Over the years, Pakistan have toured a lot. They won some. They lost some. But playing on home soil, that too, after a decade is itself a different feeling altogether. It’s no less than a new dawn for Pakistan under skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed who had already termed this series as the highlight of his career.
They have got the guidance of newly appointed head-coach Misbah-ul-Haq to start with, following the World Cup turmoil. Things will begin without their leading pacer Shaheen Afridi who is down with dengue. No more services of Shoaib Malik means the green army need to show confidence in the younger lot.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka have arrived here with some bitter memories of the 2009 terrorist attacks. 10 players drawing out was a major setback for the management as most of the efforts were put to solidify a proper team. The current one touring to Pakistan has 14 players of international experience but most of them aren't regulars.
After a disappointing World Cup, they may have had blanked Bangladesh at home but right now, they lack those players who made that happen. It’s a fresh challenge for the islanders when they face an elated Pakistan at their backyard.
Squads:
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari, Wahab Riaz