Overview:
Setting results aside, the series offers both teams a valuable simulation of World Cup pressure, helping them fine-tune execution, strengthen team balance and enter the tournament with clarity of purpose and belief.
The upcoming three-game T20I series in Dambulla is set to serve as a vital warm-up for Pakistan and Sri Lanka before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The short series arrives at the right time, allowing both teams to experiment, review options and build form ahead of the global tournament.
The series carries added importance for Pakistan, with several World Cup matches scheduled to be played in Sri Lanka under the hybrid hosting arrangement. The three T20Is will allow the side to adapt to slower conditions and trial different batting combinations, bowling patterns and middle-overs strategies.
Babar Azam will be unavailable due to his Big Bash League commitments with the Sydney Sixers, while Shadab Khan returns to the fold after representing the Sydney Thunder. Young batter Khawaja Nafay, fresh off an impressive PSL campaign with Quetta Gladiators, and off-spinner Usman Tariq, a T20I hat-trick holder, will also be closely watched.
Sri Lanka will begin the series under new leadership, with Dasun Shanaka taking over captaincy duties from Charith Asalanka. The side plans to take advantage of the home conditions to polish their tactical blueprint against a formidable opponent. The T20Is will be used to evaluate spin options, tighten plans for the closing overs and assess squad depth ahead of the World Cup.
Setting results aside, the series offers both teams a valuable simulation of World Cup pressure, helping them fine-tune execution, strengthen team balance and enter the tournament with clarity of purpose and belief.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20Is: Live Streaming details
What time do the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20Is begin?
All three T20Is between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will get going at 7:00 PM IST.
Where can you watch the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series?
Television coverage of the series is with Sony Sports Network, with viewers also able to stream the matches live on Sony LIV and FanCode.
SL vs PAK T20I series squads
Sri Lanka : Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
| Match | Fixture | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
| 1st T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | January 7, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | January 9, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | January 11, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |