Sri Lanka win toss, elect to bowl against Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan handed Test debuts to four players as Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, marking the beginning of a significant rebuilding phase for the hosts.

The debutants are Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan, as Pakistan look to rebuild their fortunes in the longest format following a difficult run of results.

The other players named in Pakistan’s playing XI are Azan Awais, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in the revamped squad ahead of the series, saying the team was ready to fight back after its disappointing 3-0 defeat to England.

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam welcomes young Muhammad Tayyab Arif to the Test side 🤝✨#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan pic.twitter.com/AWsZ5qMmTM

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 9, 2026

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Azam said Pakistan had planned to give younger players opportunities during the England series and was now prepared to move forward with a new group.

“During the England series we had planned to give new players a chance, so I am ready to fight with these young players,” Azam said.

The two-match series is Pakistan’s first Test assignment since their heavy defeat in England, where seven players were sent home after the second Test. The subsequent overhaul also saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul dismissed in September, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson brought into the Test set-up.

Pakistan Test caps No. 2️⃣6️⃣9️⃣ to 2️⃣7️⃣2️⃣ 🇵🇰

Go well, boys! 💫#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan pic.twitter.com/0fWJeJsOLR

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 9, 2026

Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their squad, with several established names missing from the new line-up. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, former captain Shan Masood and specialist spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali are among those left out.

Only Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal have returned from the seven players sent home during the England tour, while five members of the side that featured in the final Test at Edgbaston have also been dropped.

The wider squad includes several newcomers, including batters Saad Baig and Sameer Minhas, as well as fast bowler Ali Shabbir. However, Pakistan have opted for a pace-oriented combination for the opening encounter, leaving Sajid and Noman out of the playing XI.

Pakistan look to rebuild Test fortunes

Pakistan enter the series after winning just two of their last nine Test matches, with the 3-0 whitewash in England highlighting their struggles in the format.

The changes to the coaching staff and playing personnel reflect an effort to establish a new direction, while the inclusion of young players offers an opportunity to strengthen the team’s options for the future.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Pakistan’s selection suggests a preference for pace-friendly conditions, with the hosts opting against including specialist spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. Arafat Minhas remains among the available spin options, while the inclusion of several all-rounders provides additional batting depth and bowling options.

Azam will also be hoping to rediscover his batting form. The Pakistan skipper has gone 40 Test innings without scoring a century, with his last three-figure score coming against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.

However, he remains confident about improving his performances, saying he had played several domestic matches and believed regular cricket would help him regain form.

“I have played a few domestic matches and think that the more I play I will improve, so I am confident,” he said.

Sri Lanka seek to exploit Pakistan’s weaknesses

Sri Lanka also arrive in Rawalpindi looking to improve their recent Test results. They have gone four Tests without a victory this year, although their resilient batting display in a drawn encounter against India offered encouragement.

Kusal Mendis is leading Sri Lanka in his first assignment as Test captain after replacing Dhananjaya de Silva last month. The visitors will rely on their experienced batting line-up to challenge Pakistan’s revamped bowling attack.

Mendis said he was excited about taking charge of the side and believed his players were prepared for the challenge.

“We have an experienced batting line-up, so we are ready for the challenge,” he said.

Sri Lanka will also look towards batter Sonal Dinusha, whose recent performances against India included an unbeaten 133 that helped his side secure a draw.

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya remains another key option for the visitors. He previously played a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s victory over Pakistan four years ago and could become increasingly influential as the Rawalpindi pitch wears.

World Test Championship and conditions

The series forms part of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, with Pakistan currently ninth and last in the standings, while Sri Lanka occupy seventh place.

The second Test is scheduled to begin in Lahore on November 17.

The Rawalpindi surface is expected to offer opportunities for batting, particularly during the opening days, although conditions could change as the match progresses. Pakistan will be hoping to make the most of home conditions and post a substantial first-innings total.

Rain is forecast for Thursday, while dry weather is expected for the remainder of the Test.

With four debutants in the playing XI and several senior players missing, Pakistan face an important opportunity to begin a new chapter in Test cricket, while Sri Lanka will look to take advantage of the hosts’ transition and secure an early lead in the series.