Hesson expects tough tri-series test

KARACHI:

After wrapping up their three-match T20I series with a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka at home, Pakistan face a tougher test in the ODI tri-series, featuring England and Sri Lanka, which will also be held on home soil.

The tri-series will be hosted by Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31. The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final on October 31.

The first three matches will be played in Rawalpindi, while the remaining four, including the final, will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Nine players who recently featured in the T20I series against Sri Lanka are also part of Pakistan’s ODI squad. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the side, which also includes Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha.

England are among the world’s leading teams, while Sri Lanka have gained some momentum after beating Pakistan in the third T20I on Tuesday night in Rawalpindi, denying the hosts a series whitewash.

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson also expects a tough challenge in the tri-series.

He said Pakistan had made considerable progress in ODIs over the past six months and would need to maintain that momentum against two competitive opponents.

“Well, look, a different group of players. You know, some slightly more experience in certain areas. But look, I'm excited,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan lost the third T20I to Sri Lanka on Tuesday night.

“I mean, our one-day side made some good progress in the last six months. We've got to continue that. And certainly against the Sri Lankan side, who, you know, would have got some confidence tonight, and obviously an England side who's currently number one in the world. So it's going to be a tough tri-series, one we're looking forward to,” Hesson said.

Pakistan have enjoyed some success in ODIs over the past year.

In November 2025, they swept Sri Lanka 3-0 at home and defeated South Africa 2-1 in another home series. In March 2026, Pakistan lost 2-1 to Bangladesh in an away series. They bounced back in May-June 2026, beating Australia 2-1 at home.

England, meanwhile, have won their last three ODI series, against Sri Lanka and India at home and Sri Lanka away.

Sri Lanka have struggled in recent months, losing three of their last four series.

Pakistan’s ODI squad was expected to assemble in Islamabad on Wednesday ahead of the important assignment.

Attention will also be on fast bowler Razaullah and how he performs in the tri-series if given an opportunity. He featured in two T20Is against Sri Lanka but will need to improve his discipline and consistency.

Hesson said the coaching staff would work with the young fast bowler to help him develop his skills.

“I think, you know, when I think of Pakistan cricket, I think of pace and I think of unusual actions,” Hesson said.

“And, you know, he's fresh, and he's raw, but he's got genuine pace. And even Kusal Mendis, who plays pace well, got done for pace on a few occasions.”

“So, look, he will get better with opportunity. And we have to work with him, and, you know, we've got Shaun Tait now, a chance for someone with, obviously a similar action to be able to work with him and, you know, get good at being able to change his lengths and trust when to bowl his bouncer and when to bowl his yorker. But it's exciting. So we'll see some more of him over the next few months, that's for sure.” Hesson said.

Pakistan ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim.