The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 officially begins today as Sri Lanka hosts Pakistan for the first of three T20 Internationals at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With the World Cup just a month away, both teams are using this series as a final testing ground to solidify their playing XIs.
Pakistan enters the series with a fresh look, led by Salman Ali Agha, as several senior players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are currently rested or busy with league commitments. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka sees a change in leadership with veteran Dasun Shanaka returning as captain.
Match Details
- Match: 1st T20I, Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
- Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
- Time: 7:00 PM local time (IST/PST)
Full Squads
Pakistan Squad
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka Squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Key Talking Points
- New-Look Pakistan: Without the “Big Four” (Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen, and Rauf), Pakistan is testing its bench strength. All eyes will be on the explosive Khawaja Nafay and the returning Shadab Khan.
- Shanaka’s Return: Following a captaincy shuffle, Dasun Shanaka is back at the helm. His experience will be vital in navigating the spin-friendly conditions of Dambulla.
- World Cup Preparation: This series is the final opportunity for fringe players to secure their spot in the 15-member World Cup rosters.
Series Schedule
- 1st T20I: January 7, Dambulla
- 2nd T20I: January 9, Dambulla
- 3rd T20I: January 11, Dambulla
