FAISALABAD – Pakistan – Pakistan, under the new captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi, won the toss and opted to field in the first One-Day International against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium. The match marks the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after more than a decade.
Afridi emphasized the significance of playing in Faisalabad and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s pace attack. The decision to bowl first reflects the team’s strategy to apply early pressure on the visiting side while taking advantage of favorable bowling conditions.
Fans in Faisalabad welcomed the return of high-profile cricket, celebrating the upgraded facilities and the national team’s performance. The series opener is being seen as an important opportunity for Pakistan to set the tone and assert dominance in the three-match ODI series.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.