Dilshan opt out of the Test Match

Sri Lanka has changed their opening combination and given a chance to Dinesh Chandimal to open the batting.But the change was not the expected one as Dilshan was not available for selection. hence, Paranavithana will get a another chance to open the innings in this match.Dilshan was unavailable for selection as he requested to be released from the team for this Test due to his two children being unwell. Dilshan scored a century in each of the two Tests prior to this.

Sri Lanka also dropped Nuwan Pradeep, who was off-colour at the SSC, and brought in Dilhara Fernando. Offspinner Suraj Randiv made way for medium-pace allrounder Thisara Perera.

Pakistan made two changes, leaving out left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who picked up a four-for at the SSC. Also out was seamer Aizaz Cheema, one of the weak links in Pakistan's attack in the previous Test. Umar Gul, having recovered from ankle injury, returned to the XI and so did Mohammad Sami, who bowled with plenty of pace and sharpness during the limited-overs series.