All eyes will be on Mahela Jayawardene as the former Sri Lanka captain steps out for his final Test series against Pakistan on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old will retire from the long form of the game after the second Test in his home city of Colombo later this month.
First comes the opening match in Galle, where Jayawardene will look to add to his 11,671 runs, the sixth highest of all time, in his 148th Test.
Read more: Sri Lanka and Pakistan get ready for Mahela Jayawardene finale
He needs another 283 runs to overtake Brian Lara in fifth, but team-mate and fellow stalwart of Sri Lanka’s batting Kumar Sangakkara is just six runs behind him.
Pakistan will hope to spoil the party, and captain Misbah-ul-Haq said his team will target Jayawardene.
Misbah told a press conference: “If we are to win the series in Sri Lanka, we have to ensure that their top batsmen, particularly Jayawardene, is not allowed to get many runs.
“I have a lot of respect for what he has achieved but we are going to Sri Lanka to win the two-Test series and we know how important it is for us to not allow their senior players to score.”
Sri Lanka have had a successful run since their drawn three-Test series with Pakistan at the start of the year, winning the World T20 as well as one-day and Test series in England.
They came out on the losing side of their recent series against South Africa, though, beaten in the opening Test in Galle before drawing the final match in Colombo.
“It is going to be a tough series because Sri Lanka have been playing a lot of Test and other cricket,” said Misbah.
“But we have prepared hard and I have confidence in our bowlers. Our spinners have traditionally done well in Sri Lanka but we are banking on our pace bowlers as well.”
In contrast to their opponents, Pakistan have not played a Test since facing Sri Lanka in January, and they have not won a series in two years.
Despite that they sit third in the rankings behind South Africa and Australia and, under new head coach Waqar Younis, have their sights set on top spot.
Misbah said: “We have a very good chance and it’s a big motivation for us to become top Test team.”
Sri Lanka will be without fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, who has not recovered from an ankle injury suffered against South Africa, but they are hoping Shaminda Eranga will be fit.
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8.15pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial (TB) Dh183,650 (D) 1,400m
9.50pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m
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Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
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The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
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Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
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SQUADS
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt), Azhar Ali, Shan Masood, Sami Aslam, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Usman Salahuddin, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Asghar, Bilal Asif, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Gamage
Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Nigel Llong (ENG)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
ICC match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 0
Wolves 2 (Traore 80', 90 4')
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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