Sahibzada Farhan to Lead Pakistan Against Sri Lanka

Pakistan begin their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Friday, with Sahibzada Farhan taking charge as captain on home soil. Pakistan are set to begin their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on Friday, October 9, with Sahibzada Farhan preparing to lead the national side for the first time on home soil at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The opening T20I will start at 6pm PKT, while the toss is scheduled for 5:30pm. The remaining two matches will also be played at the same venue on October 11 and 13, giving both sides three consecutive opportunities to test their combinations. The Pakistan squad trained for three hours at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday and will hold another session on Thursday as preparations continue for the series. Pakistan enter the contest after securing a silver medal in the men's cricket competition at the recently concluded Asian Games. The 15-member squad includes uncapped players Razaullah and Muhammad Imran Randhawa. Fast bowler Naseem Shah is also expected to return to T20I cricket after last playing in the format against Sri Lanka in February. Pakistan have considerable bowling depth, with Abrar Ahmad, currently second in the ICC T20I bowling rankings, leading the spin department. Shadab Khan, Sufyan Moqim and Arafat Minhas provide additional spin options, while Saim Ayub could also contribute with his off-spin. The pace attack includes Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Razaullah and Imran Randhawa. Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is expected to take responsibility behind the stumps, while experienced batter Fakhar Zaman adds further depth to the batting unit. Maaz Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan, Hasan Nawaz and Abdul Samad will also feature in a batting group that combines youth with experience. Pakistan have won 18 of their 30 T20Is against Sri Lanka, while the Islanders have recorded 12 victories. Across eight bilateral T20I series, Pakistan have won four, three have ended level, and Sri Lanka's only series triumph came in 2019 when they won 3-0 in Lahore. The first match will also mark the 250th international cricket fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, adding another milestone to the long-running rivalry.