Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday, January 9. Pakistan were leading the series 1-0, as they won the opening match by six wickets.

Sri Lanka had a poor start to the tournament, as their batsmen were unable to turn good starts into decent scores. Janith Liyanage looked positive in the first match, but the team was unable to put up a decent score. To keep the series alive, the hosts will need a better batting performance in this match.

Pakistan, however, were impressive in the first match. The bowlers were able to limit Sri Lanka to a low score, while the batters chased down the target of 129 runs with ease. With confidence on their side, Pakistan will look to win again and seal the series.

SL vs PAK: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 25
  
• Sri Lanka Won: 10
• Pakistan Won: 15
  
• Tied/No Result: 0 

SL vs PAK: Pitch Report

The pitch at Dambulla usually helps teams batting first, but dew can make chasing easier later in the game. In past matches here, both batting first and chasing have worked. Bowlers can get some help early, while batters who settle in can score runs freely.

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SL vs PAK: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan (PAK):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed