Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I Predicted Playing XI, Pitch Report & Match Preview

Date: January 7, 2026 Venue: Dambulla International Stadium Toss: 6:30 PM PKT | Match Start: 7:00 PM Local

The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially kicks off today in Dambulla. With the mega-event less than a month away, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are treating this three-match series as a critical dress rehearsal.

Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, enters the contest with a new-look side, missing key stalwarts due to Big Bash League commitments and injuries. Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka is looking to exploit home advantage with a spin-heavy arsenal.

Pakistan’s Strategy: A Test of Bench Strength

The “Men in Green” are without their usual heavyweights. Babar Azam is busy with the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, and Shaheen Afridi is sidelined with a knee injury. This absence forces Pakistan to test their depth.

• Top Order: The aggressive duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman is expected to open, tasked with maximizing the powerplay.
• The Engine Room: Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha will anchor the innings, while the return of Shadab Khan adds vital experience at number 4 or 5.
• Spin to Win: With the Dambulla surface in mind, Pakistan is likely to field a spin-heavy attack featuring mystery spinner Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, and all-rounders Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan.

Sri Lanka’s Strategy: Spin & Speed

Sri Lanka is fielding a formidable lineup. The inclusion of Kamil Mishara—who scored twin fifties against Pakistan in the 2025 Tri-Series—bolsters a batting order that already features the explosive Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

• Bowling Attack: The Lankans are sticking to their strength: world-class spin. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will look to choke the Pakistani middle order.
• Pace Battery: Matheesha Pathirana (Baby Malinga) and the experienced Dushmantha Chameera will handle the death overs.

Probable Playing XIs

Here are the predicted lineups for both teams based on recent form and squad announcements.

Pitch & Conditions Report

Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

• The Surface: Historically, Dambulla favors spinners as the game progresses. However, a fresh pitch for the first match might offer good bounce for the batters early on.
• The Dew Factor: Dew is expected to play a significant role in the second innings. This makes the toss crucial—the captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first to avoid gripping a wet ball in the defense.

Match Prediction

While Pakistan’s lineup is inexperienced, the mystery spin of Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed could trouble the hosts. However, Sri Lanka starts as favorites due to their full-strength squad and familiarity with home conditions.

Who do you think will win the 1st T20I?