RAWALPINDI: A three-nation T20 series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe starts today in Rawalpindi. The first match will be played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe this evening.
Pakistan’s T20 captain, Salman Ali Agha has said the team combination is strong, and the squad has top all-rounders.
“We’re not making any changes for now but will try to give new players a chance during the series,” he added.
Salman said they are working to improve the middle-order performance. “We’ll stick to the strategy that has been working and maintain the winning momentum,” he said.
The captain added that the team has quality all-rounders who will be given full opportunities. “Saim and I try to bowl as much as possible. I’ll try my best to perform well as captain,” he remarked.
He also said the middle order needs to perform better. “Abdul Samad will be used as a finisher. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind during the Asia Cup. I’ll bowl against left-handed batters,” he said.
Salman Ali Agha further stated that T20 is a format where no team can be taken lightly. He praised Pakistani fans for always supporting the team. “Pindi Stadium is always packed,” he said.
According to the schedule, each team will play four matches, with the top two teams advancing to the final on Saturday, November 29.
Series schedule (all matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium):
- November 18 – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- November 20 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- November 22 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- November 23 – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
- November 25 – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
- November 27 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
- November 29 – Final
Pakistan squad for the tri-series: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Waseem Jr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Usman Tariq.
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR MATCHES
The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued a traffic advisory for the ongoing Tri-Nations Cricket Series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, effective until November 29.
Over 300 traffic officers have been deployed to manage team movements and match-related traffic between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Roads including the Expressway and Srinagar Highway may experience delays, particularly during peak hours.
Motorists are advised to allow an extra 15–20 minutes for travel and consider alternative routes such as IJP Road, 9th Avenue, Margalla Road, and service roads. Drone surveillance and digital monitoring are being used to track congestion in real time.
Public transport may be diverted when needed, with continuous updates shared via social media and radio. Assistance is available through Pukar-15 or the ITP helpline at 1915.
