Shaheens to Face Sri Lanka A in Series Opener Today

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan Shaheens will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day matches of their series, set to begin on Monday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The second four-day match will be held from November 18 to 21, followed by a three-match 50-over series from November 25 to 29, all at the same venue.

The four-day matches will start at 9:30 AM, with the toss scheduled for 9:00 AM.

The Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time. Sri Lanka ‘A’, making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be captained by Pasindu Sooriyabandara for the four-day games, with Nuwanidu Fernando taking charge for the 50-over series.

Five players from the Shaheens squad – Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Rohail Nazir – have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, four players – Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, and Saad Khan – were part of the Shaheens squad in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Islamabad two months ago.

This marks the third red-ball series for Pakistan Shaheens in 2024, following previous series against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin and Islamabad.

On the eve of the series, Mohammad Huraira spoke to PCB Digital, expressing his pride in leading the team. “It is an honor to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side is full of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, and we are ready for the series. Playing for Shaheens provides players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress selectors for a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”

Sri Lanka ‘A’ captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara praised the hospitality received in Pakistan, adding, “We have a strong side with a solid batting lineup and a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well throughout the series.”

Pakistan Shaheens Four-Day Squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain), Abdul Faseeh, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ali Zaryab, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Rameez Jr, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Rohail Nazir, Saad Khan, Sameen Gul.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ Four-Day Squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando, Wanuja Sahan.