Shaheen Urges Pakistan to Move On From Sri Lanka Loss Ahead of Saturday Final

Shaheen Shah Afridi wants Pakistan to leave their heavy defeat to Sri Lanka behind and turn their attention to Saturday’s ODI tri-series final, where the two sides will meet again.

Pakistan had entered Tuesday’s game full of confidence after winning three matches in a row. Their place in the final was already confirmed following a thrilling one-wicket win over England on Sunday, but they failed to carry that form into their last league match.

The green shirts had a tough outing in Lahore, managing just 110 runs before being dismissed in 25.3 overs. It was the team’s second-lowest ODI score at the ground. Their lowest total there was 75, which also came against Sri Lanka in 2009.

Babar Azam remained the highest run-scorer for the home side, scoring 29 from 33 balls. Apart from him, Hasan Nawaz made 17 off 31 deliveries, while captain Shaheen Afridi contributed with only 15 runs.

In the second innings, Sri Lanka had little trouble chasing down the target of 111, reaching it with just two wickets down and 191 balls remaining. The result handed Pakistan their first defeat of the ODI tri-series and confirmed Sri Lanka’s place in the final. It also ended England’s chances of reaching the title clash.

Kamindu Mendis led the chase with an unbeaten 62 off 60 balls. The left-handed opener hit eight fours and two sixes to guide Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory.

Speaking after the match, Shaheen admitted that the team’s top order hadn’t been performing well in recent matches. However, he also urged the team to forget the latest defeat as quickly as possible and prepare for the big final on Saturday.

"Unfortunately, for the last three or four games we are collapsing in the top order. We've had three wins and lost today," said Shaheen Afridi.

"We should forget that and move forward. We have three days now, and we can practice," added Shaheen Afridi.

Shaheen then expressed confidence in his side, saying they will come back stronger in the series final by rectifying their recent mistakes with the bat.

"We will come back in the final and bat stronger. We need to forget this game quickly and take the positives from the previous games." said Shaheen Afridi.