LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday announced the schedule offive-match ODI series between Pakistan and Australia.

ODI series will be played in the United Arab Emirates with the seriesopener in Sharjah on March 22 and the last match in Dubai on March 31 .

Pakistan are ranked fifth on the ICC ODI team rankings, while Australia aresixth – just two points behind.

The series is part of both sides’ ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 preparations,where Australia will defend the title. Both the sides will square offagainst each other in Taunton on June 12.

“Australia are the world champions and this series will provide thePakistan cricket team an opportunity to assess their Word Cuppreparations,” PCB Director Cricket – International, Zakir Khan, said in apress release.