The long-awaited test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins today, with the first match scheduled to start at 11:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (10:00 am local time).
The first test of the two-match series will be played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. The second test is a day-night fixture and will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, starting from October 06.
Sri Lankan Captain, Dinesh Chandimal has won the toss and decided to bat first on a slightly green pitch.
Haris Sohail and Sami Aslam are the replacements for the MisYou pair (Misbah-Younis), however, there will be a drastic shift in the batting order from the previous match.
Pakistan XI: Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk), Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali
There was the possibility of a debut for the 22-year old Sadeera Samarawickramain the top order for Sri Lanka however, the team management has decided to go with the experienced Karunaratne.
Sri Lanka XI: Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep
You can keep yourself updated with the match situation at the official YouTube channel of PTV Sports.
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
Ian Gould was set to officiate the match however, he is going to miss the match due to illness.
Richard Kettlebrogh has replaced him and he will be supervising the match along with Nigel Llong.
The latest ICC rules will come into effect in this match.