Pakistan to play 3 ODIs against Afghanistan ahead of Asia Cup in Sri Lanka

Afghanistan and Pakistan will play three one-day internationals at neutral venues in Sri Lanka next month, it was announced on Monday.

This will be the first bilateral series between Pakistan and Afghanistan as the two countries have only played four ODIs in the past.

The first match in Sharjah in 2012 was Afghanistan's first ODI against a Test-playing nation while the other three meetings were in the Asia Cup (twice) and at the 2019 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) said the schedule was confirmed after consultation with Pakistan.

"The three ODI matches are scheduled for August 22nd, 24th, and 26th, and will take place in two separate venues in Sri Lanka," said an ACB release. Hambantota will host the first two ODIs — Aug.22 and 24 — with the final game scheduled for Colombo on Aug.26.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf hopes the series will help his team prepare for the Asia Cup and this year's World Cup.

The Asia Cup will be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from Aug.30-Sept.17.

Pakistan will play Nepal in the opening game of the Asia Cup in Multan and will also host three more games of the tournament. Sri Lanka is due to host nine Asia Cup matches including the final on Sept. 17.

Pakistan, Nepal and India are in Group A while Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The top two teams from both groups will qualify for the Super 4 stage of the tournament.

India will host the World Cup from Oct.5-Nov.19.

Agencies