Islamabad [Pakistan]: Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka is eager for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan but admits it will be a tough challenge for his team on foreign soil.
The three-match ODI series is scheduled from November 11 to 15, followed by a tri-series starting November 17.
Sri Lanka enter the contest in strong form, having swept Zimbabwe 2-0 in August, with Pathum Nissanka earning the Player of the Series award for his outstanding batting performances.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will aim to extend their winning streak after a 2-1 ODI series victory over South Africa earlier this month.
The last meeting between the two sides came during the Asia Cup Super Fours, where Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka to secure a spot in the final.
“It’s always a tough series when it comes to Pakistan — their home, their conditions,” Asalanka said.
“Pakistan played good cricket in their last series, and so did we. We performed really well in Zimbabwe 30–45 days ago, especially our ODI unit.”
Sri Lanka will be without Matheesha Pathirana, who is recovering from an upper respiratory tract infection. Asitha Fernando has been named as his replacement.
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Afridi (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.
