![Pakistan will face Sri Lanka for the 1st T20I on January 7 [Source: @PCB/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767684671023_SL_vs_PAK_1st_T20I_Preview.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan will face Sri Lanka for the 1st T20I on January 7 [Source: @PCB/X]
The Pakistan cricket team will be visiting Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I tour, and the first clash is scheduled for January 7 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The match will be live for fans from 7:00 PM IST.
PAK vs SL 1st T20I preview, 2O26
Pakistan
Pakistan is all set to enter the T20I series with a settled squad, led by Salman Ali Agha. There are notable exclusions in the form of Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam from the T20I squad, which will see Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Saim Ayub stabilising the top order.
With the ball, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, along with Mohammad Wasim, will be leading the bowling unit.
Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka is yet to announce their squad for the first T20I against Pakistan, it is understood that the selectors are likely to carry over several names from the preliminary squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Dasun Shanaka could lead the side, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis expected to anchor the top order.
Kamindu Mendis may serve as a solid middle-order all-round option, while the bowling attack is likely to be led by Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Top run scorers in PAK vs SL
We are only considering active players in the squad
Dasun Shanaka – 160 runs
Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka has scored 160 runs in 14 innings between 2015 and 2025, with a highest score of 54 and one fifty to his name, striking at 117.64.
Kamil Mishara – 157 runs
Kamil Mishara has impressed in a short span, amassing 157 runs in just three innings in 2025 at an outstanding average of 52.33, including two half-centuries with a top score of 76.
Sahibzada Farhan – 136 runs
Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has accumulated 136 runs in four innings in 2025, averaging 45.33 with a best of 80* and one fifty, while scoring at a brisk strike rate of 152.80.
Top wicket-takers in PAK vs SL
We are only considering active players in the squad
Wanindu Hasaranga – 18 wickets
Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has picked up 18 wickets in nine matches between 2019 and 2025, boasting an impressive average of 13.33 and an economy rate of 6.66, with best figures of 3/21.
Dushmantha Chameera – 7 wickets
Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera has claimed seven wickets in five matches from 2016 to 2025, registering best bowling figures of 4/20 while operating at an economy rate of 7.12.
Faheem Ashraf – 7 wickets
Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf has taken seven wickets in eight matches between 2017 and 2025, with best figures of 3/16 and an economy rate of 7.36.
PAK vs SL Key Stats
SL key records
- Sri Lanka usually dominates Pakistan at their home as they have won 4 out of 7 T20I matches there.
- Over the last one year in T20Is, Dasun Shanaka scored 222 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.7 and a strike rate of 133.7, including one half-century.
- Dushmantha Chameera last year, picked up 22 wickets in 14 T20Is, maintaining an economy rate of 7.39 with best figures of 4/20.
- Pathum Nissanka amassed 626 runs in 18 innings at an impressive average of 36.8 and a strike rate of 149.0 in the last one year including one century and four fifties.
- Pathum Nissanka vs Naseem Shah in T20Is: 7 runs; 7 balls; 0 dismissals
PAK key records
- Pakistan have won 16 out of 27 T20I matches against Sri Lanka.
- Pakistan boasts a W/L ratio of 1.454 against Sri Lanka, which means they have a 59.26% win rate against the team.
- The highest score of Pakistan against the Sri Lanka T20I team is 189, while the lowest score is 95 runs.
- Fakhar Zaman scored 512 runs in 21 innings last year at an average of 26.9 and a strike rate of 127.7, with two half-centuries and a top score of 77.
- Saim Ayub amassed 581 runs in 29 T20I innings last year and with the ball, picked up 21 wickets in 25 T20Is, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.75.
PAK vs SL key records which could be broken in 1st T20I, 2026
- Sahibzada Farhan is 143 runs away from completing 1,000 T20I runs.
- Fakhar Zaman is seven sixes away from registering his 100th six in T20Is.
- Wanindu Hasaranga is four wickets short of reaching 150 T20I wickets in his career.
