Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in 1st T20I [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka are set to face Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match T20I series. The first T20I will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7.
Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, have already announced their squad for the series. The hosts are coming into this match after suffering a defeat against Pakistan in the final of the recently concluded tri-nation series.
However, prior to that loss, Sri Lanka showed strong form by registering two consecutive victories against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. With key players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, and Wanindu Hasaranga in the lineup, the Sri Lankan squad appears well-balanced.
Pakistan rebuilding after Asia Cup 2025 debacle
On the other hand, Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha, have named a 15-member squad for the T20I series. The PCB has ommitted senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Babar Azam will not be available due to his BBL commitments while Shaheen’s recent injury has limited his participation.
Notably, Shadab Khan has returned to the side after recovering from a shoulder injury, while Abdul Samad and Khawaja Nafay have also earned selections.
The two teams last faced each other during the tri-nation series in Pakistan in 2025. The most recent bilateral T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka took place in 2019, where Sri Lanka secured a dominant 3-0 series win in Pakistan.
As both teams prepare for the opening clash, let’s take a look at the head-to-head records.
The highest team total in SL vs PAK T20Is is 211/3, scored by Sri Lanka at the Dubai ground in December 2013. Sri Lanka went on to win the match by 24 runs.
PAK vs SL Lowest Team Total in T20I
The lowest team total in SL vs PAK T20I history is 95 runs, recorded by Pakistan. They were dismissed in 17.4 overs during the match played in 2012 at Hambantota, where they went on to lose the game.
PAK vs SL Highest Individual Score in T20Is
Kusal Perera holds the record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan against Pakistan in T20Is, scoring 84 runs off 59 balls at the Dubai International Ground on 13 December 2013.
PAK vs SL Best Bowling Figures in T20Is
Mohammad Amir holds the best bowling figures in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20Is, having taken 4 wickets while conceding just 13 runs.
Most Runs In PAK vs SL T20Is
Shoaib Malik is the highest run-scorer in Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20Is , with 397 runs scored across 16 innings.
Most Wickets in PAK vs SL T20Is
Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20Is. The Sri Lankan all-rounder has claimed 18 wickets across nine innings.
Top Run Scorer of the last PAK vs SL T20I series
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan was the leading run-scorer in the most recent series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, amassing 191 runs across five innings.
Top Wicket Taker of the last PAK vs SL T20I series
Mohammad Nawaz was the leading wicket-taker of the most recent Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series, claiming 10 wickets across the series.
PAK vs SL T20I Form (Last 5 Match Win/Loss Record)
Teams
Form
Pakistan
W, W, W, L, W
Sri Lanka
L, L, W, W, L
Conclusion
Based on recent T20I form, Pakistan appear to have the upper hand, having won four of their last five matches. However, with Sri Lanka playing at home, they are likely to make the most of familiar conditions and will be eager to finish the three-match T20I series on a strong note.
![Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in 1st T20I [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767687885246_Sri lanka vs Pakistan.jpg)
Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in 1st T20I [Source: AFP]
