Pakistan and Sri Lanka Set for T20I Opener in Rawalpindi

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to open their three-match T20I series on October 9 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with Sahibzada Farhan named to captain Pakistan and Kusal Mendis leading Sri Lanka. The supplied match previews do not establish a toss, final playing XIs or result, so the contest remains pending in the available information. The opener is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Pakistan time. It is Farhan’s first home match as Pakistan’s T20I captain after taking over the role from Salman Ali Agha, according to the previews. Mendis returns to lead Sri Lanka after missing the team’s previous T20I series against England in September because of injury, one preview reported. Sri Lanka will be without Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both reported injured. Their absences leave the touring side without two established players as it starts the series, while Mendis heads a squad that includes several newer options. The previews also list Dushmantha Chameera, though one report says his availability depends on demonstrating fitness. Pakistan’s squad includes a mix of experienced players and recent additions.