Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, beginning on October 9, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series offers both teams an opportunity to test their combinations and build momentum ahead of their upcoming assignments in the shortest format.

Pakistan look for a fresh start under Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan will enter the series with a new captain in the shortest format. Sahibzada Farhan has been handed the leadership responsibility after Salman Ali Agha was removed from the T20I captaincy and left out of the squad.

Farhan arrives with a strong reputation as an aggressive opening batter and recently led Pakistan at the 2026 Asian Games. His appointment signals a fresh phase for the national side as the management looks to develop a settled combination.

Experienced players Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan will be important to Pakistan’s campaign. Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz could also provide attacking options with the bat, while Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Moqim offer variety in the spin department.

Pakistan’s biggest challenge will be finding consistency across all three departments. Their batting lineup has considerable power, but building partnerships and handling Sri Lanka’s spinners could prove decisive.

Sri Lanka aim to challenge Pakistan

Sri Lanka will be led by Kusal Mendis, who takes charge following changes to the team’s T20I setup. The visitors will look to make the most of the opportunity and secure a series victory away from home.

Dasun Shanaka is one of the key players to watch. The all-rounder has demonstrated his ability to change a match with explosive hitting, including an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls against Pakistan during the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara and Dunith Wellalage will also have important roles to play. Maheesh Theekshana’s variations could be especially valuable against Pakistan’s aggressive top order.

Sri Lanka will need their batters to provide a solid start and their bowlers to maintain discipline in the death overs if they are to put the hosts under pressure.

PAK vs SL T20I Series: Schedule

*Local time = IST – 30min = GMT – 5 hrs

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Squads

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Khawaja Nafay(w), Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim, Saim Ayub, Razaullah, Mohammad Imran Randhawa

Sri Lanka: Sineth Jayawardena, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Eshan Malinga

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• Pakistan: PTV Sports, Tapmad
• Sri Lanka: Dialog TV, Dialog Digital
• India: Veto
• Australia: Fox Sports
• United Kingdom: ARY UK
• Bangladesh: T Sports, Tapmad
• USA and Canada: Willow TV
• MENA Countries: Cricbuzz

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