Pakistan will begin their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The hosts entered the contest with a revamped T20I setup after Sahibzada Farhan was appointed captain, replacing Salman Ali Agha, who has been left out of the shortest-format squad. The second and third T20Is will also be played in Rawalpindi on October 11 and 13.

Pakistan have named a 15-member squad for the series, featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and players who recently impressed at the Asian Games. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been rested from the T20I assignment, while Naseem Shah has returned to the format.

With several selection calls to make, here is the predicted Pakistan playing XI for the opening T20I against Sri Lanka.

1. Sahibzada Farhan (c)

Sahibzada Farhan is expected to open the innings and lead Pakistan in his first series as T20I captain. The right-hander has enjoyed an excellent year in T20 cricket and finished as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer at the 2026 T20 World Cup with 383 runs at a strike rate of 160.

His aggressive approach in the powerplay could be particularly important for Pakistan, while his leadership will be closely watched as he begins his tenure as captain.

2. Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub is likely to partner Farhan at the top of the order. The left-hander provides Pakistan with an ideal attacking option and can put pressure on Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers with his strokeplay.

His ability to bowl occasional left-arm spin also gives Pakistan an additional tactical option, although his primary responsibility will be to provide fast starts.

3. Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman could slot in at No. 3, giving Pakistan another left-handed batter capable of changing the game rapidly. His experience in international T20 cricket makes him an important member of the new-look lineup.

Fakhar’s power against pace could be particularly valuable if Sri Lanka’s seamers fail to find early movement.

4. Hasan Nawaz

Hasan Nawaz is expected to retain his place after an outstanding Asian Games campaign. He finished as Pakistan’s leading batter in the tournament with 123 runs and produced a spectacular 96 off 51 balls in the gold-medal match against India.

His ability to clear the boundary consistently makes him a major threat in the middle overs and during the death phase.

5. Khawaja Nafay (wk)

Khawaja Nafay could take responsibility behind the stumps while batting in the middle order. The wicketkeeper-batter is part of Pakistan’s 15-member squad and provides another technically capable option in the batting unit.

His selection would allow Pakistan to maintain a specialist wicketkeeper without significantly weakening their batting depth.

6. Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan should occupy the No. 6 position and provide crucial balance as a genuine all-rounder. His leg-spin gives Pakistan another option in the middle overs, while his ability to score quickly makes him dangerous with the bat.

The experienced all-rounder could also play a significant role as Pakistan look to control Sri Lanka’s middle-order batters.

7. Abdul Samad

Abdul Samad is another strong candidate for the lower middle order. He returns to Pakistan’s T20I setup after last representing the national side in the format in March 2025.

His power-hitting makes him an attractive option at No. 7, particularly if Pakistan need an aggressive finish to their innings.

8. Arafat Minhas

Arafat Minhas could provide Pakistan with another left-arm spin option and useful lower-order batting. His all-round ability gives the team flexibility, particularly if the Rawalpindi surface offers assistance to slower bowlers.

He can also provide a different angle from Shadab, allowing Farhan to rotate his bowling options according to the match situation.

9. Abrar Ahmed

Abrar Ahmed is likely to lead Pakistan’s specialist spin attack. The mystery spinner can be difficult to read and could play a major role against Sri Lanka’s middle order.

With Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth available for Sri Lanka, Pakistan could also look to counter the visitors’ spin threat with Abrar’s variations.

10. Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah is expected to spearhead the pace attack following his return to the T20I squad. He last played a T20I for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in February 2026.

His pace and ability to strike with the new ball could make him one of Pakistan’s most important players in the opening encounter.

11. Sufiyan Moqim

Sufiyan Moqim could complete Pakistan’s bowling attack as a left-arm wrist-spinner. He offers Farhan another wicket-taking option and can be particularly effective against batters who struggle to pick the ball from the hand.

His inclusion would also give Pakistan three different spin options alongside Shadab and Abrar.

Predicted Pakistan Playing XI vs Sri Lanka