Overview:
The T20I rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka spans 27 matches, with Pakistan currently ahead on the win chart, having secured 16 results in their favour compared to Sri Lanka’s 11.
The first T20I of the three-match series sees Sri Lanka and Pakistan go head-to-head on Wednesday, January 7, as the contest begins at 7 PM IST.
The entire series will be staged at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Pakistan travel without several frontline names, including Babar Azam, injured pacer Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, all tied up with Big Bash League duties. Despite a few debutants in the squad, the visitors possess a lineup well suited to local conditions.
Sri Lanka enter the series at full strength, using the contest as a key checkpoint in their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For Pakistan, the tour holds added importance, with all of their World Cup fixtures scheduled in Sri Lanka, offering valuable exposure to local surfaces and conditions.
SL vs PAK Match Details
| Fixture | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, First T20 International |
| Tour | Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, T20I Series 2026 |
| Scheduled Date | Wednesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Start Time | 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM Local |
| Ground | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
Pitch report
Conditions in Dambulla generally favour the bowlers, with the pitch known to play slow and keep the bounce low, making timing a challenge for those at the crease. Expected cloudy weather may further aid the pacers by providing swing and seam early in the innings. Historically, teams chasing targets at this venue have tended to come out on top.
Weather report
Overhead conditions in Dambulla are likely to remain cloudy through the evening, with occasional showers on the radar. Temperatures should settle in the mid-20s, with moisture levels hovering near 75 percent.
SL vs PAK T20I head-to-head record
The T20I rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka spans 27 matches, with Pakistan currently ahead on the win chart, having secured 16 results in their favour compared to Sri Lanka’s 11.
| Matches Played | Pakistan won | Sri Lanka won | No Result |
| 27 | 16 | 11 | 0 |
SL vs PAK probable XI:
Pakistan: Shadab Khan, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dustmanth Chameera..
SL vs PAK Match Prediction
While Sri Lanka will draw confidence from familiar conditions at home, Pakistan have a more balanced and well-drilled side. With a stronger spin attack and several players show in form, Pakistan are tipped to come away with a victory in the opening T20I.