Zimbabwe will feature in next month's Twenty20 international tri-series in Pakistan after Afghanistan withdrew over political tension with the host country, officials said Saturday.

No politics, no boycotts, just pure cricket: the kind that creates drama, stirs emotions, and keeps fans -- old and new -- coming back for more.

As the regional tournament shifts briefly to Abu Dhabi today, Sri Lanka and Pakistan face off Super Four clash, each coming off losses in their previous matches.

Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage has made himself available for selection for today’s Asia Cup T20 Super Four clash against Bangladesh, just a day after the tragic passing of his father.

As it was such a personal and sensitive matter, the Sri Lankan team requested that no one ask questions about the tragedy.

That's what makes the Abu Dhabi fixture one of those rare moments multi-nation tournaments produce. Two sides fighting for survival, while a third watches nervously from afar.

There are probably very few in the cricketing world who have demonstrated adaptability like Sri Lanka legend Sanath Jayasuriya.

The result leaves Bangladesh under early pressure in Group B.

Despite doubts over star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) kept the leg-spinner in their 16-member squad for the Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Bangladesh ended the penultimate day of the Galle Test as the happier of the two sides thanks to opener Shadman Islam's 76 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto's unbeaten 56 as the visitors have reached 177-3 at stumps to lead Sri Lanka by 187 runs heading into the final day.

The 40-year-old was indicted before the High Court in the southern city of Hambantota on match-fixing charges relating to a local tournament in 2020.

Mathews, who made his Test debut at the same venue against Pakistan in 2009, has been a cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for over 15 years, excelling as both an all-rounder and a leader.

This series win crowns a strong three months for Sri Lanka under new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed Sri Lanka cricket head coach on Monday, replacing Chris Silverwood who quit following the country's early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Shanaka, who led Sri Lanka to victory in the 2022 T20 Asia Cup, was replaced as captain by Wanindu Hasaranga in December following the team's poor showing in the last three white-ball World Cups.

Sri Lanka were in dire straits at 6-3 after skipper De Silva won the toss, losing their first three wickets for no runs in 10 balls.

Dilshan Madushanka has been named as Thushara's replacement in the squad while Asitha Fernando has been named as Chameera's replacement.

The 26-year-old all-rounder quit following Sri Lanka's early exit from the T20 World Cup in June.

Sri Lanka's sports ministry has dispatched an officer to the United States to look into the welfare of the team, Fernando added.

Bangladesh enter the T20 World Cup with a bit of uncertainty as they continue to look for their strongest XI. Experienced opener Litton Das has been out of form of late with an average of 13.16 this year in six matches. Although teammate Tawhid Hridoy is confident that Das will make a strong comeback in the tournament.