Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Who Will Win PAK vs SL 1st T20 Match on 7th January 2026?
Pakistan national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team prediction for the 1st T20I of the 2026 series sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive contest at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. This Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction is shaped by recent form, squad composition, and conditions in Dambulla, which traditionally favor bowlers who can vary pace and exploit grip from the surface. Pakistan arrive with confidence after defeating Sri Lanka in the recent T20 tri-series final in Rawalpindi, while Sri Lanka will rely heavily on home conditions to strike back.
Over the past 12 months, Sri Lanka’s T20 setup has revolved around Pathum Nissanka’s consistency at the top and Dushmantha Chameera’s penetration with the ball. Pakistan, on the other hand, have developed depth beyond their senior stars, with Sahibzada Farhan emerging as a reliable run-scorer and Mohammad Nawaz providing control and wickets through spin. This Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction also accounts for leadership changes, as Salman Agha leads Pakistan in the absence of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, while Charith Asalanka captains a settled Sri Lankan side.
Historically, Pakistan hold a slight edge in T20 head-to-head encounters, winning 16 of the 27 meetings. However, Sri Lanka’s familiarity with Dambulla conditions evens the contest considerably. The pitch is expected to be slower as the match progresses, placing a premium on adaptability and middle-overs execution. In summary, this Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction points toward a closely fought opener where disciplined bowling and smart batting rotations could decide the outcome.
- Pakistan have won the recent T20 tri-series final against Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka are strong at home, especially in spin-friendly conditions
- Sahibzada Farhan and Pathum Nissanka are key batters to watch
- Match expected to be low-to-moderate scoring at Dambulla
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 7 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla |
| Series | Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026 |
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka enter the opening T20I of the series with a well-balanced squad that blends experience and youthful energy. Playing at home in Dambulla gives them a strategic edge, as the surface often slows down and brings spinners into the game as the match progresses. Captain Charith Asalanka will be keen for a strong start, especially after falling short against Pakistan in the recent tri-series final.
The batting unit revolves around Pathum Nissanka, who has been Sri Lanka’s most consistent T20 batter since January 2025. In 17 matches, he has scored 611 runs at an average of 38.18, including a century and four half-centuries. His role at the top is crucial in setting a platform on a ground where chasing big totals can be tricky. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera provide experience and shot-making ability in the top order, while Dasun Shanaka adds power in the middle overs.
Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage offer flexibility, capable of rotating strike and accelerating when required. Sri Lanka’s challenge has often been converting starts into match-winning totals, something they will look to address in this series opener.
Bowling remains Sri Lanka’s biggest strength. Dushmantha Chameera has been outstanding in the T20 format over the past year, picking up 22 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 7.39. He will be supported by Nuwan Thushara, whose variations are effective in the death overs. The spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana gives Sri Lanka control in the middle overs, particularly on a surface like Dambulla.
Overall, Sri Lanka appear well-equipped to challenge Pakistan, provided their batters adapt quickly to conditions and avoid early collapses.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan begin the series under the leadership of Salman Agha, with senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi unavailable due to other commitments. Despite these absences, Pakistan still field a competitive squad with depth in both batting and bowling.
Sahibzada Farhan has been Pakistan’s standout T20 batter since January 2025, scoring 771 runs in 26 matches at an average of 30.84, including seven half-centuries. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate makes him vital at the top. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman bring aggression, while Usman Khan provides stability in the middle order.
Captain Salman Agha and Shadab Khan add all-round value, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. Pakistan’s batting approach is likely to be cautious in the powerplay before accelerating in the middle overs, given the nature of the pitch.
Bowling is where Pakistan may look to dominate. Mohammad Nawaz has been exceptional in the T20 format, claiming 36 wickets in 26 matches at an economy of 6.56 since January 2025. His ability to restrict runs and pick up wickets in the middle overs will be key. Abrar Ahmed offers mystery spin, while Naseem Shah provides pace and bounce upfront. Support from Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq ensures Pakistan have multiple bowling options to adapt to match situations.
Pakistan’s challenge will be adjusting quickly to Sri Lankan conditions, but their balanced attack gives them a realistic chance of starting the series with a win.
Team Squads
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera
Pakistan:
Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera
Pakistan:
Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Kusal Mendis |
| Batters | Pathum Nissanka, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman |
| All-rounders | Wanindu Hasaranga, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz |
| Bowlers | Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed |
This Fantasy Team XI is structured to maximize returns from players who contribute in multiple facets of the game while also accounting for conditions at Dambulla. Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are reliable top-order batters who consistently provide strong starts and are capable of anchoring the innings if early wickets fall. Fakhar Zaman adds explosiveness and boundary-hitting potential, which is valuable even on slower surfaces.
The all-rounder trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz forms the backbone of this fantasy setup. All three bowl in the middle overs, where wickets are most likely at Dambulla, and they also contribute crucial runs with the bat. Hasaranga’s wicket-taking ability, in particular, makes him a high-impact fantasy option.
In the bowling unit, Dushmantha Chameera and Naseem Shah provide pace and strike power with the new ball, while Mahesh Theekshana and Abrar Ahmed offer variation and control through spin. This combination ensures coverage across all phases of the innings, making the XI balanced and well-suited for fantasy contests.
Captain: Pathum Nissanka
Vice-Captain: Mohammad Nawaz
Players to Avoid: Janith Liyanage, Salman Mirza
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match (Why)
Pakistan national cricket team start as slight favourites in this contest due to their superior bowling depth and recent success against Sri Lanka in T20 cricket. Even without a few senior players, Pakistan possess a well-rounded attack featuring quality pace and spin options that suit the conditions in Dambulla. Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed can exploit the slow surface during the middle overs, while Naseem Shah’s ability to strike early gives Pakistan control in the powerplay.
Batting-wise, Pakistan may not appear as explosive as Sri Lanka on paper, but their lineup is more adaptable. Players like Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman can adjust their tempo based on match situations, which is crucial on a pitch where stroke-making becomes difficult later on. Overall, Pakistan’s balance and tactical flexibility give them an edge in this matchup.
Pakistan T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 287 | 166 | 114 | 7 |
Pakistan are one of the strongest T20 sides historically, known for producing match-winning fast bowlers and competitive teams across different conditions worldwide.
Sri Lanka T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220 | 100 | 118 | 2 |
Sri Lanka have rebuilt their T20 structure with young talent, showing steady improvement, especially in home conditions where spin bowling plays a key role.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 16 | 11 | 0 |
Pakistan hold a narrow historical advantage in T20Is against Sri Lanka national cricket team, but Sri Lanka remain highly competitive, particularly when playing at home.
Also Check: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head to Head in T20
Pitch Report
The Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium usually offers a slow and slightly dry surface, which tends to assist spinners as the match progresses. Batting is relatively easier in the first half, but timing the ball becomes challenging under lights. Teams batting first often look to post around 150–160, which is considered a competitive total. Spinners who vary their pace and bowl into the pitch are generally effective, while fast bowlers who rely on cutters and slower deliveries also find success in the death overs.
Weather Report
Weather conditions in Dambulla are expected to be clear and humid, with temperatures ranging between 26–28°C. There is minimal chance of rain, ensuring a full match without weather interruptions.
Broadcast Details
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I will be broadcast live on Fancode, providing live streaming, score updates, and highlights for viewers in India and other regions.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, aiming to put runs on the board before the pitch slows down. Defending a total is generally easier at Dambulla under lights.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsman: Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka is expected to play a crucial role at the top of the order. His ability to bat deep into the innings and rotate strike makes him well-suited for Dambulla’s conditions. If he survives the powerplay, he can anchor the innings and accelerate later.
Probable Bowler: Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz is likely to be Pakistan’s key bowler in this match. His left-arm spin, accuracy, and ability to bowl economically in the middle overs make him a constant wicket-taking threat, especially on a slow surface.
Match Prediction
Pakistan appear slightly better equipped to handle the conditions in Dambulla, particularly with their spin-heavy bowling attack and adaptable batting order. Sri Lanka will challenge strongly at home, but Pakistan’s middle-overs control could be decisive.
Final Prediction: Pakistan are expected to win a closely contested 1st T20I.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – PAK vs SL 1st T20
Who will win the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20 match?
Based on squad balance, recent form, and bowling depth, Pakistan national cricket team have a slight edge, but Sri Lanka’s home advantage keeps the contest competitive.
Where is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20 being played?
The match is scheduled at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
What is the pitch like at Dambulla for T20 matches?
The pitch is generally slow and spin-friendly, especially in the second innings. Batters need to apply themselves early, while spinners enjoy good assistance.
What is a good score in Dambulla T20 matches?
A first-innings total between 150 and 165 is considered competitive at this venue.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Pakistan, Pathum Nissanka and Mohammad Nawaz are key. For Sri Lanka national cricket team, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera are crucial.
Which team has a better head-to-head record in T20Is?
Pakistan lead the head-to-head record against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals.
Will dew play a role in this match?
Dew is usually minimal at Dambulla, making bowling conditions fairly consistent across both innings.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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