Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the first of the three-match T20I series. This article will provide you with SL vs PAK Match Prediction, Toss Prediction, Score Prediction, Best Batter Prediction, and Best Bowler Prediction for the first game of the tour.
SL vs PAK Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 1st T20I? Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026:
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20I
Date: January 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Live streaming: Sony Liv
Live broadcast: Sony Sports
SL vs PAK Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have faced each other in 27 games when it comes to T20I cricket, with Pakistan having a five-match lead over the island nation.
The 2009 T20 World Cup champions have got the better of their opponent in 16 matches, while the 2014 T20 World Cup winners, Sri Lanka, have succeeded in winning the remaining 11 games.
Total Matches Played: 27
SL won: 11
PAK Won: 16
No Result: 00
SL vs PAK Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, which is going to host the first of three T20I matches to begin Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka, is expected to be a good one for a game of T20 cricket.
Meaning that it should have something in it for both batters and bowlers, with the former enjoying batting on this surface in the first six overs and the spinners coming into play in the middle overs, especially in the first innings.
Having said that, the extent of the spinners’ contribution in the game will depend on the amount of dew that sets in.
SL vs PAK Weather Report
There is a 65% chance of rain during the first T20I in Dambulla. The temperature is expected to be a high of 24 degrees and a low of 18 degrees during the game.
SL vs PAK Match Prediction- Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera
Pakistan Playing 11:
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Salman Ali Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmad
Form and Fitness
There are no form and fitness concerns in the first SL vs PAK T20I match.
Score Prediction
A score of 180-190 is what the team that bats first in the upcoming SL vs PAK T20I should look to post on the board.
Players to Perform Prediction
SL – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga
PAK– Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmad
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Sahibzada Farhan or Fakhar Zaman
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Dushmantha Chameera or Wanindu Hasaranga
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmad
Conclusion: Who will win the match?
Sri Lanka will start the match as the favourite and is expected to win the match.
