Sarfraz Ahmed: “It is definitely a big advantage for us, playing five top-quality ODIs before the World Cup”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has noted that his side have an advantage going into the World Cup as they will be playing a five-match ODI series against England.

With the World Cup beginning on May 30 and being held in England and Wales, Sarfraz pointed out that the ODI series will give Pakistan more opportunities to get accustomed to the pitches and conditions.

Pakistan already played a one-off Twenty20 International against England on Sunday, which they lost by seven wickets.

Prior to that, they played two one-day warm-up matches against Kent and Northamptonshire, and a Twenty20 game against Leicestershire.

“It is definitely a big advantage for us, playing five top-quality ODIs before the World Cup,” Sarfraz was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “We’re all focusing on the World Cup. But our first target is this ODI series. If we can take some confidence from this series, it will definitely help us in this World Cup.”

After the ODI series against England, Pakistan will play two World Cup warm-up games against Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Bristol and Cardiff on May 24 and 26 respectively.

They will then kick off their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

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