The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (starting in February) takes a sharp turn through Dambulla this week. With the mega-event just around the corner, this three-match series serves as a critical dress rehearsal for both Asian giants.
While Sri Lanka will look to maximize their home advantage and fine-tune their spin combinations, Pakistan arrives with a new-look squad. The visitors have opted to rest several marquee players (including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who are featuring in the BBL), handing the reins to Salman Ali Agha to test the nation’s bench strength.
Squad outlook of Sri Lanka and Pakistan
Playing at home in Dambulla, Sri Lanka has doubled down on their greatest strength: spin. The squad features a terrifying array of slow-bowling options, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and the uncapped off-spinner Traveen Mathew. Dasun Shanaka continues to lead, bringing stability to a volatile format. The inclusion of “Slingers” like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, alongside young talent Eshan Malinga, ensures that even when spin isn’t operating, the attack remains unorthodox and difficult to pick. The return of experienced campaigners like Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva adds muscle to the batting lineup, supporting the flair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.
With their seniors in the BBL, Pakistan have unleashed a squad full of PSL performers and raw talent. The biggest headline is the inclusion of Usman Tariq, the mystery spinner whose paused action has baffled domestic batters. All eyes are on Shadab Khan. His return from injury is vital for Pakistan’s World Cup balance. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay is expected to bring explosive power to the top order, while Sahibzada Farhan gets another extended run to cement his spot. Even without Shaheen and Rauf, the pace attack looks lethal with Naseem Shah leading the line, supported by the skiddy Mohammad Wasim Jnr and the emerging Mohammad Salman Mirza.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series scheudule
| Match | Date | Venue | Teams | Timings (IST / GMT / Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Wed, Jan 7 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | 7:00 PM / 1:30 PM / 7:00 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Fri, Jan 9 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | 7:00 PM / 1:30 PM / 7:00 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Sun, Jan 11 2026 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | 7:00 PM / 1:30 PM / 7:00 PM |
Squads
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and Eshan Malinga.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Broadcast and Live Streaming details:
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha Television
- India: Sony Sports Network, Fan Code
- Pakistan: Tapmad
