Pakistan, Sri Lanka Test series: trophy unveiled, first Test in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka officially begins today (Monday) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The series trophy was unveiled at Rawal Lake, a recreation spot in the federal capital, where Pakistan captain Babar Azam and his Sri Lankan counterpart Kusal Mendis took part in the traditional photo shoot with the trophy.

According to the schedule, the first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 9 to 13 November. The second and final Test will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from 17 to 21 November.

Babar Azam said he was taking the field in this series with a new squad and talented young players. He expressed determination that the national team would make the most of home conditions and favourable circumstances and would try hard to win the series.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said he was delighted to begin a new chapter as Test captain. In his view, Test cricket is a test of patience, skill and nerve, and he hoped his players would perform well against the opposition.

As part of their preparations, the national team’s 16-man Test squad took part in a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The players were then given complete rest on Sunday. Ahead of the Test, the visiting Sri Lankan squad beat the PCB Patrons XI in a three-day practice match.

Records and recent meetings

The two countries have met in 59 Test matches so far, of which Pakistan have won 23 and Sri Lanka 19. The last bilateral Test series between the two sides ended in a 2-0 whitewash for Pakistan.

In recent meetings, Pakistan won two of the three matches in the Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka, losing one. Earlier, Pakistan also claimed the trophy of the tri-nation One-Day International series played with England and Sri Lanka.