PAK vs SL Match

6:00 PM IST A familiar rivalry resumes - International cricket continues to serve up plenty of action, and the Asian subcontinent has lately been buzzing with the longest format of the game. Adding to the mix, Pakistan and Sri Lanka lock horns in a two-match Test series, with the opening Test getting underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the teams move to Lahore for the second and final match. A record to set straight - There has already been plenty of cricket between these two sides in recent weeks, with the T20Is followed by the ongoing tri-series. Now, the focus shifts to the longest format as they switch to the whites and renew their Test rivalry for the first time since 2023. It is also their first Test meeting in Pakistan since 2019. Sri Lanka, though, have a bit of history to overcome. Their last Test win in Pakistan came way back in 2004, and they have gone winless in their five Tests there since. Their last Test series in the country was also back in 2000, so this tour gives them another chance to put that record behind them and make a fresh start. Plenty of ground to make up - The two sides find themselves in the lower half of the World Test Championship standings, but Sri Lanka have had the slightly better campaign so far. They sit 7th with 1 win, 2 defeats and 3 draws from 6 matches. Their most recent Test assignment came against India in August, where they lost the opening Test before battling back to secure a draw in the second. The visitors will take some encouragement from that fightback, even as they look to improve their overall record in the current cycle. Pakistan, meanwhile, are languishing at the bottom, having managed just 2 wins from 9 matches. Their campaign has been particularly disappointing, with a 3-0 series defeat in England adding to their struggles. Points deductions for slow over-rates have further dented their position. Experience meets fresh talent - Pakistan's batting will have plenty to prove after a difficult time in England. Babar Azam remains one of the key figures in the line-up and will be keen to rediscover his consistency in the longest format. Saud Shakeel is another important presence, with his ability to bat for long periods and anchor an innings likely to be crucial. The return of Salman Ali Agha adds valuable experience and balance to the middle order. He was dropped midway through the England tour and will be eager to make the most of his recall. Meanwhile, the selectors have opened the door to a new generation, with Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman earning maiden Test call-ups. Taha was particularly impressive in the President's Trophy, scoring 730 runs in 7 matches at an average of 66.36, including 3 centuries. His performances have put him firmly in contention for a place in the playing XI. Wicketkeeping options Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig provide further selection choices, adding to the competition for places. New faces in the bowling mix - Pakistan have made some interesting choices with their bowling resources for this series. Mohammad Abbas brings a wealth of experience and the ability to extract movement through disciplined lines, while Aamer Jamal's inclusion adds an all-round option and another capable fast bowler. Jamal has been in excellent domestic form, having picked up 7/32 in the President's Trophy final, besides contributing 55 with the bat. The hosts have also added fresh pace options in Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, both of whom impressed in domestic cricket and the recent practice match against Sri Lanka. Razaullah, who made an encouraging impression on his Test debut against England at Edgbaston earlier this year, also finds a place in the squad. The absence of specialist spin options such as Sajid Khan and Noman Ali from the updated squad is also worth noting. Ali Usman has been a late omission as well, leaving Arafat Minhas as the only specialist spin option in the squad. Mendis takes charge - Sri Lanka arrive with a change in leadership, with Kusal Mendis taking over the Test captaincy from Dhananjaya de Silva. Mendis will have plenty of responsibility, both as a leader and as one of the side's key batting figures. Dinesh Chandimal remains a vital presence, while Kamindu Mendis has established himself as one of the most exciting middle-order batters in Test cricket. Dhananjaya de Silva's all-round abilities add further depth, and the visitors will also look towards Kusal to provide consistency. There is, however, a significant absence to contend with. Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury, with Lahiru Udara named as his replacement. Udara has already shown what he can offer at this level, having scored a career-best 188 against West Indies earlier this year. Sonal Dinusha, meanwhile, was one of the standout performers in the recent series against India. He enjoyed a memorable run, scoring three centuries and an 84 across four innings, and will be keen to carry that form into this series. A varied bowling arsenal - Sri Lanka have a fairly well-rounded bowling combination, with experience and variety across both departments. Prabath Jayasuriya will be central to their spin-bowling plans, with Keshara Nuwantha likely to partner him if the conditions warrant the inclusion of two specialist spinners. The visitors also have several seam-bowling options at their disposal. Asitha Fernando brings control and the ability to move the ball, while Lahiru Kumara offers genuine pace. Dilshan Madushanka's return to the Test setup adds a left-arm dimension to the attack, and Milan Rathnayaka provides useful depth with both bat and ball. We have seen what Eshan Malinga can offer, particularly in the T20 format, and his inclusion in the Test format adds another exciting option to the visitors' bowling resources. Form (Last 5 Tests, recent first) - PAK - LLLWL | SL - DLDLW. What to expect? Pakistan have rolled out spin-friendly surfaces in recent times, but having just one specialist spinner in the squad suggests things could be a little different in Rawalpindi. The hosts might be looking at a surface that offers more to the pacers. Both sides have plenty to prove, and the series is anyone's to take. Who are you backing to come out on top in Rawalpindi?