Captains Shanaka and Agha in focus as Sri Lanka and Pakistan finetune World Cup preps

With both Sri Lanka and Pakistan set to play their entire group and Super Eights stages of the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, this series should help them get accustomed to the conditions

Big picture - Match practice for the T20 World Cup

On Wednesday, we will be exactly a month out from the next men's T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The arrangement is such that both Sri Lanka and Pakistan, who are contesting a three-match T20I series starting Wednesday, will be spending their entire group and Super Eights stages on the island (provided they both qualify for the Super Eights, of course). If Pakistan progress even further than that, they will continue plying Sri Lankan decks, and perhaps bring a semi-final or final to the country. Such is the state of South Asian geopolitics at present that we do not know where exactly the knockouts of this pinnacle T20 event will be played. But perhaps that is moot for now.

At present, Pakistan are well-led by Salman Agha, even if his own performances haven't necessarily been stellar. Most recently, they stomped to victory in the home tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In fact, the most recent T20I Sri Lanka or Pakistan have played was against each other, Pakistan strolling home with eight balls and plenty of wickets to spare after decking Sri Lanka for 114 in Rawalpindi.RelatedMalinga to work with Sri Lanka in lead up to T20 World Cup

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That tour was something of a crashing of crises for Sri Lanka. Some players had requested a trip home, captain Charith Asalanka was sent home for illness in exceedingly strange circumstances, and Sri Lanka did middlingly under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka. In the weeks since, the old set of selectors have exited, a new panel has come in, and Shanaka remains captain, which perhaps was always the plan. They did win a T20I Asia Cup under him once, back in 2022. Perhaps that magic will strike again, or that's the hope.

Pakistan are not a world-beating T20 side, but on form, they have what it takes to take Sri Lanka down. These games are being played in Dambulla, presumably while final preparations are ongoing at the three World Cup venues (Khettarama, SSC and Pallekele). But there are now huge pitch differences between limited-overs venues in Sri Lanka. Pakistan are readying to play a whole tournament here. This series will help ensure they are embedded before the global event begins.

Form guide

Sri Lanka LWWLL Last five completed games, most recent first

Pakistan WLWWWSalman Agha and Dasun Shanaka are competent captains, but have poor numbers as players•PCB

In the spotlight - the two captains

The similarities between Dasun Shanaka and Salman Agha are obvious. Two allrounders, both batting in the middle overs, both required to bowl a bit, neither pulling off crazy numbers in T20Is. Shanaka, for instance, strikes at 120 at No. 6, the position he has most often batted in. Agha, meanwhile, has played only 37 T20I innings, and has struck at 112 in them. While both are decent bowlers, neither will claim it is their foremost suit.

If they are to lead their sides confidently through what is likely to be an eventful campaign, impactful runs in this series might be a good place to start.

Pitch and conditions

The Dambulla surface tends to be one of the most batting-friendly in the country. At this time of year, showers are possible, but are unlikely to last long enough to wash out a match.Shadab Khan hasn't played internationally since June last year•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Team news: Shadab Khan set to make international return

Sri Lanka have not officially named a squad for this series. But they will likely keep the top order from the Pakistan tri-series intact.

Sri Lanka: 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamil Mishara, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Kusal Perera, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Janith Liyanage, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Nuwan Thushara, 11 Eshan Malinga/Dushan Hemantha

As Sri Lanka have well-documented troubles against wristspin, both Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed may find spots in the XI. Shadab, who returned to competitive cricket for Sydney Thunder in the ongoing BBL after shoulder surgery, last played for Pakistan in June 2025.

Pakistan: 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Usman Khan (wk), 6 Mohammad Nawaz, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Mohammad Wasim, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed

Stats and trivia

Agha has never played a T20I in Sri Lanka. Against this opposition, his batting numbers are only marginally better than his career numbers: he strikes at 126, with 82 runs from four innings.

After 14 innings against Pakistan, Shanaka strikes at 118 against this opposition, with 160 runs.

Sri Lanka have lost four and won only two T20Is against Pakistan at home.