Sri Lanka will begin their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on Friday, looking to reverse their recent fortunes against the hosts when the sides meet at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The opening match, scheduled for October 9, will be followed by the second and third T20Is at the same venue on October 11 and 13, with all three matches scheduled for a 18:30 SLST start.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis will lead his side into the series as they look to make a strong start in Pakistan and build momentum ahead of a busy period in white-ball cricket.

“It feels good to be back in Pakistan and we are building up well for this three-match T20I series,” Mendis said. “The contest is expected to be of high intensity and we will look to turn the results around for our team.”

Farhan Takes Charge of Pakistan

Pakistan will have a new captain at the helm, with Sahibzada Farhan set to lead the T20I side on home soil for the first time.

Farhan takes over a squad that recently claimed the silver medal at the Asian Games, and Pakistan will be hoping to carry that momentum into the series.

The hosts have included two uncapped players, Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa, while fast bowler Naseem Shah is in line to return to T20I cricket after last playing in the format against Sri Lanka in February.

Pakistan also possess considerable depth in their spin department. Abrar Ahmed, currently second in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, is joined by Shadab Khan, Sufyan Moqim and Arafat Minhas, while Saim Ayub provides another off-spin option.

Experienced batter Fakhar Zaman has also been added to the batting line-up, alongside Maaz Sadaqat, Farhan, Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad.

Sri Lanka Face Familiar Challenge

The series presents another opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve their record against Pakistan in the shortest format.

The two sides have met 30 times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning 18 matches and Sri Lanka 12.

Across their eight previous bilateral T20I series, Pakistan have won four, while three series have ended level. Sri Lanka’s only bilateral series victory came in 2019, when they completed a 3-0 clean sweep in Lahore.

The opening match will also mark the 250th international cricket fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, adding another milestone to one of the longest-running contests in Asian cricket.

Kusal Mendis Looking for a Strong Start

For Sri Lanka, the series provides an important opportunity to establish themselves against a Pakistan side boasting a strong combination of experience and emerging talent.

Mendis will be hoping his team can make better use of their opportunities this time around, with Sri Lanka entering the contest determined to change the recent narrative between the two sides.

Pakistan’s Farhan, meanwhile, sees the series as both a challenge and an opportunity.

“It is a great responsibility and challenge to be leading Pakistan and I’m equally excited to do this for the first time in front of our fans,” he said. “We have got a good blend of youth and experience in the squad with all bases covered.”

Where to Watch

In Sri Lanka, the three-match series will be broadcast live on Dialog Television, Peo TV and Siyatha TV.

The series will also be available through the designated streaming platforms in Pakistan and internationally.

The first ball in Rawalpindi is scheduled for 18:30 SLST, with the toss at 18:00 SLST.

With both teams looking to make an early statement, Sri Lanka will be aiming to begin the series strongly and put an end to Pakistan’s recent dominance in their bilateral T20I contests.

Sri Lanka T20I squad:

Kusal Mendis (c), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga

Pakistan T20I squad:

Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Arafat Minhas, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Moqim