DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first in the opening match of the three-game T20I series against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
The Pakistan side features significant depth in batting and bowling, with Shadab Khan at No. 7 forming a dual wrist-spin attack with Abrar Ahmed, supported by the spin-allrounder Mohammad Nawaz.
The pace attack comprises left-armer Mohammad Salman Mirza, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Sri Lanka are likely to open with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, backed by an experienced middle order.
Their key spinners, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are both included in the playing XI.
The decision by stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha sets the stage for Pakistan’s pace and spin attack to exploit early conditions under lights.
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, will look to post a competitive total in what promises to be a closely contested series opener.
Team line-ups and key absences
With several first-choice players rested following recent commitments, both sides field relatively fresh squads.
Pakistan’s XI features a blend of seasoned campaigners and new faces, including wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay and paceman Naseem Shah, who returns from injury.
Sri Lanka’s squad includes explosive opener Pathum Nissanka and the returning sling-shot seamer Matheesha Pathirana, bolstering their bowling attack.
Notably absent from the starting line-ups are star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, and spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga, who starts from the bench for the hosts.
Historical edge with recent baggage
Pakistan holds a clear historical advantage in T20Is against Sri Lanka, having won 16 of the 27 meetings between the two sides. However, recent history adds intrigue to the contest.
The two teams last met in the final of a T20I tri-series in Pakistan earlier this month, where the hosts secured a six-wicket victory.
Despite that result, Sri Lanka handed Pakistan its only defeat in that tournament during the group stage.
Contrasting form guides
The teams enter the series with contrasting recent fortunes. Pakistan arrives with strong momentum, having won four of their last five completed T20Is, including the tri-series title.
Pakistan’s Form (most recent first): W, L, W, W, W
Conversely, Sri Lanka has struggled for consistency, managing only two victories in their last five outings in the shortest format.
Sri Lanka’s Form (most recent first): L, W, W, L, L
The match marks the beginning of both teams’ final preparations ahead of next month’s ICC T20 World Cup, adding significant weight to individual performances and team combinations.
