By Hishan Welmilla
Kusal Mendis leads new-look Sri Lanka side against Babar Azam’s Pakistan in crucial World Test Championship encounter
Sri Lanka will begin their two-match Test series against Pakistan today (November 9) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
The opening Test, which runs until November 13, presents a significant challenge for the visitors as they look to overcome Pakistan on home soil and make a positive start to the series.
The match will also mark a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket leadership, with Kusal Mendis taking over the captaincy. He will be keen to make an immediate impact in his new role against a Pakistan side led by former captain Babar Azam.
Sri Lanka will have to cope without their regular opening batter Pathum Nissanka, who has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury. Lahiru Udara has been called up as his replacement, bringing valuable experience and the confidence of having scored a career-best 188 in Test cricket earlier this year.
The visitors will depend heavily on the experience of Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, while Kamindu Mendis and emerging batter Sonal Dinusha provide further strength to the middle order. Dinusha will be particularly keen to carry his impressive recent batting form into the longer format.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack will be led by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, whose ability to exploit subcontinental conditions could prove decisive. Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and the returning Dilshan Madushanka will provide pace options, while Milan Rathnayake adds valuable all-round depth.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will look towards Babar Azam and experienced middle-order batter Saud Shakeel to provide stability. The hosts have also introduced several promising young players into their squad, including Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Taha, reflecting their intention to build for the future.
Their bowling resources include Mohammad Abbas and Aamer Jamal, while Arafat Minhas provides a spin option.
With both teams having much to prove in the current World Test Championship cycle, the opening encounter promises an intriguing contest between Pakistan’s home advantage and Sri Lanka’s determination to produce a strong performance.
Sri Lanka’s last Test victory in Pakistan came in 2004, and Kusal Mendis’ men will be eager to rewrite that history as they begin another important overseas assignment.
Be the first to comment