Big picture – Match practice for the T20 World Cup
That tour was something of a crashing of crises for Sri Lanka. Some players had requested a trip home, captain Charith Asalanka was sent home for illness in exceedingly strange circumstances, and Sri Lanka did middlingly under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka. In the weeks since, the old set of selectors have exited, a new panel has come in, and Shanaka remains captain, which perhaps was always the plan. They did win a T20I Asia Cup under him once, back in 2022. Perhaps that magic will strike again, or that’s the hope.
Pakistan are not a world-beating T20 side, but on form, they have what it takes to take Sri Lanka down. These games are being played in Dambulla, presumably while final preparations are ongoing at the three World Cup venues (Khettarama, SSC and Pallekele). But there are now huge pitch differences between limited-overs venues in Sri Lanka. Pakistan are readying to play a whole tournament here. This series will help ensure they are embedded before the global event begins.
Sri Lanka LWWLL Last five completed games, most recent first
Pakistan WLWWW
In the spotlight – the two captains
If they are to lead their sides confidently through what is likely to be an eventful campaign, impactful runs in this series might be a good place to start.
The Dambulla surface tends to be one of the most batting-friendly in the country. At this time of year, showers are possible, but are unlikely to last long enough to wash out a match.
Team news: Shadab Khan set to make international return
Sri Lanka have not officially named a squad for this series. But they will likely keep the top order from the Pakistan tri-series intact.
Sri Lanka: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamil Mishara, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Kusal Perera, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Janith Liyanage, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Nuwan Thushara, 11 Eshan Malinga/Dushan Hemantha
Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Usman Khan (wk), 6 Mohammad Nawaz, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Mohammad Wasim, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed
