World Cup Prep: Captains Shanaka and Agha Lead Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are gearing up for the T20 World Cup, with captains Dasun Shanaka and Salman Agha leading their respective teams. The two teams will face off in a three-match T20I series in Dambulla, starting today, as a crucial warm-up for the World Cup. Sri Lanka's squad, led by Shanaka, features a mix of experience and youth, with players like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The team is looking to fine-tune their combinations and build momentum ahead of the World Cup. At present, Pakistan are well-led by Salman Agha, even if his own performances haven't necessarily been stellar. Most recently, they stomped to victory in the home tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. In fact, the most recent T20I Sri Lanka or Pakistan have played was against each other, Pakistan strolling home with eight balls and plenty of wickets to spare after decking Sri Lanka for 114 in Rawalpindi. Pakistan, on the other hand, is missing several star players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who are currently playing in the Big Bash League. However, the team is expected to benefit from the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on February 7, with Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament alongside India.