Sri Lanka Women (SL W) lock horns with Pakistan Women (PAK W) in the first T20I in a three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Friday, July 31.
Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka are coming into the T20I leg on the back of a morale-boosting ODI series win against Pakistan. The hosts lost the first ODI won but won the next two games to seal a series. They have a nice blend of youth and experience in the side.
On the other hand, Pakistan will be missing the services
of regular skipper Fatima Sana, who has joined the Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred Women's tournament. Muneeba Ali will take charge of a young but talented team.
SL W vs PAK W: Match Details
| Match | Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women, 1st T20I, Pakistan Women tour of Sri Lanka, 2026 |
| Date and Time (IST) | Friday, July 31, 10:00 AM |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| Broadcast and Live-Streaming details | FanCode (App & Website) |
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla: Pitch Report
The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is expected to favour the spinners heavily. It is an early start and there could be some moisture on the surface which the fast bowlers can exploit. However, as the game goes along, the spinners would come into the game more and more.
SL W vs PAK W: Head-to-Head T20I Record
| Matches Played | 21 |
| Won by SL W | 10 |
| Won by PAK W | 10 |
| Tied / No Results | 01 |
| First-ever Fixture | June 12, 2009 (SL W Won) |
| Most Recent Fixture | October 3, 2024 (PAK W Won) |
SL W vs PAK W: Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Women
Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama (WK), Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Meepage.
Pakistan Women
Eyman Fatima, Ayesha Zafar, Muneeba Ali (C), Najiha Alvi (WK), Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhtar, Nashra Sandhu, Tasmia Rubab, Momina Riasat, Maham Anees, Shawaal Zulfiqar.
SL W vs PAK W: Probable Best Performers of the Match
Probable Best Batter: Chamari Athapaththu
Chamari Athapaththu, the talismanic Sri Lankan captain, is going to be the batter to watch out for. If he can get herself set at the crease, the young Pakistan bowling attack can find it very difficult to stop her. Athapaththu could play a defining role in the series.
Probable Best Bowler: Nashra Sandhu
Nashra Sandhu, the left-arm spinner, will have a key role to play through the middle overs. It will be very important for Muneeba Ali to use Sandhu's four overs tactically. If Sandhu has a good game, Pakistan's chances of winning will increase exponentially.
