The highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle kicks off as Pakistan takes on Sri Lanka in their first Test match in Galle, starting from July 16. Both teams are eager to secure crucial points early on in this prestigious tournament.
Sri Lanka returns to their home ground, Galle, where they have enjoyed considerable success in recent years. Out of their last eight home Tests, they have emerged victorious in six matches against formidable opponents such as Ireland, Pakistan, Australia, and West Indies since November 2021.
However, Pakistan holds a significant memory of their last encounter at this venue. In a thrilling match last year, Pakistan achieved a remarkable victory by chasing down a target of 342 runs in the final innings, setting a new record for the highest successful run-chase at Galle. This triumph remains fresh in their minds as it marked their last Test win. Unfortunately, since then, Pakistan has faced setbacks, losing four out of their last six matches, with the other two ending in draws.
Pakistan’s pace attack receives a substantial boost with the return of Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose last Test appearance was during the victorious match at Galle in 2022. Alongside Shaheen, Pakistan’s bowling lineup boasts the talents of Naseem Shah and Hasan Ali, forming a formidable trio. However, the composition of the bowling attack might be adjusted depending on the conditions of the turning wicket. Pakistan’s spin department includes the mystery-spinner Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Noman Ali.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka possesses a wealth of spin-bowling options, with the newcomer Lakshitha Manasinghe joining the likes of Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis. However, their opening batsman, Dimuth Karunaratne, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and will undergo a fitness test before the commencement of the Test match. Dhananjaya de Silva will serve as the team’s vice-captain in Karunaratne’s absence.
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This series holds significant importance for both teams in the World Test Championship cycle. For Sri Lanka, a victory against their only Asian opponent at home, Pakistan, would provide them with valuable points before they face non-Asian teams like Australia and New Zealand. Sri Lanka recognizes the advantage of playing at home and accumulating points in these matches becomes crucial as they anticipate challenging overseas tours to South Africa and England later in the cycle.
Similarly, Pakistan faces tough overseas assignments against South Africa and Australia during this cycle. Thus, a win on their only away tour within Asia, against Sri Lanka, would serve as an early relief for Babar Azam’s men.
The series schedule includes two Test matches. The first Test will be held from July 16 to July 20 in Galle, followed by the second Test from July 24 to July 28 in Colombo.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, expressed his excitement about the upcoming challenge in the World Test Championship. He stated, “We are well-prepared and ready for the Galle Test. We are taking one step at a time, but consistency across all formats is our goal. Many of our players were part of the team that played here 12 months ago, which is a positive for us.”
Babar also acknowledged the barrage of spin that Sri Lanka will unleash upon them. However, he mentioned that Pakistan has received valuable insights about the Sri Lankan side from their former coach, Mickey Arthur, who currently serves as the Director of PCB. Babar emphasized the importance of sticking to the basics, being patient, and relying on skills, temperament, and stamina in Test cricket.
The squads for the WTC25 series consist of talented players from both teams:
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam (captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Hasan Ali
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Mohammad Huraira
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Naseem Shah
- Noman Ali
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Afridi
- Shan Masood
Sri Lanka:
- Dimuth Karunaratne (captain)
- Nishan Madushka
- Kusal Mendis
- Angelo Matthews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Pathum Nissanka
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Kamindu Mendis
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Praveen Jayawickrama
- Kasun Rajitha
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Vishwa Fernando
- Lakshitha Manasinghe
The Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Test series promises thrilling cricket as both teams vie for a positive start in the World Test Championship. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed matches in Galle and Colombo. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting clash of cricketing giants.
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