Rawalpindi set for historic event today
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will contest a seven-match T20I tri-series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 18 to 29. The series marks the first-ever T20I tri-nation tournament hosted in Pakistan. Each team will play four league matches during the 12-day competition. The top two sides will qualify for the final on November 29.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, all matches will start at 6pm Pakistan time. The toss will take place at 5:30pm for every fixture. Officials said the schedule aims to ensure consistent match timings and smooth tournament operations.
Pakistan enter series with strong form
The home side, led by Salman Ali Agha, will enter the event with impressive recent T20I form. Earlier this year, Pakistan reached the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE. They later defeated South Africa 2-1 in a home T20I series. Recently, Pakistan swept Bangladesh 3-0 in Lahore with dominant performances.
Ahead of the tri-series, Pakistan completed a full bilateral series against South Africa. The teams played two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. Pakistan drew the Test series 1-1 and won the ODI series 2-1 in Faisalabad. They also secured a 3-0 ODI sweep against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Officials believe this momentum will benefit the squad in the upcoming tournament.
Skipper confident about preparation
Captain Salman Ali Agha said the tri-series arrives at the perfect time for Pakistan. He noted that the format allows consistent cricket against two competitive opponents. He said the matches will help refine strategies before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year. Salman praised his team’s recent performances, including wins in Sharjah, the Asia Cup campaign and white-ball success against South Africa and Sri Lanka. He added that strong Rawalpindi fan support will lift the players during the tournament.
Pakistan’s 15-member squad
The squad includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper) and Usman Tariq.
Series schedule
November 18 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 20 – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 22 – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 23 – Pakistan v Zimbabwe
November 25 – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe
November 27 – Pakistan v Sri Lanka
November 29 – Final
