SL vs PAK 1st T20 Match Preview, Prediction, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

SL vs PAK 1st T20I Match Preview – The cricket world turns its attention to the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium as Sri Lanka hosts Pakistan in the opening fixture of their 2026 T20I series. Both teams are ushering in a new era with tactical shifts and fresh faces, making this first encounter a crucial tone-setter for the tour.

SL vs PAK Match Details

SL vs PAK Pitch & Weather Report

Pitch Report – The Dambulla surface is traditionally known to be balanced, offering something for both batters and bowlers. In evening matches, the ball tends to come onto the bat well under lights, but the slow nature of the track often aids spinners as the game progresses. A winning total is expected to be in the vicinity of 165–175.

Weather Report – The forecast for January 7th suggests clear skies with temperatures hovering around 24°C to 26°C. Humidity will likely increase as the night goes on, which might introduce some dew, making it slightly difficult for the team bowling second to grip the ball.

SL vs PAK Squads & Possible Playing 11

Pakistan Squad – Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Abdul Samad, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (w), Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka Squad – Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Traveen Mathew, Eshan Malinga, Janith Liyanage, Dushmantha Chameera.

SL vs PAK Predicted Playing 11

SL vs PAK Head-to-Head (Last 5 T20Is)

Historically, these two sides have shared a fierce rivalry. In their last five T20I encounters, Sri Lanka leads 3–2, including high-stakes victories in tournament finals. Pakistan, however, often thrives in subcontinental conditions similar to those in Dambulla.

SL vs PAK Match Prediction

This match promises to be a battle between Pakistan’s pace battery and Sri Lanka’s spin mastery. Pakistan will rely heavily on Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr to strike early, while Sri Lanka will look to Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to choke the runs in the middle overs.

Given the home advantage and a more settled spin attack suited for the Dambulla pitch, Sri Lanka starts as slight favorites. However, the explosive potential of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman means Pakistan can never be counted out.

Prediction: Sri Lanka to win a close contest.