![Babar Azam to lead Pakistan vs Sri Lanka [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794129524476_BabarAzamtoleadPakistanvsSriLanka.jpg?type=hq)
Babar Azam to lead Pakistan vs Sri Lanka [Source: AFP]
The stage is set for a riveting Test series as hosts, Pakistan, will collide with Sri Lanka in the first Test on Monday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both sides are virtually out of the WTC final race, and the two-match series provides them a chance to test their bench strength.
On Saturday, Pakistan made a couple of key changes in their Test squad, with fresh faces added by the PCB.
It has been a while since Pakistan won a Test series, and the hosts will aim to turn things around. Ahead of the Rawalpindi Test, here is a look at Pakistan’s predicted playing XI.
Openers and top order: Sameer Minhas, Azan Awais, Muhammad Tayyab Arif
Azan Awais, who has been solid in patches for Pakistan, will open for the Asian side against Sri Lanka in the first Test. The home matches provide him a chance to cement his permanent place in the red-ball setup.
Talented Pakistan player, Sameer Minhas is likely to partner Azan Awais at the top. While Awais can frustrate the bowlers with his gritty batting, Minhas can be the aggressor in the partnership.
Muhammad Tayyab Arif was drafted in the team at the last minute to replace Abdullah Fazal. The batter had accumulated 727 runs in seven matches at an average of 66.09 in the Kingsmen Academy Departmental first-class tournament, and he is likely to play the all-important 1st Test.
Middle order and all-rounders: Babar Azam(c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Ghazi Ghori(wk), Arafat Minhas
Under fire, captain Babar Azam is likely to bat at 3, as the skipper will hope to get some runs under his belt after a not-so-impressive Test series against England.
Just like Babar, Saud Shakeel, too, blew hot and cold in the England series, but he looked good in patches, and will be at number 5 after Babar in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan batter Salman Agha was dropped from the Test team midway through the England tour, but he was recalled to the side after stellar domestic performances. He remains a solid Test batter in Asian conditions, and the player loves to play against Sri Lanka.
There is a fight between Ghazi Ghori and Saad Baig for the keeper’s spot, but Ghazi averages 40.64, while Baig has an average of 36.34. At least for the first match, Pakistan might go ahead with a more traditional Test keeper-batter in Ghazi Ghori.
Arafat Minhas was outstanding in the tri-series, as he contributed with the ball and also with the bat in hand. He will come in handy at the lower order, and if the wicket is offering turn, Minhas could become dangerous.
Bowlers: Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas, Aamir Jamal
Razaullah was impressive in the Test match against England, and he was even compared with Waqar Younis for having a similar bowling action. The home Test match against Sri Lanka provides him a chance to cement his place in the red-ball team.
Mohammad Abbas has been Pakistan’s best pace bowling recently, and he’ll be eager to continue the good work which he left behind in the England Test series. Abbas will be crucial for Pakistan with the new ball in hand.
Aamir Jamal could complete the pace department for the first Test against Sri Lanka. He can deliver with the new ball and has the ability to take wickets with the old ball as well.
Pakistan Predicted XI vs Sri Lanka- SL Tour of PAK, 1st Test 2026
Sameer Minhas, Azan Awais, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Babar Azam(c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Ghazi Ghori(wk), Arafat Minhas, Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas, Aamir Jamal
