Dambulla: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha spoke confidently about his team’s preparations and strategy ahead of the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting on Wednesday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).
Agha discussed the team’s preparations and strategy for the upcoming World Cup during a pre-series press conference ahead of the three-match series against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday in Tambulla.
The all-rounder highlighted how playing in familiar conditions can give the team a strategic edge.
“Yes, we have been playing all the games in Sri Lanka before the World Cup. This series is preparation for the tournament and it will help us understand the conditions better. We have been touring here for many years, so we know the conditions well. It is always good to play the series here before the World Cup,” Agha said.
The middle-order batsman acknowledged the challenge of leading the team without some of Pakistan’s biggest stars, stressing the opportunity it offers to emerging talent.
“They are mega stars and have done very well for Pakistan, but the players we have brought here are also very good. We wanted to give them a chance. There are some players who are the future of Pakistan cricket and I hope they do well,” he said.
The all-rounder expressed his confidence on the team’s upcoming performance and highlighted Khawaja Nafai’s promising talent, highlighting his dual skills as a batsman and wicket-keeper.
“I think Khawaja Nafe is very exciting—a very good batsman. The best thing about him is that he can maintain that as well. We are very excited for him and we can give him a game,” he said.
“I hope he will perform the way he has been doing in domestic cricket and leagues and carry that form to international cricket. We have come here as a strong team and I hope everyone will contribute to win the series,” he added.
Agha recognized the returning players from the ILT20 tournament and welcomed them into the national team.
“Firstly, congratulations to the players coming from the ILT20—they won there. In my opinion, they are playing some good cricket and I hope they can continue the same form here when they play us,” he said.
When asked about Shadab Khan’s return following injury and how he plans to manage the team’s wealth of all-rounders, the 32-year-old reflected on the challenge and the opportunity it presents.
“He came back from a long injury and played well in the Big Bash League (PBL). It will be difficult to manage all those spinners and all-rounders, but to be honest, it’s a luxury for us to have so many all-rounders who can bat and bowl at any position.
It is to be noted that all the matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on January 7, 9 and 11 will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS).
The series has added significance as a key warm-up ahead of the T20 World Cup from February 7 to March 8.
Historically, the two teams have met in 27 T20Is in which Pakistan has won 16 encounters and Sri Lanka 11.
Pakistan squad for Sri Lanka T20:
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Faqar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shatab Khan, Uqman Khan and Uqman Khan.