On Wednesday (June 22), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced an 18-member squad for Pakistan's forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka, which will get underway on July 16 in Galle. The squad sees the return of former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed whereas veteran spinner Yasir Shah has also regained his spot, after missing out on the home Test series versus Australia early this year.

Yasir was last seen in action for Pakistan against West Indies, held last year, but wasn't prefered for the home Tests against Pat Cummins-led Aussies. He reclaimed his place, leading to Sajid Khan's omission. After the team was announced, former spinner Danish Kaneria&nbsp;slammed PCB and came down heavily on the selection. He didn't approve of Sarfaraz's return and also feels that Sajid should have retained his spot after playing all Tests versus the Baggy Greens.

"I don't understand on what basis the selectors have picked the team. It seems like the selectors will never improve and think about players while picking a team. I don't know how Ramiz (Raja) approved this team. Some changes were needed after Australia defeated Pakistan in their own backyard. Off-spinner Sajid Khan played all the Test matches against Australia, but Pakistan didn't give a chance to Yasir Shah, who would have gotten exposed against the Aussie batters. Sajid has been unfairly treated. They also removed Usman Qadir and didn't play him against Australia either. Zahid Mahmood was also omitted without any reason. I'm not sure whether Babar (Azam) or (Mohammad) Wasim are picking the team or doing favours for friends," Kaneria said on his&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;channel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pacer-hasan-ali-trolled-on-instagram-by-moral-police-after-sharing-pictures-of-his-wife-and-daughter-490622">Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali trolled on Instagram by moral police after sharing pictures of his wife and daughter</a>

"Sarfaraz has also been included in the Test set-up. He won't be getting into the eleven because of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead of Sarfaraz, a young player could have been a part of the side. They also put Haris Rauf in the Test squad, but Shahnawaz Dahani can be a better bowler in the longer format. Rauf should have been kept for the T20 format."

"Pakistan need to make a team for the future, but it seems like the current selection committee is doing favours. One who offers gifts and keeps selectors happy gets into the team. Hardworking and honest players are being treated unfairly," Kaneria added.

Babar-led Pakistan will play two Tests in the Island nation, next month, in Galle and Colombo, respectively. They are ranked fifth in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, a spot below Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka.

Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood and Yasir Sha

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On Wednesday (June 22), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced an 18-member squad for Pakistan's forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka, which will get underway on July 16 in Galle.

On Wednesday (June 22), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced an 18-member squad for Pakistan's forthcoming two-match Test series versus Sri Lanka, which will get underway on July 16 in Galle. The squad sees the return of former captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed whereas veteran spinner Yasir Shah has also regained his spot, after missing out on the home Test series versus Australia early this year. Yasir was last seen in action for Pakistan against West Indies, held last year, but wasn't prefered for the home Tests against Pat Cummins-led Aussies. He reclaimed his place, leading to Sajid Khan's omission. After the team was announced, former spinner Danish Kaneria slammed PCB and came down heavily on the selection. He didn't approve of Sarfaraz's return and also feels that Sajid should have retained his spot after playing all Tests versus the Baggy Greens. "I don't understand on what basis the selectors have picked the team. It seems like the selectors will never improve and think about players while picking a team. I don't know how Ramiz (Raja) approved this team. Some changes were needed after Australia defeated Pakistan in their own backyard. Off-spinner Sajid Khan played all the Test matches against Australia, but Pakistan didn't give a chance to Yasir Shah, who would have gotten exposed against the Aussie batters. Sajid has been unfairly treated. They also removed Usman Qadir and didn't play him against Australia either. Zahid Mahmood was also omitted without any reason. I'm not sure whether Babar (Azam) or (Mohammad) Wasim are picking the team or doing favours for friends," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. ALSO READ | Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali trolled on Instagram by moral police after sharing pictures of his wife and daughter "Sarfaraz has also been included in the Test set-up. He won't be getting into the eleven because of Mohammad Rizwan. Instead of Sarfaraz, a young player could have been a part of the side. They also put Haris Rauf in the Test squad, but Shahnawaz Dahani can be a better bowler in the longer format. Rauf should have been kept for the T20 format." "Pakistan need to make a team for the future, but it seems like the current selection committee is doing favours. One who offers gifts and keeps selectors happy gets into the team. Hardworking and honest players are being treated unfairly," Kaneria added. Babar-led Pakistan will play two Tests in the Island nation, next month, in Galle and Colombo, respectively. They are ranked fifth in the points table of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, a spot below Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka. Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood and Yasir Sha

'One who offers gifts...': Danish Kaneria reacts, lashes out at PCB after Test team announced for SL tour

Pakistan celebrated the return of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">Test cricket</a> for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">second test </a>in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212.

Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close.

Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31.

Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series.

Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-test-day-1-pakistan-batsmen-fail-to-grab-initiative-against-lanka-269218">first test of the series</a> in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather.

Pakistan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/our-pride-has-been-hurt-says-azhar-ali-after-losing-test-series-against-australia-266799">Azhar Ali</a> thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return.

"Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional."

"Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come."

Sri Lankan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suranga-lakmal-to-miss-sri-lankas-tour-of-pakistan-due-to-dengue-267040">Dimuth Karunaratne</a> praised Pakistan.

"We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne.

Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures.&nbsp;

Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test.

The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

From the other end leg-spinner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-australia-beat-pakistan-by-an-innings-and-5-runs-264221">Yasir Shah</a> had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries.

Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home.

It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992.&nbsp;

The win lifts Pakistan to third in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-spearhead-boult-a-doubt-for-first-test-267610">World Test Championship</a> table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw.

India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0. It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212. Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close. Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31. Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series. Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years. The first test of the series in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return. "Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional." "Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come." Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised Pakistan. "We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne. Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures. Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test. The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. From the other end leg-spinner, Yasir Shah had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries. Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home. It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992. The win lifts Pakistan to third in the World Test Championship table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw. India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Cricket: Pakistan seal triumphant Test cricket return with Sri Lanka win

The second Test between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rawalpindi-test-rain-bad-light-plays-spoilsport-as-sri-lanka-defy-pakistan-267918">Pakistan and Sri Lanka</a> in Karachi hangs in balance after a dramatic opening day saw the fall of 13 wickets.

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali had no hesitation in opting to bat first on a wicket that looked green but has traditionally been a batting paradise.

Vishwa Fernando struck twice in the seventh over to give the Sri Lankans an early lift.

Babar Azam and Abid Ali then stitched together a promising 55-run stand but it was ended by Lahiru Kumara sending back Ali for 38.

Half-centuries from Babar Azam and Asad Shafique were the only positives for Pakistan in a shoddy batting display and once they were dismissed, the rest followed in a heap.

Left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and Kumara picked up four wickets each as Pakistan were skittled out for just 191 at the start of the final session.

Sri Lanka did not find batting easy when they took to the field for their first innings either.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohd Abbas troubled the batsmen constantly by getting the ball to swing and were able to dismiss Oshada Fernando, captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis before stumps leaving the Lankans on 64 for 3 and trailing by 127 runs.

The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Karachi hangs in balance after a dramatic opening day saw the fall of 13 wickets. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali had no hesitation in opting to bat first on a wicket that looked green but has traditionally been a batting paradise.

The second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Karachi hangs in balance after a dramatic opening day saw the fall of 13 wickets. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali had no hesitation in opting to bat first on a wicket that looked green but has traditionally been a batting paradise. Vishwa Fernando struck twice in the seventh over to give the Sri Lankans an early lift. Babar Azam and Abid Ali then stitched together a promising 55-run stand but it was ended by Lahiru Kumara sending back Ali for 38. Half-centuries from Babar Azam and Asad Shafique were the only positives for Pakistan in a shoddy batting display and once they were dismissed, the rest followed in a heap. Left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and Kumara picked up four wickets each as Pakistan were skittled out for just 191 at the start of the final session. Sri Lanka did not find batting easy when they took to the field for their first innings either. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohd Abbas troubled the batsmen constantly by getting the ball to swing and were able to dismiss Oshada Fernando, captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis before stumps leaving the Lankans on 64 for 3 and trailing by 127 runs.

Karachi Test, Day-1: Pakistan batsmen fail to grab initiative against Lanka

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/first-test-pak-pacers-make-merry-as-lankan-batsmen-falter-on-day-1-267736">historic Rawalpindi Test</a> between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today.

Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session.

Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33.

De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later.

At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two.

The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play.

The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.

A combination of rain and bad light played spoilsport on the second day of the historic Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Thursday. The visitors had battled their way to 202 for 5 on an already truncated day 1, however, only 16.2 more overs of play was possible today. Dhananjaya de Silva reached his sixth Test fifty and added 20 runs to the team score with his overnight partner Niroshan Dickwella until the first rain interruption that washed out the entire second session. Play resumed at 1:45pm local time and De Silva and Dickwella's partnership swelled to 67 runs but Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the breakthrough by having Dickwella caught at gully for 33. De Silva though had taken his tally to 72 and was at the crease with Dilruwan Perera (85.3) when bad light forced the players off again at 2:30pm and play was abandoned for the day an hour later. At the close Sri Lanka were 263-6 with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 72 and Dilruwan Perera not out on two. The Rawalpindi Test is taking place in Pakistan for the first time after Lahore terror strike in 2009 which led to Pakistan's isolation as countries refused to tour, however, with the current Test interest has once again generated in the country, but fans were left frustrated as showers on the first day, then downpour on Thursday led to large-scale disruption disappointing those gathered to watch the day's play. The second Test starts in Karachi from December 19.

Rawalpindi Test: Rain, bad light plays spoilsport as Sri Lanka defy Pakistan on day-2

Test cricket returns to Pakistan for the first time in a decade today as Sri Lanka lock horns with the hosts in Rawalpindi for the opening game of the two-match series.

The visiting Sri Lankan team were given a warm reception on their arrival in Islamabad on Monday - with the Pakistan cricket board keen to mark this series as a watershed moment.

The two captains posed with the trophy for the series - which is officially part of the ICC world test championships - in Rawalpindi before going through the paces with their respective sides.

The hosts are keen to bounce back from a disastrous tour of Australia in which they suffered big innings defeats in both matches. In fact, they have not won a Test series since beating Australia in Dubai last year.

Pakistan will find a familiar face in the opposition camp - that of their former coach Mickey Arthur who is now in charge of the Sri Lankans.

The Islanders last played Tests in august in a home series against new Zealand that ended in a 1-1 draw. Before that, they had stunned South Africa in South Africa before the world cup.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and opted to&nbsp;bat&nbsp;under overcast skies in the opening&nbsp;test&nbsp;against hosts&nbsp;Pakistan.

Experienced middle-order&nbsp;batsman Dinesh Chandimal is back in the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;side for the first time since losing the captaincy after their defeat by Australia in Canberra in February.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;included one frontline spinner in Dilruwan Perera, dropped opening&nbsp;batsman Lahiru Thirimanne and brought in Oshada Fernando, who played the last of his two&nbsp;tests in February against South Africa.

The hosts, led by Azhar Ali, went with an all-pace attack with four fast bowlers in debutant Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.

Opening&nbsp;batsman Abid Ali will make his debut in place of Imam-ul-Haq while there was no place for experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Teams

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;- Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Pakistan&nbsp;- Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali (captain), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi

(With inputs from agencies)

Test cricket returns to Pakistan for the first time in a decade today as Sri Lanka lock horns with the hosts in Rawalpindi for the opening game of the two-match series.

Test cricket returns to Pakistan for the first time in a decade today as Sri Lanka lock horns with the hosts in Rawalpindi for the opening game of the two-match series. The visiting Sri Lankan team were given a warm reception on their arrival in Islamabad on Monday - with the Pakistan cricket board keen to mark this series as a watershed moment. The two captains posed with the trophy for the series - which is officially part of the ICC world test championships - in Rawalpindi before going through the paces with their respective sides. The hosts are keen to bounce back from a disastrous tour of Australia in which they suffered big innings defeats in both matches. In fact, they have not won a Test series since beating Australia in Dubai last year. Pakistan will find a familiar face in the opposition camp - that of their former coach Mickey Arthur who is now in charge of the Sri Lankans. The Islanders last played Tests in august in a home series against new Zealand that ended in a 1-1 draw. Before that, they had stunned South Africa in South Africa before the world cup. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and opted to bat under overcast skies in the opening test against hosts Pakistan. Experienced middle-order batsman Dinesh Chandimal is back in the Sri Lanka side for the first time since losing the captaincy after their defeat by Australia in Canberra in February. Sri Lanka included one frontline spinner in Dilruwan Perera, dropped opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanne and brought in Oshada Fernando, who played the last of his two tests in February against South Africa. The hosts, led by Azhar Ali, went with an all-pace attack with four fast bowlers in debutant Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi. Opening batsman Abid Ali will make his debut in place of Imam-ul-Haq while there was no place for experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah. Teams Sri Lanka - Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara Pakistan - Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali (captain), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, 2019: Sri Lanka bat first as Test cricket returns to Pakistan after 10 years

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday.

He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

Sri Lanka have also given former skipper Dinesh Chandimal a chance to fight his way back into the national team, now led by Dimuth Karunaratne.&nbsp;

The 30-year-old Chandimal played his last Test in Australia in February.

He was included in the squad that played New Zealand in August but did not play a match.

In October, half of the 16 Sri Lankan players originally named to play in a limited-overs series in Pakistan refused to travel, citing security fears.&nbsp;

The Test squad left Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters in Colombo Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka lost October's three-match one-day international series in Pakistan, but won the three T20 matches.

New skipper Karunaratne was one of the eight players who stayed away from that tour.

The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, &nbsp;Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lakshan Sandakan. Substitute player from the end Test: Asitha Fernando.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday. He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Suranga Lakmal will miss a two-match Test series in Pakistan after contracting dengue fever, Sri Lanka's cricket board announced Sunday. He will be replaced by Asitha Fernando, who will join the squad for the second match of the series, the first to be played in Pakistan for more than a decade following a militant attack on a touring Sri Lankan team in March 2009. Sri Lanka have also given former skipper Dinesh Chandimal a chance to fight his way back into the national team, now led by Dimuth Karunaratne. The 30-year-old Chandimal played his last Test in Australia in February. He was included in the squad that played New Zealand in August but did not play a match. In October, half of the 16 Sri Lankan players originally named to play in a limited-overs series in Pakistan refused to travel, citing security fears. The Test squad left Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters in Colombo Sunday after receiving blessings from Buddhist monks. Sri Lanka lost October's three-match one-day international series in Pakistan, but won the three T20 matches. New skipper Karunaratne was one of the eight players who stayed away from that tour. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from December 11. Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lakshan Sandakan. Substitute player from the end Test: Asitha Fernando.

Suranga Lakmal to miss Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan due to dengue

For two teams coming off rejuvenating victories, match number 11 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 could end up a dampener.

The forecast for Bristol on Friday (June 7) is for heavy rain all through the day. At 10:30 am local time, when this match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is due to begin, the chance of rain is predicted for 80 per cent. It is not a situation either team will fancy, for a washed out game could end up hurting them in the back end of the tournament.

Locals reckon the rain won’t let up, so we could all be in for a frustrating day.

Sri Lanka have never beaten Pakistan in a World Cup match, but Dimuth Karunaratne is confident that his team can become the first to do so. After losing to New Zealand by ten wickets, Sri Lanka overcame a scare against Afghanistan to find some momentum, which Karunaratne said instilled a greater sense of belief in the squad.

Up against the most unpredictable team in the sport, Sri Lanka are ready for a fightback. In this World Cup, Pakistan were bowled out for 105 by West Indies and then made 348 to beat England. What Pakistan team turns up in their third match remains to be seen.

Twenty years separated Pakistan’s only two ODI matches in Bristol. During the 1999 World Cup, they beat West Indies here. Last month, they lost here to England by six wickets despite scoring 358.

Match details

What: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Where: County Ground, Bristol

When: 10:30am local time (3:00pm IST)

Weather: Rain is predicted in scattered bursts from 1am until the late afternoon.

Team news

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka trained unbroken during the morning, under mostly grey skies, but the rain did not interrupt their practice session. Each member of the team practised, with Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis, in particular, getting more throw-downs. It was not surprising, given their poor scores in the World Cup.

Sri Lanka are not expected to make any changes to their last XI, with Karunaratne putting faith in the batsmen.

Sri Lanka likely XI: 1 Dimuth Karunarate, 2 Kusal Perera (wk), 3 Lahiru Thirimanne, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Nuwan Pradeep

Pakistan’s practice session was briefly delayed by rain. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the skipper, was the first to turn up on the ground and ran a couple laps on his own. The team appeared in good spirits as it began a game of football and the mood remained upbeat during fielding, batting and bowling practice.

Pakistan likely XI: 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Sarfaraz Ahme (capt/wk), 6 Asif Ali, 7 Shoaib Malik, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Wahab Riaz, 11 Mohammad Amir

Stats

Head to head in 134 ODIs, West Indies have won 71 matches and Pakistan 60. Three matches have been tied.

Pakistan’s record in ODIs at the Country Ground is one win and one loss.

West Indies have lost all four ODIs played here.

Quotes

“I definitely do sense quite a bit of confidence, especially, like, in the meeting we had this morning. Since we have won, well it took off a lot of the pressure definitely, having gone through those string of defeats. Psychologically, that lifts a huge weight from their shoulders.” – Grant Flower, Pakistan batting coach

“We just need a win. It always give us the confidence if you get a win, any team, with any team, that is what we want. Finally, we got that. After that, we did really good things in that particular match, and also we have some parts to learn more, many things about the batting.” – Dimuth Karunaratne

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/cricket-world-cup-2019-bristol-rain-threatens-to-dampen-upbeat-pakistan-and-sri-lanka-fixture-853074">original article</a>)&nbsp;

For two teams coming off rejuvenating victories, match number 11 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 could end up a dampener. The forecast for Bristol on Friday (June 7) is for heavy rain all through the day.

For two teams coming off rejuvenating victories, match number 11 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 could end up a dampener. The forecast for Bristol on Friday (June 7) is for heavy rain all through the day. At 10:30 am local time, when this match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is due to begin, the chance of rain is predicted for 80 per cent. It is not a situation either team will fancy, for a washed out game could end up hurting them in the back end of the tournament. Locals reckon the rain won’t let up, so we could all be in for a frustrating day. Sri Lanka have never beaten Pakistan in a World Cup match, but Dimuth Karunaratne is confident that his team can become the first to do so. After losing to New Zealand by ten wickets, Sri Lanka overcame a scare against Afghanistan to find some momentum, which Karunaratne said instilled a greater sense of belief in the squad. Up against the most unpredictable team in the sport, Sri Lanka are ready for a fightback. In this World Cup, Pakistan were bowled out for 105 by West Indies and then made 348 to beat England. What Pakistan team turns up in their third match remains to be seen. Twenty years separated Pakistan’s only two ODI matches in Bristol. During the 1999 World Cup, they beat West Indies here. Last month, they lost here to England by six wickets despite scoring 358. Match details What: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Where: County Ground, Bristol When: 10:30am local time (3:00pm IST) Weather: Rain is predicted in scattered bursts from 1am until the late afternoon. Team news Sri Lanka Sri Lanka trained unbroken during the morning, under mostly grey skies, but the rain did not interrupt their practice session. Each member of the team practised, with Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis, in particular, getting more throw-downs. It was not surprising, given their poor scores in the World Cup. Sri Lanka are not expected to make any changes to their last XI, with Karunaratne putting faith in the batsmen. Sri Lanka likely XI: 1 Dimuth Karunarate, 2 Kusal Perera (wk), 3 Lahiru Thirimanne, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Suranga Lakmal, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Nuwan Pradeep Pakistan’s practice session was briefly delayed by rain. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the skipper, was the first to turn up on the ground and ran a couple laps on his own. The team appeared in good spirits as it began a game of football and the mood remained upbeat during fielding, batting and bowling practice. Pakistan likely XI: 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Sarfaraz Ahme (capt/wk), 6 Asif Ali, 7 Shoaib Malik, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Wahab Riaz, 11 Mohammad Amir Stats Head to head in 134 ODIs, West Indies have won 71 matches and Pakistan 60. Three matches have been tied. Pakistan’s record in ODIs at the Country Ground is one win and one loss. West Indies have lost all four ODIs played here. Quotes “I definitely do sense quite a bit of confidence, especially, like, in the meeting we had this morning. Since we have won, well it took off a lot of the pressure definitely, having gone through those string of defeats. Psychologically, that lifts a huge weight from their shoulders.” – Grant Flower, Pakistan batting coach “We just need a win. It always give us the confidence if you get a win, any team, with any team, that is what we want. Finally, we got that. After that, we did really good things in that particular match, and also we have some parts to learn more, many things about the batting.” – Dimuth Karunaratne (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article)

Cricket World Cup 2019: Bristol rain threatens to dampen upbeat Pakistan and Sri Lanka fixture

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