Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to engage in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series at neutral venues in Sri Lanka next month, as confirmed in an announcement on Monday.

This bilateral series marks the first occasion of Afghanistan and Pakistan facing off in this format, having previously encountered each other in only four ODIs. Afghanistan’s debut against a Test-playing nation took place in Sharjah in 2012, and they subsequently met Pakistan twice in the Asia Cup and once at the 2019 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) revealed that the schedule was finalized following consultations with Pakistan. The three ODI matches are slated for August 22nd, 24th, and 26th, and will take place in two separate venues in Sri Lanka.

Hambantota will host the first two matches, while Colombo will be the venue for the third and final game.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf expressed hope that the series will serve as a valuable preparation for his team ahead of the Asia Cup and this year’s World Cup. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17, while India will host the World Cup from October 5 to November 19.

Earlier this year, Afghanistan secured a 2-1 victory against a depleted Pakistan team in their inaugural Twenty20 series in Sharjah in March.