WEB DESK: Pakistan decided to field first after winning the toss against Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s team lineup includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha as captain, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan as wicketkeeper, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka’s squad comprises Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis as wicketkeeper, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka as captain, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, and Nuwan Thushara.
In terms of head-to-head clashes, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have competed in 27 T20Is, with Pakistan emerging victorious in 16 matches, while Sri Lanka claimed 11 wins. Their most recent encounter was in the final of a tri-series hosted by Pakistan, which concluded with the home team securing a six-wicket victory.
Looking at their form going into the match, the teams bring contrasting runs of momentum. Pakistan comes off an impressive tri-series win, defeating Sri Lanka in the final, and has only lost once in their last five completed T20Is—a loss that coincidentally came against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, has managed just two wins in their last five completed matches.
