RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening Test of the two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam confirmed that the hosts would field four debutants, adding that his side would focus on playing to its strengths during the opening session.
The debutants include Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Arafat Minhas and Saqib Khan.
Babar also expressed confidence in the team's combination, saying the squad featured several experienced players.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Azan Awais, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Arafat Minhas, Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan.
Sri Lanka: Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (c), Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
The second Test between the two sides is scheduled to begin on November 17 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 59 Test matches against each other, with Pakistan winning 23 and Sri Lanka securing 17 victories. The remaining 19 encounters ended in draws.
The series marks Sri Lanka's first Test tour of Pakistan since 2019, when the Islanders returned to the country for the longest format after a 10-year absence.