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DAMBULLA: Pakistan are banking on a fresh set of players to deliver as they seek to avenge Sri Lanka’s Test victory in a one-day series starting here on Thursday.
Pakistan were beaten in a Test series for the first time on Sri Lankan soil when Younus Khan’s men lost the first two matches before drawing the final game in Colombo last week.
But Younus is confident a change in personnel and infusion of new blood for the five one-day matches will revive the tourists and provide entertaining cricket for fans.
“There are many players in the team who did not play the Test series, and they are keen to prove that Pakistan are one of the best one-day teams in the world,” he said.
“The Tests are behind us, we look forward to doing well in the one-dayers,” said Younus, who led Pakistan to victory over Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20 final at Lord’s, England in June.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi, who was man of the match in both the semi-final and final of the World Twenty20, returns to bolster the tourists after opting out of the Test series.
Pakistan will also welcome back seamer Rana Naved, 31, and opening batsman Imran Nazir, 27, who will represent the country once again after breaking links with the unauthorised Indian Cricket League.
All eyes, however, will be on talented 19-year-old batsman Umar Akmal, the younger brother of wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, who forced his way onto the side with impressive scores in domestic cricket.