Toss Sri Lanka chose to bat vs Pakistan
Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bat first. In the first of three T20Is in Rawalpindi, Kusal Mendis decided to do what Sri Lanka did in all three games in their victory in 2019 against Pakistan, looking to set Pakistan a target. Wanindu Hasaranga, the player of the series on that occasion, is absent through injury, but Mendis expressed faith in the newer, younger players on this tour.
“Compared to England, these [conditions] are a little bit different,” Mendis said. “The new guys have been playing very well domestically. I have a lot of confidence in the young players.”
Sahibzada Farhan, newly appointed captain of Pakistan, said he would have bowled first anyway to familiarise himself with conditions. Pakistan have two debutants in their side, with fast bowler Razaullah, whose heroics with bat and ball in Birmingham turned him into something of a cult hero, and medium quick Mohammad Imran playing their first international matches in the format.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Muhammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (capt &wk)), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara , Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara
