Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Prediction, 1st T20I – Who will win today’s match between SL vs PAK?

Sri Lanka to Face Pakistan in Exciting Three-Match T20I Series

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are gearing up to battle it out in a thrilling three-match T20I series set to take place in Dambulla this week. The first match is scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday, January 7.

In a previous encounter during a T20I tri-series in Pakistan back in November 2025, which also featured Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Sri Lanka faced off. Pakistan managed to win one league game but lost another to Sri Lanka. However, they emerged victorious in the summit clash. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, suffered a defeat to Zimbabwe during the tour.

With both teams eyeing to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup starting on February 7, this series promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans.

Match Details:

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium is known to assist spinners, particularly during the second innings. Out of the nine matches played at the venue, teams batting first have won six times. The highest first-innings score recorded at the stadium stands at 209, while the lowest total was 89.

Head to Head Record in T20Is:

When it comes to T20Is, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have a history of intense battles, making this upcoming series even more exciting for fans of both teams.

Predicted Playing 11s:

Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.

Pakistan (PAK):
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.

Probable Top Performers:

Probable Best Batter — Sahibzada Farhan:
Sahibzada Farhan showcased his batting prowess in the tri-series in 2025, emerging as the highest run-scorer for Pakistan. With his impressive stats, he will be a key player to watch in the upcoming series.

Probable Best Bowler — Wanindu Hasaranga:
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to shine with the ball, especially utilizing the favorable conditions. His performance in the middle overs will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s success against Pakistan.

Today’s Match Prediction:

Based on the venue’s trends, the team batting first is predicted to have the upper hand in the match. It will be interesting to see how both Sri Lanka and Pakistan strategize to claim victory in this exciting T20I series.

Series History and Context:

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have a long-standing rivalry in cricket, dating back to their first-ever Test match in 1982. Over the years, both teams have faced each other in various formats, with T20Is becoming increasingly popular due to their fast-paced and thrilling nature. This series holds special significance for both sides as they look to assess their strengths and weaknesses before the T20 World Cup.

Historically, Pakistan has been a dominant force in the T20 format, showcasing explosive batting and skillful bowling. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has a reputation for producing talented players known for their flair and cricketing acumen. With both teams boasting a mix of experienced players and young talent, the series is expected to be closely contested.

Key Player Match-Ups:

One of the most anticipated aspects of the series is the battle between key players from both teams. Fans will be eager to see how Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive batting style matches up against Wanindu Hasaranga’s crafty spin bowling. The outcome of these individual battles could have a significant impact on the overall result of the matches.

In addition to these match-ups, the captains of both teams, Dasun Shanaka for Sri Lanka and Salman Ali Agha for Pakistan, will play a crucial role in leading their respective sides to victory. Their strategic decisions on the field and ability to inspire their teammates will be under scrutiny throughout the series.

Team Form and Momentum:

Heading into the series, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be looking to build momentum and confidence with strong performances. Sri Lanka will be aiming to bounce back from their recent series losses and showcase their potential as a competitive T20 side. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be eager to continue their winning streak and maintain their status as a formidable team in the T20 format.

The series presents an opportunity for players from both teams to stake their claim for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, adding an extra layer of competition and intensity to the matches. Each player will be looking to make a mark and contribute towards their team’s success in this high-stakes series.

Final Thoughts:

As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the exciting T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the stage is set for a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. With both teams hungry for victory and eager to showcase their talents on the international stage, fans can expect a fiercely competitive contest that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a riveting series filled with exhilarating moments, standout performances, and memorable cricketing action. The battle between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is set to captivate audiences and highlight the enduring appeal of T20 cricket as a dynamic and unpredictable format.