Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Rawalpindi: Preview, likely XIs, prediction

It’s a big occasion, to say the least. Test cricket returns to Pakistan after a decade, and symbolically, it’s the same team that was under attack in 2009 – causing an international boycott – that will tour this time as well. When Sri Lanka clash against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, there will be widespread celebration across Pakistan.

It might seem at this point that the actual cricket is a bit of an afterthought, but there’s plenty happening to keep people rooted to their seats. For starters, Pakistan are desperate for points on the World Test Championship table, having been blanked by Australia. Sri Lanka would like the points as well, having shared it with New Zealand in their last home series.

Then there is the case of Fawad Alam. The top order batsman hasn’t played Test cricket in a decade, but with the return of Test cricket to Pakistan, he finds his place back in the side as well. Usman Shinwar replaces Musa Khan in the only other change from the Australia series.

For Sri Lanka, the big change is in the dugout. Mickey Arthur, till recently the coach of Pakistan, will return to Pakistan, but in a new role as coach of Sri Lanka. You couldn’t script this.

In all, the Test series should be plenty exciting. It’s one to keep your eyes peeled on.

Head to head

In 53 Tests between the sides over the years, the rivalry is quite even. Sri Lanka have won 16 Tests, and Pakistan shades them with 19 wins of their own. In Pakistan as well, the head-to-head record is similar: Sri Lanka have 6 wins and 8 losses.

Key players

Babar Azam (Pakistan): The one sad thing about the situation of Pakistan’s premier batsman was that no one in Pakistan could actually watch him live. That will change now, and Azam is set to play his first Test in Pakistan. It’s a great moment, of course, but with it comes the pressure of faith. Can he cope?

Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka): The middle-order batsman, early this year, pulled off a historic heist against South Africa with his 153*, but he has since scored 20, 1, 23, 0 and 0 in his five innings. Can he reverse his fortunes and become the hero again?

Likely XIs

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fawad Alam, Azhar Ali (c), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha

Prediction

Pakistan to seal the historic occasion with a sweetening win.