Sri Lanka and Pakistan will square off in a three match T20I series at Dambulla this week, with the first match of the series taking place at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7 (Wednesday). The series is a key buildup for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The home advantage will provide Sri Lanka an opportunity to capitalize on their home conditions; while Pakistan will be looking to assess their squad depth and scout potential combinations ahead of the global competition.

These two teams last faced each other during the T20I Tri-Series in Pakistan in November of 2025, along with Zimbabwe, where Pakistan had one win and one loss in league play against Sri Lanka, and eventually captured the trophy during the finals. Sri Lanka had a rough time in this tournament and also lost a match against Zimbabwe. As Pakistan begins this series, they will have to do so without several of their star players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammed Rizwan. This will provide an opportunity for several players to showcase their abilities.

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SL vs PAK, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

SL vs PAK, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

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.