In a two-match Test Series beginning on July 16, 2023, at Galle International Stadium, Galle, Pakistan (PAK) and Sri Lanka (SL) will begin their WTC 2023-25 conflict. The host side, Sri Lanka, will enter the match having dominated a World Cup qualifier with an all-around excellent performance, ultimately qualifying for the World Cup 2023.
Lakshitha Manasinghe has received her first call-up to the Test Squad, while Dilshan Madushanka has received a first call-up as well in place of Asitha Fernando, who is out with dengue, due to his recent performance. Dimuth Karunaratne, who has amassed 1040 runs in 23 innings at an average of 47.27, is crucial for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in Tests, while Angelo Mathews has also been excellent with an aggregate of 1458 runs in 38 innings at an average of 50.27. Prabath Jayasuriya was outstanding in the bowling department during the most recent series against Pakistan, taking 17 wickets in 4 innings.
Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis both recorded their first double century during the just finished tour against Ireland. The opposition, Pakistan, will enter the series having played brilliantly in the ODI series against New Zealand but poorly in the Tests, finishing the WTC 2021–23 cycle with no victories at home. In his return Test Series against New Zealand, Sarfaraz Ahmed was outstanding. For his outburst, which included 335 runs in four innings at an average of 83.75, he was named player of the series.
For the forthcoming series, Pakistan has picked a capable team, captained by Babar Azam. Mohammad Huraira and Aamer Jamal have been selected for the Test team for the first time. Babar Azam has an excellent record against Lanka, scoring 572 runs in 11 innings at an average of 63.55, while Sarfaraz Ahmed is the star performer against Lanka, amassing 469 runs in 8 innings at an average of 78.16.
Shaheen Afridi, a left-arm fast bowler who coincidentally played his last Test match at Galle against Sri Lanka in July 2022, has returned to the Test team. This is concerning for the Sri Lankan team because Afridi has a strong bowling record against them, having taken 12 wickets in 5 innings. Notably, a Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka concluded in a 1-1 draw in 2022, their most recent meeting. The WTC 2023–25 opener will be important for both teams.
In the meantime, the following are some significant figures and statistics before to the Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Comparison results: Pakistan dominated the competition with 21 victories to Sri Lanka’s 17, while 19 of the 57 games between the two sides have resulted in draws. Both teams have met 25 times in Sri Lanka, with Pakistan winning 9 times, losing 8 times, and 8 matches ending in draws.
Shaheen Afridi needs one more victory to reach 100 in Tests; she currently has 99.
Sarfaraz Ahmed (2992) needs eight runs to surpass the milestone of three thousand runs in tests.
Shan Masood (198) must hit two more fours to reach 200 in international cricket.
Abdullah Shafique, who now has 992, needs 8 runs to reach the milestone of 1000 runs in Test matches.
In order to reach 3000 runs in international cricket, Pathum Nissanka (2899) needs 101 runs.
Angelo Mathews (191) needs 9 more wickets to reach 200 career international cricket wickets.
To get 4000 runs in Test, Kusal Mendis (3938) needs 62 runs.
1 – Dhananjaya de Silva (49), who will play in his 50th Test for Sri Lanka, is one match away from the milestone.
1 – Dinesh Chandimal (299) needs one more game to play in 300 international games for Sri Lanka.PAKISTAN