The final round robin match of the Champions Trophy between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is must-win encounter for both teams as the winner marches into the semifinals of the competition. Shoaib Malik has received a special message, ahead of Monday's match, from his wife Sania Mirza, who has praised the player's passion while playing for the country.
This match is going to be extra special for a few reasons. Saina, who was busy with the French Open, is expected to be present in Cardiff to watch the match. This encounter will be Shoaib's 250th ODI match in professional cricket.
Ahead of Shoaib's 250th match, the tennis sensation was full of praise for his husband.
"It shows his commitment to Pakistan and to cricket. I have always known him as someone with passion who loves playing and representing his country. It's a proud moment for all of us, for his mother, for his brother and sisters and for myself too. We are very proud of him and everything he has achieved," Saina said.
As of now, he has scored 6,742 runs and taken 153 wickets in the ODI format.
Shoaib has a huge task in his hand with both bat and ball against Sri Lanka, and the all-rounder will be eager to make this 250th match special. But Shoaib is aware of the strengths of a confident Sri Lanka team, who defeated India to set up this do-or-die encounter.
