Maaz Sadaqat makes ODI return for Pakistan as Sri Lanka win toss, field first in tri-series match

Opener Maaz Sadaqat returned to Pakistan’s One-day International (ODI) side as the Green Shirts were put into bat by Sri Lanka in the tri-series match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday.

Maaz, who had played six ODIs after his debut earlier this year against Bangladesh, was fast-tracked back into the side after Saim Ayub was released from the squad at his own request to return to domestic cricket and work on his batting form.

Razaullah, who made his ODI debut against England on Sunday, makes way for Naseem Shah, who sat out the previous fixture after dislocating his finger while warming up.

Sri Lanka remain unchanged from their previous match.

Pakistan are unbeaten in the tournament so far, and have secured their place in Saturday’s final after winning all three matches, but the fixture offers captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side another opportunity to assess combinations and address concerns over the top order before the title decider.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be keen to strengthen their position after beating England by two wickets earlier in the series after chasing down a mammoth 430, making it the second-highest successful run-chase in ODI cricket history.

A victory on Tuesday would confirm their place in the final alongside Pakistan, while a Pakistan win would keep England’s hopes alive ahead of their last league match against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs:

PAKISTAN: Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf

SRI LANKA: Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicket-keeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka