International cricket returned to Pakistan last month as cricket-crazy nation recently hosted Sri Lanka for three T20I matches and three ODIs. Pakistan won ODI series 2-0 after opening game was washed out in Karachi. Sri Lanka, however, came back strongly in T20 series, defeating World 1 T20I side Pakistan 3-0 in front of ir home crowd.

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Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2019

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Initially, tour also included a Test series between two nations before it got pushed back by two months into Pakistan’s second home country UAE. After a dismal outing in 2019 World Cup in England, both teams were keen to make an impact in limited-overs format. Both teams failed to qualify for semis and ir scheduled encounter at County Ground in Bristol was called-off due to continuous rains. In spite of all controversies surrounding Pakistan’s performance in quadrennial event, regular captain Sarfaraz Ahmed continued as captain against Sri Lanka at home as well.

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SL players hail Pakistan as “safe nation to play cricket”

Due to security concerns in Pakistan, several top Sri Lankan players opted out of tour. ir withdrawal came at backdrop of attack on Sri Lankan team by gunmen when island nation toured Pakistan in 2009. Sri Lanka’s limited-overs captain Dimuth Karunaratne was also among players who dropped out. 50-overs specialist Lahiru Thirimanne was n appointed as a replacement skipper for ir ODI outfit. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Dasun Shanaka was selected to lead T20I side.

tour proceeded successfully as Sri Lanka’s opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka tweeted about his experience of playing in Pakistan after series. In his tweet, he mentioned that Pakistan is a safe place to play cricket and or teams should also visit country. Skipper Shanaka also thanked crowd in Pakistan for ir support and hospitality. Apart from players, even Lankan officials thanked country and handed over souvenirs to Pakistan’s security officials.

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