Trophy for Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I series unveiled
DAMBULLA: The glittering trophy for the highly anticipated three-match T20I series between hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan was unveiled here on Tuesday. According to the details, the silverware was unveiled by Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his Sri Lanka counterpart Dasun Shanaka at the rooftop of the picturesque Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, which could be seen covered due to heavy rainfall.
The three-match T20I series will be played at the same venue, with fixtures scheduled for January 7, 9 and 11, respectively, with rain likely to interrupt during all the games as Dambulla’s weather is set to remain gloomy throughout that period. The upcoming series serves as a launching pad for both sides in the build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be played in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka enter the series with contrasting momenta as the Green Shirts are fresh from the home T20I tri-series triumph over Zimbabwe and the 2014 champions. Historically, the two teams have faced each other in 27 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 16 and Sri Lanka 11.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga. Sports Desk
