Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I: The road to the 2026 T20 World Cup has officially begun in Dambulla today. Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first in the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first immediately paid off, with the visitors reducing Sri Lanka to 14/1 inside the first 3 overs, with opener Pathum Nissanka dismissed early.
Key Highlights (Live Updates):
- Toss Update: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first.
- Current Score: Sri Lanka 14/1 (3.2 Overs) (Live updates show early wickets falling).
- Early Damage: Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Mirza took early wickets, dismissing Sri Lanka’s opening batter Pathum Nissanka.
- Big Misses: Pakistan is playing without Babar Azam (BBL commitment) and Shaheen Afridi (Injury).
- Weather Check: There was a slight rain delay to the toss, but current conditions are cloudy with high humidity.
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka.
Main Match Report:
Pakistan’s New-Look Side Dominates Early
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I: Pakistan, led by stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha, has made a strong start to this three-match series. Despite missing some key players, Pakistan has fielded a youthful side, but their intensity and focus in the field has been high. Early breakthroughs were key, as Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Mirza removed Sri Lanka’s top batter, Pathum Nissanka, for a low score.
Sri Lanka Stumbles at Home
Sri Lanka, under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, is already under pressure at home. Pathum Nissanka, typically a reliable anchor for Sri Lanka, was dismissed for a low score, followed by Kamil Mishara. The experienced middle order, consisting of Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva, now needs to rebuild the innings on a pitch that has offered early movement for seamers.
World Cup Preparation Mode
This series is a crucial preparation for both teams as they fine-tune their squads for the T20 World Cup 2026, which is just weeks away.
- Sri Lanka is testing their batting depth with Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage in the middle order.
- Pakistan is evaluating their spin options, with Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed playing together in the side.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I: Playing XIs (Confirmed):
Sri Lanka (Playing XI):
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Nuwan Thushara
Pakistan (Playing XI):
- Saim Ayub
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Usman Khan (wk)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
Where to Watch (India):
- TV Channel: Sony Sports Network (Sony Ten 5 & Sony Ten 5 HD)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV App, Website, and FanCode.
A: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first.
A: Babar Azam is missing this series due to his commitments in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia.
A: The match is being played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka.
Transparency Note:
This live report is based on real-time match data available as of 7:30 PM IST, Jan 7, 2026 from Sony Sports Network Broadcast, Sri Lanka Cricket Official Twitter (@OfficialSLC), and ESPNcricinfo Live Scorecard.
