LAHORE (Abdul Qayyum): Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to begin their two-match Test series on November 9, with both teams aiming to build momentum ahead of the opening encounter in Rawalpindi.
The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, while the second match is scheduled for November 17 to 21 in Lahore.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis unveiled the Test series trophy and posed for photographs with it at Rawal Lake.
Pakistan will enter the series with confidence after defeating Sri Lanka 2-1 in the T20 International series. The national side also won the ODI tri-nation series featuring England and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s 16-member Test squad held a training session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the team had a complete rest day ahead of the opening match.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, gained valuable match practice by defeating the PCB Patrons XI in a three-day practice match.
Historically, Pakistan have enjoyed a slight advantage in Test cricket against Sri Lanka. Of the 59 matches played between the two sides, Pakistan have won 23, while Sri Lanka have secured 19 victories. The remaining matches ended in draws.
Pakistan also won the last Test series between the two countries by a 2-0 margin.
The upcoming series will provide an opportunity for both teams to test their combinations, with Pakistan looking to make an impact through a squad featuring emerging and experienced players.
Babar Azam expressed his determination to win Test matches on home soil, saying he was delighted to begin a new chapter as Pakistan’s Test captain.
Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis said Test cricket was a test of patience and expressed hope that his team would deliver a strong performance during the series.
The second Test in Lahore is expected to provide another exciting contest as both sides look to establish their dominance in the longer format.
