Pakistan’s 2023-24 international cricket season is set to kick off with an exciting match against Sri Lanka in Galle on Sunday, marking the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
The action-packed series will conclude with the second and final Test in Colombo on July 24. In addition to the ICC World Test Championship, Pakistan has a busy schedule ahead, including participation in the ACC Asia Cup, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 within the next year.
With consecutive matches across all formats, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and his team are determined to start strong in Galle.
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Galle has been a venue with mixed results for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the past. Out of the seven Tests held there, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in four instances (2009, 2012, 2014, and 2022), while Pakistan secured three wins, including a memorable innings and 163-run victory in 2000, a 10-wicket triumph in 2015, and a four-wicket win in 2022.
During their last victory in Galle, Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 342 runs, losing only six wickets. Abdullah Shafique scored an unforgettable unbeaten 160, while Babar Azam contributed 119 runs in the first innings and 55 runs in the second innings.
The bowlers, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, made a significant impact with four wickets in the first innings, although Afridi suffered an injury that ruled him out of further participation. Notably, Mohammad Nawaz claimed five wickets for 88 runs, and Yasir Shah took three wickets for 122 runs in the second innings.
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Thirteen players from the current squad were part of Pakistan’s tour to Sri Lanka a year ago. The team welcomes three newcomers: all-rounder Aamir Jamal, mystery-spinner Abrar Ahmed, and middle-order batter Mohammad Huraira. Captain Babar Azam expressed his excitement for the upcoming Test and emphasized the importance of consistency across all formats.
The return of Shaheen Shah Afridi is a positive development for Pakistan, as his presence on the field serves as a source of motivation for the team. Afridi, who currently has 99 Test wickets, aims to become the fourth-fastest Pakistan fast bowler to achieve the milestone of 100 wickets. His journey to this milestone was delayed due to a knee injury last year.
In a warm-up match against the SLC Board XI in Hambantota, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel displayed their form by scoring half-centuries, while Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Aamir Jamal showcased their bowling prowess by taking wickets.
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Considering Sri Lanka’s strength in spin bowling, Pakistan is well-prepared for the challenge, having received valuable insights from Sri Lanka’s former coach, Mickey Arthur. The Pakistani team will adhere to the basics and maintain patience, understanding that Test cricket demands skill, temperament, and stamina.
Despite facing unfavorable results in Test matches over the past year, Pakistan has evolved and grown as a team. Babar Azam, the recipient of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2022, boasts an impressive record with 3,696 runs, nine centuries, and 26 half-centuries in 47 Test matches. He remains one of the few cricketers to feature in the top three rankings across all formats.
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The squads for the upcoming matches will be selected from the following players:
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, and 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, and Lakshitha Manasinghe.
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