SL vs PAK, 3rd T20I: Head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs
Sri Lanka face Pakistan in a must-win final T20I at Dambulla, with the hosts aiming to level the series and the visitors looking to seal it.
Sri Lanka will face off against Pakistan in the third and final T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium this Sunday, 11th January 2026. Since Pakistan is in the lead, this match is of great importance to both sides, as Pakistan will try to win the series, while Sri Lanka will try to tie the series.
Sri Lanka are under pressure after a tough start to the series. In the opening match, they were bowled out for just 128 after being asked to bat first. Janith Liyanage was the only batter who showed resistance with a fighting knock. Pakistan chased the target comfortably to win by six wickets. The second game was, however, washed out by rain, giving Sri Lanka another chance to reset things and come back stronger at home.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have appeared well-prepared as they build towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. Their bowlers dominated the opening game, with Abrar Ahmed and Salman Mirza taking three wickets while Shadab Khan chipped in. Sahibzada Farhan started with the bat by scoring a confident half-century. The visitors will look to repeat that performance and finish the series on a high.
SL vs PAK: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
- Matches Played: 29
- Sri Lanka Won: 11
- Pakistan Won: 17
- No Result: 1
SL vs PAK: Pitch Report
The Dambulla pitch offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Batting is easier early on when the ball comes nicely onto the bat. As the match progresses, the surface slows down, making stroke play harder. Chasing under lights can be tricky here. A first-innings score around 160–170 is usually competitive.
See Also: IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs
SL vs PAK: Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Janith Liyanage
Pakistan (PAK):
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim
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