Shaheens-Sri Lanka A series begins today

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of their two four-day games on Monday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The second four-dayer will be played from 18 to 21 November. They will also play three 50-overs matches at the same venue from 25 to 29 November.Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games and Nuwanidu Fernando in the 50-overs series.

Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir have already represented Pakistan. Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.

This is the third red-ball series for Pakistan Shaheens in 2024 as they faced Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin and Islamabad earlier. “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series,” Shaheens captain Huraira said. “Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’, said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”

Pakistan Shaheens four-dayers squad:

Mohammad Huraira (captain) (Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)

Sri Lanka ‘A’ four-dayers 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 and Wanuja Sahan.