Sri Lanka Playing 11 vs Afghanistan – Only Test, 2024
Photo Credit: (Twitter / SLC)

In order to prepare for the two-match Test series against Pakistan that will begin on July 16 in Galle, Sri Lanka has selected an 18-men team.

Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshitha Manasinghe, and Chamika Karunaratne aren’t in team to face Pakistan. 

Sri Lanka Cricket Team
Sri Lanka Cricket Team. Image: Sri Lanka Cricket/ Twitter

Sri Lankan Squad For Series Against Pakistan

In the second Test against Australia in Galle, debutant Prabath Jayasuriya stole the show with 12 wickets. He is quite likely to keep his spot in the starting lineup, although uncapped Dunith Wellalage has been kept in the team despite not playing against Australia. 

Prabath Jayasuriya (Image Credits: Twitter)
Prabath Jayasuriya (Image Credits: Twitter)

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay 

Pakistan Play Warm-up Game Amidst Widespread Protests

At the Colts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo, the visiting Pakistan cricket team is now playing a warm-up game against the Sri Lanka Cricket XI. The country is experiencing widespread protests as a result of the worsening economic crisis while the last day of the tournament is being played. 

Pakistan national cricket team
Pakistan national cricket team Image Credit: Twitter

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, struck a brilliant 88 in the first innings to help his team to a score of 301/9. SLC XI gave a total score of 375/8 in response. The second innings of Pakistan is presently being played. 

Read More  Shaheen Afridi's stint over, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan recommended for Pakistan captaincy by new selection committee

Even when Sri Lanka’s national side was facing Australia in an all-format series that culminated in an incredible Test victory for Sri Lanka, which saw them level the two-match series 1-1, there were huge demonstrations around the nation. 

Despite losing the T20I series against Australia, Sri Lanka managed to pull off a major upset by defeating them in the ODI series. 

Pakistan is now in fourth place while Sri Lanka is third in the World Test Championship points standings. 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: There Was Some Seam Movement, So I Wanted To Exploit That: Jasprit Bumrah On 6-wicket Haul