Pakistan shift into World Cup T20 gear as Tri-series begins today

RAWALPINDI: The countdown to serious business has officially begun as Pakistan shift their full focus to T20 cricket with the launch of the high-stakes T20I Tri-Series, a stepping stone toward the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

With no other international commitments on the horizon, this 12-day event at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium offers Pakistan an un-missable opportunity to settle combinations, test depth, and define their blueprint for next year’s global showpiece.

The Tri-Series kicks off on Tuesday (today) with hosts Pakistan taking on Zimbabwe, while Sri Lanka, still smarting from their 3-0 ODI whitewash at the hands of Pakistan, join the contest as the third contender eager for redemption. Buoyed by a confidence-boosting 2-1 T20I series victory over South Africa earlier this month, Pakistan enter the competition with renewed belief and clarity of purpose.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, speaking ahead of the opener, underlined the significance of the upcoming matches for World Cup preparations. “This tri-series and the three T20s against South Africa form the core of our build-up to the World Cup,” he said. “Except for one or two adjustments, we are continuing with the same combination that featured against South Africa. Abdul Samad has been drafted in to add late-order firepower, while we are hopeful Hasan Nawaz will reclaim his place once he gains more domestic exposure.”

Salman praised the balance and versatility provided by all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, calling them “complete all-rounders” who offer Pakistan enhanced flexibility.

“With these all-rounders in the squad, we rarely feel the need for an extra bowler or batsman,” he added. “We will field our best possible XI throughout the tri-series with no compromises. We aim to win every game, and nothing will be left to chance.”

The captain emphasised that the timing of the tri-series could not have been better. “We have been performing consistently, winning the Sharjah tri-series, reaching the Asia Cup final, and beating South Africa and Sri Lanka in white-ball formats,” Salman said. “The ODI series against Sri Lanka showed our discipline and maturity. Now we want to take that momentum forward. The Rawalpindi crowd has always lifted us, and we expect high-quality cricket over the next fortnight.” Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, proudly calling himself a “Zimbabwean first,” issued a clear message: underestimate Zimbabwe at your own peril.

“I don’t know why we are often underrated. We have every chance of winning any match we play,” Raza said. “And when we beat top teams, please don’t label it an upset. We have beaten giants like Australia before and can beat anyone again.”

Raza confirmed that Zimbabwe’s initial target is to secure a place in the final. “Our aim is simple, reach the final. We have the ability, and we will fight for it,” he remarked.

Acknowledging Zimbabwe’s existing challenge of limited player depth, Raza added that development pathways are being strengthened. “In three to four years, this issue will be resolved. We will have a broader pool of players just like other top cricketing nations.” Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka, speaking at a pre-series media briefing, admitted the ODI performance was disappointing but insisted the T20 format offers a clean slate. “The ODI series didn’t go our way, but T20 is a completely different game,” he said. “We have the skillset and the spirit to turn things around with a stronger display.” Shanaka hoped fans would witness gripping cricket throughout the event.

“We are well-prepared and eager to show what we can do. I’m confident the Rawalpindi crowd will enjoy exciting cricket over the coming days.” The tri-series marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s cricketing calendar as the country continues to re-establish itself as a major international venue.

Under the format, each team will contest four league matches, with the top two sides progressing to the grand finale on Saturday, 29 November. All fixtures are set to begin at 6:00pm PST, with the toss scheduled for 5:30pm.

The hosts, led by in-form captain Salman Ali Agha, enter the competition with notable momentum in the T20 format. Earlier this year, Pakistan reached the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, followed by a 2-1 T20I series win against South Africa at home. They also delivered a commanding 3-0 sweep over Bangladesh in Lahore. Their buildup to the tri-series has been equally impressive. Pakistan recently wrapped up a full tour against South Africa, drawing the Test series 1-1 and clinching the ODI series 2-1 in Faisalabad. The Men in Green then dominated Sri Lanka with a clinical 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.