PAK vs SL Weather Report, Pitch Report of Dambulla- 1st T20I, Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium [Source: X]

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in the opening match of the three-match T20I series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday, January 7. 

Pakistan will be led by Salman Ali Agha in this series, with several senior players unavailable due to overseas commitments. 

Babar Azam will miss the series as he is currently representing the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. In addition, Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out following a knee injury, which further reduces Pakistan’s pace-bowling firepower. 

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after losing the tri-nation series final against Pakistan on home soil. Sri Lanka boast a strong and well-balanced squad featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, and Matheesha Pathirana. 

With familiarity of local conditions and a well-rounded spin attack, Sri Lanka will aim to put pressure on the visitors from the outset and gain an early advantage in the series.

So, as both teams prepare for the opening clash, let’s take the weather and pitch report.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Weather Report for PAK vs SL 1st T20I

[Source: Accuweather.com]

According to reports from AccuWeather, the weather at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium could pose some challenges. The temperature is expected to hover around 24 degrees Celsius, with humid conditions prevailing throughout the day. 

However, there is a possibility of passing showers in the morning, followed by broken intervals of sunshine. Winds are likely to blow from the northeast at around 15 km/h. 

The probability of precipitation stands at 62%, while the chance of thunderstorms is approximately 12%. Cloud cover could reach up to 85%, which may assist swing bowlers during the early phases.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report for PAK vs SL 1st T20I

(Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium stats in men's T20Is)

The surface at Dambulla traditionally provides a balanced contest between bat and ball. New-ball bowlers often enjoy slight movement through the air, while seam movement off the pitch remains limited. Batters can play their shots freely once they settle at the crease. 

Notably, as the match progresses, spinners tend to come into play, with the pitch offering sharp turn at times. It is important to mention that a high-scoring encounter is unlikely.

As shown in the table, a total of nine T20I matches have been played at this venue, with teams batting first winning six encounters. The average batting first score stands at 123 and average bowling first stands at 117, which indicates a competitive and challenging surface.

Conclusion

Overall, the playing conditions at Dambulla are expected to favour spin and disciplined bowling. Notably, Pakistan arrive with a capable spin unit, while Sri Lanka enjoy the advantage of home conditions and familiarity with the surface. 

With Sri Lanka having a home advantage and strong spin resources led by Wanindu Hasranga, they may hold a slight edge in the opening match.

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