The historic T20I in Lahore preponed by an hour

The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka which will be played on October 29 in Lahore has been preponed by an hour. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been working hard to revive the International cricket in the country. Sri Lanka is all set to become the first major team to tour the country since the terrorist attack on their team in 2009. The Men in Green have been since playing all the cricket in their adopted home in Dubai.

Though the top players of the country refused to travel Pakistan citing security reasons, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) kept their word of touring the country and picked the players who agreed to travel. The occasion marks a historic one especially for the fans as they have been deprived of some quality cricket all these years. They hosted World XI in September for a series of three T20 Internationals successfully at Gaddafi Stadium which should boost their confidence. However, a successful organisation of the game involving an International team should pave way for teams to visit Pakistan.

Why was the match preponed?

According to the Press Release by PCB, the match will start at 6 pm which was originally scheduled to commence at 7 pm. The start has been preponed by an hour due to the prevailing weather and dew conditions in Lahore. The gates of the Stadium would be open for the spectators three hours prior to the scheduled start of the match at 3 pm. They are advised to reach on time as a special opening ceremony is also arranged by the board at 4:45 pm.

Will Sri Lanka win the 2nd T20I?

Sri Lanka are lagging in the series and are now facing the must-win situation in the second T20I on Friday. They once again struggled with their batting in the first game and would love to take it to the decider in Lahore. If the series stays alive, it will only increase the excitement of players and the fans. But for that to happen, Thisara Perera led side has to play extremely well to beat the well equipped Pakistan side.