Pakistan on Friday won the toss and opted to field first in the second One-day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf has been rested as spinner Abrar Ahmed returns to the XI, stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha said at the toss as skipper Shaheen Afridi, who is down with flu, was replaced by pacer Mohammad Wasim Jr.
The match shifts focus back to the field after a day and a night of turbulence due to a suicide attack in Islamabad.
The match was originally scheduled for Thursday, but the schedule was thrown into disarray amid concerns expressed by the Sri Lankan team.
As several visiting players contemplated abandoning the tour altogether, Pakistan’s interior minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi held lengthy discussions with the Sri Lankan delegation to assure them of their safety.
The situation stabilised on Wednesday night as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reaffirmed its commitment to completing the series. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner also expressed satisfaction over the security of its team following a meeting with Naqvi in Islamabad.
Reacting to the Sri Lankan side’s confidence, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar thanked them and said: “We are honoured by your presence.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also said: “Our special thanks to the Sri Lankan Cricket Team for their visit and for a good display of cricket. Our best wishes and gratitude.”
PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars said the Sri Lankan team defeated terrorism.
Earlier, Pakistan won the first ODI on Nov 11 by six runs, securing a lead in the three-match series.