Pakistan’s newly appointed white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, is gearing up for an exciting challenge as his team prepares to face Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on November 4, 2024. The first match will be held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), followed by the second ODI at Adelaide Oval on November 8, and the final ODI at Perth Stadium on November 10. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20I series from November 14 to 18.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Captain Team
Rizwan, who replaced Babar Azam as the captain, expressed his honor and excitement about leading the team. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming series as a preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan next year. The team includes several young and promising players, such as Muhammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub, who will be making their ODI debuts.
Key Players and Expectations
The playing XI for the first ODI includes Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Hasnain. Rizwan highlighted the team’s productive training sessions in Melbourne and expressed confidence in their ability to perform well against Australia.
Australia’s Perspective
Australia’s ODI captain, Pat Cummins, acknowledged Pakistan’s potential and the competitive nature of the series. He mentioned the high intensity of the matches and the opportunity for young players to shine.
Conclusion
As Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan-led team prepares to take on Australia, fans eagerly await an exciting series filled with competitive cricket and the emergence of new talents. The series will not only test the team’s skills but also serve as a crucial step towards their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy.