Not threatened by Azam says Sarfaraz ahead of Lankan challenge

• Skipper Sarfaraz says Sri Lanka capable of beating Pakistan.
• Sarfaraz delighted over the return of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal.

Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has stated that he is not threatened by vice captain Babar Azam, as the Men in Green prepares to take on Sri Lanka in the game’s shortest format tonight.

Addressing a press conference just ahead of the T20I match, Sarfaraz said that no team could be deemed weak in the T20I format, saying that the Sri Lankan side have some good players that are capable for an upset.

The captain expressed delight over the return of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, who are marking their returns after years and said that it is a great opportunity for both players to perform.

Talking about his spin artillery the skipper said that both Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are important bowlers. He further added that he has paid great attention to his fitness and will try to improve his performance.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka said that Pakistan is the world's number one T20I team, and will give their level best to win the game. He admitted that the team lacked key players but expressed full faith on his young guns.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will meet for the first T20I tonight (Saturday) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan has already won the One Day International (ODI) series 2-0 after the first match of the series was washed out.

T20I Squads:

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Umar Akmal, Asif Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed(Capt), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Shinwari

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera, Dasun Shanaka(Capt), Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Lahiru Madushanka, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Kumara, Wanindu Hasaranga