The first T-20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka today.
The first match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM PST.
Salman Agha and company will be looking to get used to the conditions because they will play all of their games of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Sri Lanka.
Though Pakistan are without some key faces like Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi, who are playing in the BBL. But they still have a strong squad.
Similarly, Sri Lanka are ready to produce some good games as they have almost all players ready.
On the other hand, Pakistan team skipper Salman Ali Agha has expressed the hope that the players will perform well.
“The series will enable us to adjust to the weather and conditions of Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.”
“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects. We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”
The other two matches will be played on 9 and 11 January as preparations intensify for the World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 7pm local time.
The series will help the national selection committee finalize Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the mega event.
Pakistan will play all their WC fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the forthcoming series a vital opportunity to adapt to local conditions.
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20I side.
The side has already won two tri-series tournaments and bilateral T20I series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa in 2025 under Agha’s leadership.
In the recent times, Pakistan have won three of the last five T20Is against Sri Lanka, which include win in the knockout match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and tri-series final in Rawalpindi.
Pakistan:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmad, Salman Mirza.
Sri Lanka:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
