Who Will Win Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20 2026 Match Prediction – 11th January
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction for the 3rd and final T20I of the series points toward a high-stakes clash, with both teams eager to seize momentum in the decider at Rangiri Dambulla. With the second T20I abandoned due to persistent rain, the series now effectively boils down to this single encounter. Pakistan enter the contest with confidence, having outplayed Sri Lanka in the opening match and carrying an impressive recent T20 record since the Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will bank on home conditions and senior players stepping up when it matters most.
From a tactical standpoint, Pakistan appear more settled. Their batting has found stability at the top with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub providing brisk starts, while the middle order led by captain Salman Agha has shown composure under pressure. Pakistan’s biggest strength, however, lies in their bowling depth—particularly their spin trio of Abrar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, who are well suited to the slow, gripping conditions expected in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka’s challenge will be to counter that spin threat effectively. While the likes of Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka possess the skill to anchor and accelerate, inconsistency has plagued their batting unit. Wanindu Hasaranga remains Sri Lanka’s trump card, capable of turning matches with both bat and ball, and his duel against Pakistan’s middle order could define the outcome.
Given the stakes, conditions, and recent form, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction leans slightly in favor of the visitors. Pakistan’s superior balance and adaptability give them an edge, though Sri Lanka’s familiarity with Dambulla ensures a closely fought contest. With series pride on the line, fans can expect a tense and competitive finale.
- Series decider after rain washed out the 2nd T20I
- Pakistan boast stronger recent T20 form and bowling depth
- Sri Lanka rely heavily on Hasaranga and top-order stability
- Spin expected to play a decisive role at Dambulla
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 11 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla |
| Series | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I Series 2026 |
Team Preview
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka enter the series decider under pressure, knowing this is their final opportunity to level the contest. Their batting has shown flashes of promise but lacked consistency. Charith Asalanka, leading the side, must anchor the innings and provide stability, while Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka are expected to set the platform at the top. The middle order—featuring Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Janith Liyanage—needs to rotate strike efficiently against Pakistan’s spinners.
Bowling remains Sri Lanka’s stronger suit. Wanindu Hasaranga is the key weapon, especially on a surface that rewards spin. Mahesh Theekshana’s powerplay control and Nuwan Thushara’s variations at the death add depth. Dushmantha Chameera’s pace will be crucial to challenge Pakistan’s aggressive openers early.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan look the more settled unit heading into the decider. Their top order has delivered consistently, with Sahibzada Farhan in excellent touch and Saim Ayub complementing him with aggressive intent. Salman Agha has led calmly, while Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan add experience and firepower to the middle order.
Pakistan’s bowling attack is tailor-made for Dambulla. Abrar Ahmed has been outstanding, extracting turn and bounce, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz provide control and wicket-taking options. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr. offer pace support, ensuring balance across all phases.
Team Squad
Pakistan: Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera
Probable Playing XI
| Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Pathum Nissanka |
| Saim Ayub | Kusal Mendis (wk) |
| Salman Agha (c) | Charith Asalanka |
| Fakhar Zaman | Dhananjaya de Silva |
| Usman Khan (wk) | Dasun Shanaka (c) |
| Shadab Khan | Janith Liyanage |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Abrar Ahmed | Mahesh Theekshana |
| Naseem Shah | Nuwan Thushara |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr. | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Salman Mirza | Kamil Mishara |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Kusal Mendis |
| All-rounders | Shadab Khan, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Nawaz |
| Bowlers | Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mahesh Theekshana |
| Wicketkeeper | Usman Khan |
The fantasy combination favors all-rounders and spinners due to Dambulla conditions. Sahibzada Farhan’s form makes him a safe pick, while Kusal Mendis remains Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter. Shadab Khan and Hasaranga offer dual points with bat and ball. Abrar Ahmed is a must-pick given his recent wicket-taking ability on turning tracks.
Captain: Shadab Khan
Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
Avoid: Kamil Mishara, Salman Mirza
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match (Why)
Pakistan start this contest as the favourite due to their superior balance, recent form, and adaptability to subcontinental conditions. Over the last two years, Pakistan have shown remarkable consistency in T20 cricket, particularly against Asian opposition. Their batting lineup has greater depth and flexibility, with openers capable of exploiting the powerplay and a middle order that can both rebuild and accelerate.
More importantly, Pakistan’s bowling attack gives them a clear edge. The presence of multiple quality spinners, backed by disciplined pace options, makes them well-suited for the slow and turning surface at Dambulla.
Sri Lanka, while dangerous at home, have been inconsistent with the bat and often rely heavily on one or two individuals. Pakistan’s ability to take wickets in clusters and control the middle overs tilts the balance in their favour. If they execute their plans with discipline, Pakistan should control most phases of the match.
Pakistan T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 288 | 167 | 114 | 7 |
Pakistan are among the strongest T20 nations, known for producing elite fast bowlers and mystery spinners, combined with an aggressive batting approach suited to modern T20 cricket.
Sri Lanka T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 221 | 100 | 119 | 2 |
Sri Lanka’s T20 journey reflects rebuilding phases, with occasional highs driven by spin strength and experienced batters, but overall inconsistency has affected their long-term results.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 17 | 11 | 1 |
Pakistan hold a clear advantage in T20 head-to-head meetings against Sri Lanka, winning the majority of encounters, including key matches in neutral and subcontinental conditions.
Pitch Report
The Rangiri Dambulla pitch is traditionally slow and tends to assist spinners as the match progresses. Batting is easiest during the first six to eight overs when the ball comes nicely onto the bat. As the surface wears, grip and turn increase, making stroke play riskier. Teams that rotate strike well and preserve wickets generally post competitive totals. Pacers who use cutters and variations can be effective, especially at the death. A first-innings score in the range of 150–160 is usually considered par, while anything above 165 puts the chasing side under significant pressure.
Weather Report
Conditions in Dambulla are expected to be humid with partly cloudy skies. There is a slight chance of passing showers, but overall weather forecasts suggest minimal interruption to play during the evening.
Broadcast Details
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I will be broadcast live on FanCode. Viewers can also access live streaming through the FanCode app and website with a valid subscription.
Toss Prediction
Winning the toss, teams are likely to bat first to avoid chasing under lights if the pitch slows further. Pakistan are slightly favoured to call correctly at the toss in this match.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Probable Batsmen:
Sahibzada Farhan and Kusal Mendis are expected to play key roles. Farhan has been consistent at the top for Pakistan, handling both pace and spin well, while Mendis remains Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter in pressure situations.
Probable Bowlers:
Abrar Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga are likely to be the standout bowlers. Abrar’s variations and control make him extremely dangerous on slow pitches, especially in the middle overs. Hasaranga, meanwhile, thrives at Dambulla, offering wicket-taking ability along with excellent economy. Their spells could decide the momentum of the match.
Match Prediction
Considering recent form, squad balance, and suitability to conditions, Pakistan have a clear edge going into this series decider. Sri Lanka will fight hard at home, but Pakistan’s stronger bowling attack and deeper batting lineup should prove decisive.
Final Prediction: Pakistan to win the 3rd T20 and clinch the series.
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 3rd T20
When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I scheduled?
The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled to be played on Sunday, 11th January 2026.
Where will the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I be played?
The match will be held at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla.
What is the start time of the 3rd T20 match?
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local time.
Who won the first T20I of the series?
Pakistan won the first T20I with a dominant all-round performance.
Why was the second T20I abandoned?
The second T20I was abandoned due to persistent rain, preventing any play.
Who are the key players for Pakistan in this match?
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Shadab Khan are expected to be key contributors for Pakistan.
What kind of pitch is expected at Dambulla?
The Dambulla pitch is generally slow and spin-friendly, assisting spinners as the match progresses.
Who is predicted to win the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I?
Based on current form and squad balance, Pakistan are favourites to win the match and the series.
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