Sri Lanka and Pakistan kick off their three-match T20I series today at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, a crucial warmup ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup where both teams will play extensively on Sri Lankan soil. This opener carries high stakes as the hosts aim to rebound from a shaky tri-series finish last year, while Pakistan rides momentum from their dominant home performances.
The fixture is Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st T20I / Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2025-26. It starts on January 7, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (7:00 PM IST). The venue is Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
Dambulla’s pitch offers a balanced contest, favoring batters early with good bounce in the powerplay before slowing down to assist spinners later; teams batting first have won six of nine T20Is here, with an average first-innings score around 163. Expect cloudy skies with a chance of occasional showers, temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius, and high humidity near 75%.
Both sides view this series as prime preparation for the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan getting vital exposure to Sri Lankan conditions since all their group games are here. Sri Lanka struggled in last year’s Pakistan tri-series, losing the final and dealing with disruptions like captaincy changes and security issues, but Dasun Shanaka’s return as skipper brings stability. Pakistan, meanwhile, arrives in strong form after clinching that tri-series, showing depth despite missing stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
PAK vs SL Match Details
- Match: 1st T20 Match
- Teams: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
- Date: 07 January 2026
- Time: 06:30 PM PST
- Venue: Dambulla International Stadium
PAK vs SL Live streaming Info
In Pakistan, the match is broadcast live on TV channels A Sports and Ten Sports. For live streaming, viewers in Pakistan can use the Tapmad and Tamasha apps.
- In Pakistan, A Sports and Ten Sports will broadcast all Pakistan vs South Africa Test matches live on TV. The matches will also be live-streamed on the Tapmad and Tamasha apps.
- In South Africa, SuperSport will provide live broadcast coverage of the series.
- In the United States, Willow TV will broadcast and livestream all Pakistan vs South Africa Test matches.
- In the United Kingdom, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s OTT platform, PCB Live, will stream the series live.
- In Sri Lanka, Dialog TV will broadcast the series live.
- In Bangladesh, TSports will provide live coverage of the matches.
- In the Middle East and North Africa, the series will be streamed live on Cricbuzz.
- In India, currently, there is no official broadcast or streaming package available for the Test series.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
The Tamasha app is a popular streaming platform in Pakistan that offers live cricket streaming, movies, TV dramas, and news channels.
Live Streaming Info:
SL vs PAK 2025 match will be live on PTV Sports.
Live Score Info:
Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
Pakistan Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan leads the T20I rivalry with 16 wins to Sri Lanka’s 11 across 27 matches. In the last five encounters, Sri Lanka edged ahead with three victories, including a tense six-run win, though Pakistan responded with comfortable chases like a seven-wicket triumph.
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their spin-heavy attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, who thrive on slowing pitches, paired with explosive top-order batting from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera. Weaknesses persist in middle-order consistency and pace bowling depth, evident in their recent LWWLL form where they faltered against Pakistan’s allrounders. Key players like Shanaka, back in charge, and Charith Asalanka need to fire after modest returns last year.
Pakistan boasts a balanced unit with dynamic openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, plus allround firepower from Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz, who dismantled Sri Lanka recently. Their recent WLWWW streak highlights bowling variety, including Naseem Shah’s pace, though batting depth beyond Fakhar Zaman could be tested if early wickets fall. Captain Salman Agha adds tactical nous despite middling personal stats.
Prediction
Pakistan holds the edge with superior recent momentum, a versatile spin attack suited to Dambulla, and key performers in form, likely securing a narrow win in a rain-interrupted chase.