad, the reasoning behind key selections, how these series fit into Pakistan’s wider roadmap, and what to expect from the upcoming encounters.

Squad Announcement and Context

On 23 October 2025, Pakistan announced its white-ball squads, including a 16-member ODI lineup for the home series vs South Africa and Sri Lanka. The ODI series will be played at two venues: Faisalabad (vs South Africa) from 4–8 November and Rawalpindi (vs Sri Lanka) from 11–15 November.

Key points:

  • Pakistan have named Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain of the ODI side.

  • The selection blends experience (Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman) and younger or returning players (Faisal Akram, Haseebullah).

  • The series schedule provides back-to-back ODIs at home, giving Pakistan a critical opportunity to sharpen their 50-over unit.

The 16-Member ODI Squad

The squad, as published by the PCB, is:

  1. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)

  2. Abrar Ahmed

  3. Babar Azam

  4. Faheem Ashraf

  5. Faisal Akram

  6. Fakhar Zaman

  7. Haris Rauf

  8. Haseebullah

  9. Hasan Nawaz

  10. Hussain Talat

  11. Mohammad Nawaz

  12. Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)

  13. Mohammad Wasim Jnr

  14. Naseem Shah

  15. Saim Ayub

  16. Salman Ali Agha

A few notes on this list:

  • The inclusion of Faisal Akram, Haseebullah and Salman Ali Agha reflects the selectors’ willingness to reward domestic form and give chances to emerging talent.

  • Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf provide fast-bowling firepower, especially useful on Pakistani pitches offering bounce and initial movement.

  • Babar Azam’s presence ensures batting leadership and solidity at the top—an important development given his temporary absence from the T20 side.

  • Mohammad Rizwan retains his place behind the stumps, giving experience and composure in the middle order.

Strategic Themes Behind the Selection

Blending Experience and Youth

Pakistan have struck a balance: senior campaigners anchor the side while younger players are given exposure. This strategy aims to build depth, especially ahead of major global tournaments where a strong bench is essential.

Building Continuity in the 50-Over Format

These series against South Africa and Sri Lanka are not just bilateral contests—they function as preparation for the larger picture. Consistent match practice in ODIs allows Pakistan to bed combinations and identify the best XI ahead of high-stakes events.

Home Advantage and Venue Utilisation

Playing at home offers Pakistan significant advantage: knowledge of conditions, support from local crowds and the ability to control scheduling and logistics. Selecting a squad with players well-adapted to home conditions helps maximise this edge.

Bowling Attack with Pace and Variety

The inclusion of fast bowlers like Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi suggests Pakistan will rely on pace and bounce rather than pure spin. On Pakistani surfaces that traditionally favour seam early and reverse swing later, this could prove decisive.

What the Series Mean: South Africa followed by Sri Lanka

The South Africa Series

With three ODIs scheduled between 4–8 November at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, this will be Pakistan’s first immediate test of the new squad in match conditions. South Africa are a quality opponent in white-ball cricket, which means Pakistan must perform under pressure.
The series is also a chance for Pakistan to set the tone for their white-ball campaign and restore confidence among fans.

The Sri Lanka Series

Immediately following the South Africa leg, Pakistan host Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi from 11–15 November. The quick turnaround gives little room for complacency. The Sri Lanka series acts as both continuity and a second opportunity to fine-tune selections, especially once the squad is battle-tested by then.

Combined, the two series offer a compact, high-intensity calendar of six ODIs at home in quick succession—a rare privilege to build momentum.

Key Players to Watch and Potential X-Factors

  • Babar Azam: As a leading batter and senior figure, Babar’s performance can set the tone for the batting unit.

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain): His leadership in ODIs is new, so his early performance—both as a bowler and a strategist—will draw close attention.

  • Haseebullah & Faisal Akram: Emerging talent with chances to make immediate impact; their success could shape Pakistan’s long-term plans.

  • Mohammad Rizwan: Reliable wicket-keeper and middle-order batter; his role may also include mentoring younger players.

  • Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf: If they hit form, Pakistan’s pace attack could dominate two phases—early overs and death.

  • Salman Ali Agha: As a multi-format player who has shown promise, his inclusion signals a shift in selection thinking.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive aspects, Pakistan faces several challenges:

  • Series pressure: With two series back-to-back, fatigue or loss of momentum could hamper performance.

  • Squad cohesion: With many changes and newcomers, achieving seamless coordination under match pressure will take time.

  • Opposition quality: South Africa bring resilience and variety; Sri Lanka have a history of punching above their weight—Pakistan must perform.

  • Expectations at home: Pakistani fans expect aggressive cricket. The players and management must convert opportunities into wins, or criticism will follow.

  • Managing emerging talent: While giving chances is positive, young players need support—both on and off the field—to handle international pressure.

What to Look For in the Series

  • How Pakistan’s batting top-order runs are distributed: whether Babar, Rizwan and others build partnerships.

  • Whether the pace attack can dominate, especially early and in death overs.

  • The effectiveness of younger players: who seizes the chance, who struggles.

  • Leadership impact: Does Shaheen Afridi command and inspire, both in his bowling spells and strategic decisions?

  • Team adaptation: How well the squad adjusts between series (South Africa → Sri Lanka) and handles consecutive matches.

Where to Follow the Details & Updates

For full details on the squad announcement, match schedules and official statements by the PCB, you can refer to the official PCB releases. For instance, the initial squad announcement was published on their website. Pakistan Cricket Board

Final Thoughts

The upcoming ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka represent a vital juncture for Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. With a freshly named squad that balances experience and youth, a home schedule offering momentum, and strategic leadership under Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan have a chance to make a statement.

However, execution will matter. Talent alone won’t guarantee wins—team cohesion, match temperament and consistency will define success. If Pakistan manage to bring their full game, these series could serve as a platform for longer-term stability and results in their ODI programme. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely.

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