RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play the last group match of the ongoing tri-nation series today.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6 pm at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan will be led by Salman Ali Agha, while Dasun Shanaka will captain the Sri Lankan side.
So far, Pakistan has remained unbeaten throughout the series and has already secured a place in the final. If Sri Lanka manages to defeat Pakistan today, they will qualify for the final; otherwise, Zimbabwe will advance to play the title match.
Squads:
Pakistan:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
PAK vs SL Key Battles:
Sahibzada Farhan vs Dushmantha Chameera
Sahibzada Farhan will hope to carry forward his impressive run in the tri-nation series and deliver another decisive innings for Pakistan. However, he’ll have to overcome the threat of Dushmantha Chameera, who will be eager to remove the in-form opener as early as possible.
Babar Azam vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Babar Azam, fresh off a half-century in the previous outing, will aim to extend his momentum and play another substantial knock against Sri Lanka. Hasaranga, meanwhile, will be counted on to keep things tight in the middle overs, just as he managed in their last encounter.
Pathum Nissanka vs Shaheen Afridi
Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka, who guided his side home with an unbeaten innings in their must-win clash against Zimbabwe, will look to produce a similar performance. His biggest test will come against Shaheen Afridi, who is likely to return to the playing XI after missing the previous game.
Kusal Mendis vs Mohammad Nawaz
Former Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis, batting at No. 3, will aim for a substantial score in this crucial match. He will be challenged by Mohammad Nawaz, who has been in excellent rhythm throughout the series and will want to continue that form against Sri Lanka.
PAK vs SL Key Players:
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga
PAK vs SL Weather Report:
Rawalpindi is expected to remain clear during the match, with no forecast of rain. Temperatures are likely to reach a high of 21°C and drop to around 7°C later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s T20 squad took part in a training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where players practiced batting, bowling, and fielding under the supervision of coaches. The session also included physical drills before the net practice.
Pakistan will look to extend their winning streak to three consecutive T20Is against Sri Lanka when the sides meet in this crucial fixture. For Sri Lanka, though, this match is do-or-die, anything less than a win would see them crash out of the tri-series.
