Pakistan are set to host Sri Lanka in a T20I series at Rawalpindi following their disappointing defeat against India in the Asian Games 2026. The T20I series will be followed by ODI and Test matches. Pakistan have made significant changes to their T20I setup, with the appointment of Sahibzada Farhan as captain emerging as the biggest talking point. Farhan has been rewarded for his impressive batting performances at the T20 World Cup and will now have the responsibility of leading a new-look Pakistan side.

Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha has been dropped from the squad after facing questions over his performances as a T20I player during his 18-month tenure as captain. Pakistan's selectors appear keen to move in a more aggressive direction, bringing in attacking players capable of delivering consistent match-winning performances at the international level.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, arrive in Pakistan with a demanding schedule ahead. Having recently completed a white-ball series in England, captain Charith Asalanka will be under pressure to guide his side back to winning ways after Sri Lanka lost all three matches in England. However, the return of Kusal Mendis from injury will provide a significant boost to the team's batting lineup.

Sri Lanka have also introduced fresh faces, with Vijayakanth Viyaskanth featuring among the new options as the team deals with the major setback of Wanindu Hasaranga being ruled out of the tour. Another exciting name is Sineth Jayawardena, whose explosive recent performances for Tamil Union Cricket Club have caught the selectors' attention.

Pitch report:

Rawalpindi has traditionally been known for producing high-scoring matches, making it a potentially exciting venue for T20 cricket. Batters could enjoy favourable conditions, while bowlers will need to rely on variations, accuracy and clever changes of pace to contain the opposition.

Head-to-Head:

Pakistan have historically enjoyed the upper hand in T20I encounters against Sri Lanka.

Total matches played: 30

Pakistan won: 18

Sri Lanka won: 12

Pakistan's probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah / Razaullah, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem / Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka's probablg XI: Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka / Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith WellalageDushmantha Chameera / Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara