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The stage is set for an exciting start to the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka as the two sides lock horns in the 1st T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday, 7 January 2026. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup just around the corner, this three‑match series is being treated as a crucial dress rehearsal for both teams, especially since Pakistan will play all their group and Super Eights matches on Sri Lankan soil.
Pakistan come into this series on the back of a strong home tri‑series win against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, where they comfortably chased down a modest total in the final. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are looking to rebuild after a mixed run in recent T20Is, including a loss to Pakistan in the tri‑series final. This series offers them a chance to regain confidence and fine‑tune their combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Pakistan lead the overall T20I head‑to‑head against Sri Lanka 14–10, but Sri Lanka have been dominant in recent encounters, winning five of the last six T20Is between the two sides. In their most recent meeting (in Pakistan), Pakistan chased down 115 with eight balls and plenty of wickets to spare, showing their ability to handle pressure in tight games.
Sri Lanka recent form (last 5 T20Is): L W W L L
Pakistan recent form (last 5 T20Is): W L W W W
Pakistan’s slightly better recent form and more settled T20I setup give them a small edge, but Sri Lanka’s home advantage and familiarity with the conditions cannot be ignored.
The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is known for being one of the more batting‑friendly venues in Sri Lanka, especially in T20 cricket. The pitch generally offers good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots freely, but there is also some assistance for spinners as the game progresses.
At this time of year, there is a chance of brief showers, but they are usually not long enough to wash out a match. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first and put up a big total, especially if the pitch is fresh and flat.
Dasun Shanaka (c): The all‑rounder captain has a decent record against Pakistan, scoring 160 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 118. His ability to finish games and bowl crucial overs will be vital.
Pathum Nissanka: A consistent top‑order batter who can anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s chief spinner and a genuine wicket‑taker in the middle overs; his battle against Pakistan’s middle order will be key.
Matheesha Pathirana / Dushmantha Chameera: The pace attack will rely on their pace and variations, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
Salman Ali Agha (c): The new T20I skipper has been leading Pakistan with a calm head, though his own batting numbers against Sri Lanka are modest (82 runs in 4 innings, SR 126). His leadership and all‑round role will be crucial.
Saim Ayub & Fakhar Zaman: The explosive opening pair will look to take advantage of the powerplay and set a strong platform.
Shadab Khan: Returning from injury, Shadab’s leg‑spin and middle‑order hitting could be a game‑changer, especially on a pitch that may assist spin.
Naseem Shah & Mohammad Wasim Jr.: With Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf missing, this young pace duo will lead the attack and will be tested against Sri Lanka’s aggressive batters.
Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis
All‑rounders: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga
Spinners: Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha
Others: Traveen Mathew
Probable Playing XI (1st T20I): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana / Nuwan Thushara.
Batters: Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Abdul Samad, Khawaja Nafay (wk)
All‑rounders: Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz
Wicketkeepers: Usman Khan (wk)
Pacers: Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
Spinners: Abrar Ahmed
Probable Playing XI (1st T20I): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
Match: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st T20I
Date: Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Start Time: 7:00 PM local time (Sri Lanka) / 6:00 PM Pakistan Time (PKT)
Live Streaming: Available on major sports platforms (Geo‑restrictions may apply).
Pakistan enter this series with a slightly more balanced and in‑form side, especially in their spin and pace departments. However, Sri Lanka’s home advantage, strong spin options, and recent head‑to‑head edge make them dangerous opponents.
If Pakistan’s openers can survive the powerplay and their spinners (Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar) can contain Sri Lanka’s middle order, they will be favourites to win the first T20I. But if Sri Lanka’s top order fires and Hasaranga & Theekshana dominate the middle overs, the hosts could take an early 1–0 lead in the series.
Expect a high‑quality, closely fought contest that will give both teams valuable World Cup preparation.