Pakistan are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan kicks off on Wednesday (January 7) at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, serving as key preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup starting February 7, 2026.
Pakistan arrives under Salman Ali Agha's captaincy with a revamped squad missing Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi due to Big Bash League commitments, but Shadab Khan's return adds all-round depth alongside Naseem Shah's pace threat. Historically, Pakistan leads with 14 wins from 24 T20I encounters, yet Sri Lanka's home advantage-where they've won 8 of their last 12 T20Is, levels the contest.
Recent form favours Pakistan after their
November 2025 T20I tri-series triumph over Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, but the hosts' middle-order firepower from Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis could prove decisive. Expect tight middle overs where spin versus Pakistan's aggressive batting will shape the series, setting the tone for both teams' World Cup campaigns in Sri Lankan conditions.
SL vs PAK T20I Series Schedule
The series features back-to-back matches over three days, all starting at 7:00 PM IST.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Jan 7, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Jan 9, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Jan 11, 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 7:00 PM |
Sri Lanka and Pakistan Squads
Sri Lanka: 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
Pakistan: 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 vs Pakistan Live Streaming Details
India
The matches will be broadcast on Sony Sports network, with streaming on Sony Liv app and website; FanCode also offers options for live-streaming in India.
Pakistan
The PTV Sports is likely to broadcast the series in Pakistan while Tamasha app may provide the live-streaming of the series.
