HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, Pakistan in Sri Lanka 3 T20I Series 2026, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Pakistan's reply. Dasun Shanaka leads his troops out onto the park. It will be the left-hand, right-hand combination of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan to open the innings for the visiting side. Nuwan Thushara will open the attack for Sri Lanka. Farhan to face the first ball. A slip in place. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

The two-paced nature of the surface and the way the two Pakistani leg-spinners got purchase from it is something Sri Lanka can cling to for hope. That said, given the rain around, parts of the park beyond the fence are still wet, and whenever the ball has come back from there, the bowlers have had to wipe it dry. That will make life tough for the spinners. As for Pakistan, they will be confident enough to gun down this total and will be after a steady start that puts them in good stead for the rest of the chase. Back in a bit for the second essay.

Janith Liyanage brought some stability to the home side, first through his partnership with Charith Asalanka and then with Wanindu Hasaranga. He had his share of luck, though, having been dropped twice, on 4 and 21, with the first chance being the easier one, but Sahibzada Farhan could not cling on. The stand with Hasaranga gave the momentum the hosts were in search of, but once that partnership was broken, it did not take long for the innings to taper off. From being 127/6, Sri Lanka were folded for 128, losing 4 wickets for just one run.

Pakistan opted to make first use of the surface and the moisture from the rain that had been around Dambulla. While the movement off the deck or through the air was not a lot, it was the two-paced nature of the surface that messed with the batters' timing early on. That led to the downfall of the two Lankan openers. After the pacers, it were the spinners who tightened the screws in the middle phase. Shadab Khan bowled as if he had never been out of the side, while it was business as usual for Abrar Ahmed. Their combined figures read 8-0-50-5 with Abrar picking 3 wickets.

Well, it all fizzled out for Sri Lanka towards the back end. The home side will be disappointed with their effort. While there were brief sparks of promise, they could never really hit the top gear. A job well done from Pakistan after electing to bowl first, and while there is still work left to be done, they will be pleased with how it panned out for them in the field.

Mohammad Wasim to Maheesh Theekshana, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Speedy delivery, a full ball outside off at 85 mph, Maheesh Theekshana tries to drive but misses. There is an appeal from the keeper, and Wasim joins late. The umpire has refused to join, though. Usman Khan convinces his skipper to take the DRS. UltraEdge detects a spike as the ball is next to the bat. The catch taken by the keeper is also clean. The on-field umpire changes his decision. Sri Lanka are all out for 128 in 19.2 overs.

Mohammad Wasim to Maheesh Theekshana, Fails to put away the full toss. Mohammad Wasim attempts the yorker but dishes out a full toss on middle, Maheesh Theekshana hits but finds mid off.

Mohammad Nawaz (2-0-7-1) to deliver the final over.

Salman Mirza to Nuwan Thushara, Clever change in pace. On a length and outside off, Nuwan has a tame push inside the line and misses. Salman finishes with 4-0-18-3.

Salman Mirza to Nuwan Thushara, Beauty! Salman dishes out a length ball around off, holding its line, Nuwan Thushara goes back and tries to defend but is beaten all ends up.

Salman Mirza to Nuwan Thushara, Pitches it up and outside off, Thushara reaches out and pushes it to covers.

After it looked like Sri Lanka had set themselves up for a good finish, it has all fallen apart. Nuwan Thushara is the last man in.

Salman Mirza to Dushmantha Chameera, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust, and Sri Lanka are one away from getting bowled out. In the channel outside off, on a length, Dushmantha Chameera finds it in his range to go over the extra cover fielder but fails to get the desired elevation. It lobs towards Shadab Khan, inside the ring, and he doesn't make any mistake. Pakistan are all over Sri Lanka like a rash. Salman Mirza has three in the match!

Salman Mirza to Maheesh Theekshana, Yorker on middle, Maheesh Theekshana digs it out towards long on for a run.

The new batter is...Maheesh Theekshana.

Salman Mirza to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! CAUGHT! After a brief spark, Sri Lankan innings is going downhill. Salman Mirza speeds in and delivers a short ball outside off. Dasun Shanaka throws his hands at it as he attempts to cut. The idea is right but not the execution. It takes the top half of his blade and flies towards deep backward point. Faheem Ashraf makes no mistake and the Sri Lankan skipper departs after a sorry outing.

The spin trio is done with their overs. Their combined figures read 12-0-90-5. Salman Mirza to bowl the penultimate over. 3-0-17-1 so far for the left-arm quick.

Abrar Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, Slower through the air, full and on middle, Chameera leans forward and offers a copybook defensive shot. 3 for 25 in 4 overs, Abrar has done an amazing job!

Abrar Ahmed to Dushmantha Chameera, Googly, around off, Chameera tries to slog over the leg side but misses.

Janith Liyanage's departure has come at an inopportune time for Sri Lanka. Dasun Shanaka will have to face the maximum balls from here if the home side is to reach 150. Dushmantha Chameera joins Shanaka out in the middle. A slip in place for the new batter.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, OUT! CAUGHT! Abrar Ahmed stays true to his wicket-taking reputation. Janith Liyanage's stay ends on 40 off 31 balls, a knock that promised more after being put down on 4 and again on 21. He tried to provide some impetus but perishes at a crucial moment. Abrar tosses it up on off, Liyanage goes for the big one downtown but fails to middle it. The ball hangs in the air towards long on, where Mohammad Nawaz settles under it and takes a comfortable catch.

Abrar Ahmed to Dasun Shanaka, The leggie goes short and on off, Shanaka again goes back and this time he eases it down to long on. Rotates the strike.

Abrar Ahmed to Dasun Shanaka, Another brace. Abrar serves it slower, outside off, Shanaka rocks back to cut but under-edges it past the keeper. The ball scoots away to third man and they cross a couple of times.

Abrar Ahmed to Dasun Shanaka, A googly, landing full and around off, Shanaka kneels down and slogs it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Wait, the throw from the deep is very weak and they get one extra run.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Quicker one, short and on off, Janith moves back and forces it down to long on. A good effort near the fence and the batters take two runs. 9 coming from this over, 18 balls left in the innings, can Sri Lanka cross 150?

Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, Again follows the batter down the leg side, a quicker one, Shanaka knocks it down to long on for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Finds the fence. Nawaz continues to drop the length short, around off, Dasun Shanaka shuffles back to make room and whacks it through extra cover. No chance for long off, moving to his left.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Follows the batter, around middle and leg, Janith Liyanage moves back and forces it towards point. They take a quick run.

Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, Flatter again, on off, punched to sweeper cover for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, Play and a miss! Flatter and on middle, on the shorter side, Dasun tries to go back and play the pull but misses. There is extra bounce and Usman Khan takes a blow on his stomach as he attempts to collect the ball.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, 7 runs and a wicket from this over! Tossed up, outside off, Janith Liyanage goes down and across to play the reverse sweep but it takes the top edge. The ball drops safely, wide of short fine.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Aerial but safe. Loopy and around off, Janith Liyanage plays a mistimed drive in the air and it falls safely at covers. Saim Ayub comes running in and misfields slightly, prompting the second run.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Flighted and around off, drifting in, Janith tries to play straight but possibly gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Abrar Ahmed to Dasun Shanaka, Fuller and on middle, Dasun eases it off his pads to deep square leg for a single.

Abrar Ahmed has broken through. This has been the story of the innings, whenever Sri Lanka begin to build some momentum, Pakistan strike back. The newly appointed skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks out to bat.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! Wanindu Hasaranga holes out! This wicket has come against the run of play and also breaks the quickfire 38-run stand. Abrar has his moment and he celebrates in the same style as Wanindu does after picking his wickets. Hmm... Flighted delivery, full and outside off, Wanindu tries to go inside-out over extra cover but fails to get the connection correct. It flies towards wide long off where Fakhar Zaman runs across and completes a good catch.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Boundaries are coming thick and fast. Flatter delivery, around middle, Wanindu Hasaranga makes room as he steps back and clobbers it past the non-striker for a boundary at long on.

The last over of Abrar went for 10 runs. Will that prompt a change in bowling from this end? 5 overs to go, and Sri Lanka have gathered some momentum in the last couple of overs. It is going to be Abrar to continue. The towels are out, indicating that the dew is setting in.

Mohammad Nawaz to Wanindu Hasaranga, This is shorter and on off, Wanindu cuts it hard to deep point for one. 16 runs off the over, the best of the innings from Sri Lanka's perspective.

Mohammad Nawaz to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Off the edge! Nawaz offers flight, full and around off, Hasaranga lunges and pushes out in front of his body. Gets an outside edge that goes fine of short third and despite the amount of rain we have had, the outfield is quick and the ball races away.

Mohammad Nawaz to Wanindu Hasaranga, Shorter and spinning away, on middle. Wanindu Hasaranga is squared up on the back foot but manages to dab it to point.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, In the air but safe! Tossed up, slower and fuller, around off, Janith Liyanage has a big swing at it, and the ball goes off the outer half. Luckily for him, the ball sails well over the backward point fielder. Mohammad Wasim gives it a chase and hauls it in, saving a run for his side. 100 comes up for Sri Lanka.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough! Nawaz drops it short again, on middle. Janith stays put this time and powers it with a flat bat, wide of the diving long on fielder for four more.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Janith Liyanage wins the cat-and-mouse battle. Liyanage fakes a shuffle across the stumps and then takes a couple of steps towards the leg side. Nawaz tries to push it away from the batter's arc, on the shorter side. This sits up to be hit and Liyanage reaches out to spank it wide of extra cover for a four.

Janith Liyanage has got a couple of lives now. Dropped on 4 and 21. Can he make Pakistan pay? Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz replaces Shadab from this end. 0/15 from his 2 overs, so far.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Short and around off, Hasaranga backs away and slaps it wide of deep cover for a couple of runs. 10 runs from the over!

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Lands it nice and full, on middle, Wanindu pushes it back to the bowler.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Full and around leg, Janith works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, HALF A CHANCE! A better fielder could have resulted in a different outcome. Tossed up, on middle, turning away from the right-hander, Janith gets down on a knee and goes hard on the sweep. He is unable to roll his wrists over the ball and the ball catches the top edge. It balloons over backward square leg, where Salman Mirza runs across to his left from short fine leg and stretches his hands out in front but the ball drops out of his reach. Two runs taken.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Abrar drags the length back a bit and gets the ball to drop on the batter, on off and middle. Hasaranga pushes out in front of his body. The ball goes off the outer half, wide of backward point, for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Lovely shot! A bit too full from Abrar, on middle and leg. Wanindu Hasaranga presses forward and manages to get under the ball. He lofts it back over the bowler's head with a straight bat for a boundary.

Shadab Khan is done with the ball for this evening, he finishes with amazing figures, 4-0-25-2. One wrist spinner has done his job, and the other continues from this end...

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Drags the length back, outside off, Janith makes use of the depth of the crease and thumps it wide of deep cover. Good work from the fielder in the deep to get across and cut it off. Another couple of runs for Liyanage.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Stays full and attacks the stumps, Janith sweeps but can't get it past short fine leg.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Flighted delivery, full and on middle. Janith gets inside the line and brings out the broom. Hits it hard and wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Prodigious turn! At 82 kph, short and on middle. Liyanage hangs back to deal with it but is beaten all ends up as the ball rips past the outside edge.

Shadab Khan to Wanindu Hasaranga, Nice loop on this ball from Shadab, full and on middle, Hasaranga eases it with a straight bat to long off for a single.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Drifting in, landing around the leg stump and then spinning across the right-hander. Janith Liyanage stays back to a full ball and gets an outside edge. It rolls wide of short third for a single.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, On a nagging length, at the stumps, Wanindu Hasaranga taps it back to the bowler. 3 runs and the big wicket of Asalanka from Abrar's first over.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Drops it short, on off, Janith Liyanage pulls it through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Abrar Ahmed to Wanindu Hasaranga, Quicker through the air, fuller as well, on off, Hasaranga guides it behind point for a single to get off the mark.

The partnership has been broken and that leaves Sri Lanka in dire straits. Out walks Wanindu Hasaranga, ahead of Dasun Shanaka.

Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Abrar Ahmed breaks a budding stand. Googly from Abrar from around the wicket, full and outside off. Asalanka walks across, gets down on a knee to unleash the slog sweep. The ball drops on him and kicks up a bit after landing to graze the top edge and the keeper, Usman Khan, holds onto it around his midriff. Usman was quick to go up but the finger stayed down before Asalanka decided to start walking. 18 (15) for Charith. Sri Lanka are now 5 down for 72.

Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, From around the wicket, sliding down leg, on the fuller side. Asalanka walks inside the line for the sweep but misses. Not given as a wide, much to the surprise of Charith but he had walked across his stumps.

Abrar Ahmed to Janith Liyanage, Pushed through, around off, Liyanage taps it with soft hands in front of cover and scampers across to the other end.

Abrar Ahmed, the awesome leggie, is brought into the attack.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Tosses it up, full and on middle. Janith works it down to long on for a single. A productive over for Sri Lanka, 12 runs off it.

Shadab Khan to Charith Asalanka, Flat and short, on off, Asalanka steers it in front of short third and pinches a quick single.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Floated up, full and on middle, knocked down to long on for one.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Shorter and on off, Liyanage backs away and hammers it wide of extra cover. The fielder in the deep gets around to his right and slides to cut it off. Two runs taken.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, DROPPED, SIX! Sahibzada Farhan has tipped it over the ropes. Flighted delivery, full and on off. Janith Liyanage shimmies down the track and converts it into a full toss. He pumps it flat towards long on, where Farhan is a few metres in off the ropes before going back a couple of steps. He leaps a bit and tries to take the catch around his face but takes his eyes off the ball for a second whilst looking back where the boundary line is. Ends up tipping it over the ropes for a six.

Shadab Khan to Charith Asalanka, Looped up, very full, outside off, Asalanka digs it out to long off for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Fuller and closer on off, Charith uses his wrists and works it through square leg for a single. He keeps the strike with himself and at the halfway mark, Sri Lanka have recovered slightly to reach 59/4.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, SIX! This one has disappeared. Full and floated, around off and spinning in, Charith Asalanka finds it in his range, goes down on one knee and launches it over mid-wicket for a biggie. Great connection!

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full and outside off, Charith brings out the reverse sweep, connects too but finds the fielder at backward point.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Presses forward to a full ball and drives it with the spin to deep cover for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Stifled appeal for an lbw! Floated ball, a low full toss outside off, Janith gets down and across to sweep but misses. It hits his pads, they appeal and the ball races away to third man. The batters cross for a couple of leg byes. The impact was easily outside off.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Goes down and across to a full ball around off and sweeps it with the spin to deep square leg. They cross.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Beautiful delivery to close the 9th over. Loopy and around off, spinning away, Janith draws forward to drive but is beaten by the spin.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Flatter and shorter, around off, defended back.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Turning away from the batter, short in length, Janith Liyanage cuts from the back foot but finds the fielder at covers.

Shadab Khan to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, around middle and fuller in length, Charith wrists it behind square leg and races across for a quick run.

Shadab Khan to Charith Asalanka, Gets on the front foot and pushes it to covers for a single. A poor throw from Saim Ayub to the keeper and they take another run.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Flights it around off, Janith Liyanage uses his feet and knocks it down to long off for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Edgy! A bit of loop and turn, around off, Charith Asalanka leans across to flick but gets a slight leading edge. It goes safely to covers. Top over from Mohammad Nawaz.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Short and on off, turning in, Charith gets back and cuts but finds the fielder at covers. Shadab Khan, it is, he is everywhere.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Skidding in, around middle, Janith Liyanage closes the face of his bat and works it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Closer to off, turning in. Charith Asalanka moves back and drops it down to point for one.

Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Around off, eased to long off for a run. Janith is off the mark.

Mohammad Nawaz to Charith Asalanka, Well played! Flighted and around off, turning in, Charith Asalanka plays very late and guides it down to third man for three runs.

Shadab Khan to Janith Liyanage, Googly, around off, Janith Liyanage moves across to cover his stumps and defends it down. What an over, 2 wickets and 3 runs off it.

Out goes Dhananjaya de Silva, and in walks Janith Liyanage with Sri Lanka in a lot of trouble.

Shadab Khan to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! It's going from bad to worse for Sri Lanka.​ Shadab Khan is making his comeback memorable. A leg spinner to take the last wicket is followed by a googly. It's served outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva reaches out to drive but it takes the inner half of his bat and goes behind. Usman Khan, the keeper, somehow gets the ball to stick near his stomach and keeps hold of it. A bit of confusion as the finger doesn't go up immediately but as soon as Salman Agha was to take the referral, the umpire raised his finger.

Shadab Khan to Charith Asalanka, Too full and outside off, Charith gets forward and drives it through extra cover for a single.

Sri Lanka's top three back in the hut inside 7 overs. The former skipper, Charith Asalanka, makes his way out to the centre.

Shadab Khan to Kusal Mendis, OUT! LBW! This one looks very plumb, and up goes the finger. Kusal Mendis gives it long thought before taking the referral. Shadab gives his leg spinner some nice flight and lands it full around middle. Kusal Mendis goes down on one knee to sweep but fails to connect. The ball goes below his bat and strikes him on the bent back leg. DRS time. Two reds and the impact is with the umpire's call on hitting the stumps. Only a feather of a bat would have saved him. Sri Lanka don't burn a review but lose their third wicket. A 15-ball 14 for Kusal and it's an excellent comeback in the national team for Shadab Khan.

Shadab Khan to Dhananjaya de Silva, Flighted and around off, a bit short, de Silva moves back and helps it through mid-wicket for a run.

Shadab Khan to Kusal Mendis, Floated and full, around middle, Kusal leans forward and eases it down to long on for a single.

First look at spin tonight as Shadab Khan comes on. The leggie last featured for Pakistan in this format in June last year.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Angles in a length ball on middle, Mendis turns it towards mid-wicket for a single. Powerplay is over, Sri Lanka are 35 for 2 after a 10-run 6th over.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Around off, on a length, played down to point.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Shot! It's a gift from Ashraf. He goes short and takes the pace off as well. Around middle and it sits up nicely for the batter. Mendis rides the bounce and pulls it superbly in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Faheem Ashraf to Kusal Mendis, Pitches it on a length and outside off, Kusal drives it on the up, finds good timing too but again fails to pierce the gap on the off side. Finds point.

Faheem Ashraf to Dhananjaya de Silva, Better from Faheem. Serves it on a length and close to off, Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and taps it towards third man for a run.

Faheem Ashraf to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Bang! This is some shot from Dhananjaya de Silva. Faheem delivers a seam-up delivery, around off and on a fuller length. De Silva goes across the line and swings it with good connection over mid-wicket, for a boundary.

We're done and dusted with 5 overs now. Time for the first bowling change of the night. No spin just yet. Faheem Ashraf comes into the attack, replacing Mohammad Wasim.

Salman Mirza to Dhananjaya de Silva, Angled in and then it straightens off the deck, on a short of a good length. Dhananjaya de Silva is squared up in defence and the ball squirts off an outside edge, wide of point for a single.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Pace off, into the deck, over off, Kusal nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Salman Mirza to Dhananjaya de Silva, In the air...but safe! From around the wicket for the right-hander, on a back of a length. Dhananjaya is tempted by the width on offer and he throws his hands at it. Gets a thickish outside edge but luckily for him, it does not carry all the way to deep third. Mohammad Wasim collects it on the bounce. They cross.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Another ball that is a bit too short and equally wide, Kusal reaches out for the cut but gets it right off the toe end and it goes behind point for a single.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Nicely put away! Mirza tries to run it across the right-hander but ends up offering too much width and errs in length as well. A bit too short, Mendis reaches out and cuts it past point for a four.

Salman Mirza to Dhananjaya de Silva, Mirza bashes the hard length, outside off, de Silva drags the pull off the toe end of the blade, wide of mid-wicket for a single.

It's been a good start from Pakistan and Salman Agha has decided to give Salman Mirza his third over.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Banged in short, over off, Kusal Mendis ducks under it. End of a successful over for Wasim. Just 2 runs and a wicket off it.

Mohammad Wasim to Dhananjaya de Silva, At the stumps, on a length, Dhananjaya wrists it from the crease, wide of mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

Mohammad Wasim to Dhananjaya de Silva, Slightly fuller, on off, de Silva taps it off the front foot to cover.

Mohammad Wasim to Dhananjaya de Silva, On a back of a length, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva hangs back to defend.

It's a big blow to Sri Lanka and Dhananjaya de Silva has been sent to partner Mendis in the middle. A comeback game for Dhananjaya in T20Is, he last played in this format was June 16, 2024.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Taken on the second attempt by Mohammad Nawaz. Pathum Nissanka looks at the bottom half of his bat as he trudges off. Wasim slams the surface, over middle and leg. Nissanka has a big swipe across the line but fails to get the desired connection. Gets it only as far as deep square leg, where Nawaz gets around to his left. The ball hits his palm and pops out, but the fielder is alert enough to complete the catch on the second go.

Mohammad Wasim to Kusal Mendis, Shaping back a bit, full and on off. Mendis plays the drive in front of his body and the ball goes a bit uppishly between cover and mid off for a single.

Slight hold up in play. There is a light glowing right above the sightscreen. That's bothering Kusal Mendis. The issue is fixed ,and here we go...

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Excellent delivery. Salman gets this delivery to jag away a bit from around off. On a length and Mendis tries to defend from the crease. But it takes the outer edge and squirts down to third man for a single. End of a successful over from Mirza.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, In the channel outside off, on a length and angling away, Mendis allows it through to the keeper. Watchful.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Good timing but not so good placement. Full and angling away, outside off, Mendis drives well but finds the fielder at point.

Salman Mirza to Kusal Mendis, Around middle and off, on back of a length, Kusal defends off the back foot.

Early setback for Sri Lanka has brought Kusal Mendis in the middle, at number 3.

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, OUT! CAUGHT! A soft and rather disappointing end for Kamil Mishara. Salman Mirza goes full around middle and the pitch just grips a touch. Mishara leans into the drive, plays it too early and tries to lift it, but only manages a meek chip. The ball balloons invitingly in front of mid off, where Salman Agha strolls in and snaffles it with a smile. A three-ball duck for Mishara, as the two Salmans combine to do the damage.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Begins with a short ball around middle, Pathum is hurried into the shot and pulls it without much conviction behind square leg. They cross.

Will Salman Agha make a change? The answer is no. Mirza to continue. The slip fielder has disappeared now.

Mohammad Wasim to Kamil Mishara, Wasim rushes the batter with his pace. Around middle and Kamil somehow keeps it out towards mid-wicket. A good over from Wasim.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Closer to the off stump, on a back of a length, Pathum taps it in front of mid on and turns the strike over.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Width offered and Nissanka cashes in! This is on a short of a length, outside off. Fast hands from Pathum as he cuts it fine of the man at deep backward point for a four. The outfield is lightning quick despite all the rain.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Not in control but safe! Wasim bends his back and digs it in short, around the right shoulder. Pathum tries to take the short ball on but the ball skids through and also gets big on the batter. It comes off the splice of the bat and lobs over Mishara at the non-striker's end, well in front of the man at mid on.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, On the fuller side, a bit of nip back into the right-hander, on the off stump. Pathum brings his bat out in front and stabs it down the deck.

Mohammad Wasim to Pathum Nissanka, Lands it on a good length, in the corridor, Pathum Nissanka waits back, covers the line and defends it out.

Mohammad Wasim to steam in from the other end. One slip in place for him as well. We've not seen too much movement so far. Can Wasim make the ball talk?

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, A touch short and in line of the stumps, Pathum stays back and turns it behind square leg. They cross for a run and close the first over. 7 coming off it!

Salman Mirza to Kamil Mishara, Leg bye! Full and darted onto the pads. Mishara misses out on the tickle as he is beaten for pace. A leg bye is sneaked in as the ball dribbles between short fine leg and the keeper.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Off-cutter from Mirza at 127 kph, fuller and around off. Pathum Nissanka pushes out in front of his body and does not pick the slower one. The ball goes off the outer half down to deep third for a single.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Good comeback! Mirza drags the length back and gets the ball to jag back into the right-hander. Nissanka hops and hurriedly drops his bat down on the ball and it rolls beside him on the leg side. Pathum thinks of stealing a run, takes a step forward as the bowler rushes forward. Kamil Mishara sends his partner back.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka are away! This is pushed across the right-hander, on a fuller length. Not a lot of foot movement from Nissanka. He plays the drive on the up between cover and mid off for the first boundary of the contest.

The batter is not ready and pulls out as the bowler is about to deliver. Strong wind, perhaps, disturbed Pathum Nissanka. Reload.

Salman Mirza to Pathum Nissanka, Mirza is right on the money! Steams in from over the wicket and serves it full, attacking the stumps. A hint of shape back into the right-hander. Nissanka watchfully blocks it off.

Done and dusted with the pre match formalities, it is now time to play. The Pakistan players get into a huddle before spreading across the field as a decent crowd settles in for the contest. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara stride out to open for Sri Lanka. Salman Mirza, the left-arm pacer, is to begin proceedings. One slip in place. Here we go...

The players from both sides have lined up in the middle for their respective national anthems. Pakistan's first, followed by Sri Lanka's...

PITCH REPORT - Jon Kent, the South African, is near the deck. He reports that this is pitch number five, with equidistant square boundaries measuring 68 metres. Shares that there is a fair bit of moisture beneath a good grass covering, and he believes the surface could be a bit two-paced. Informs that the average first-innings score here is around 164, and overall, it looks like a pitch that will offer something for everyone.

Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan skipper, says the pitch looks good for batting. He also notes that it is under cover but expects a high-scoring contest, as is typical of a Dambulla surface. Informs that their XI has 7 batters, including 4 all-rounders. He adds that it is a good opportunity for the players to showcase their skills. Shanaka mentions that the team is feeling confident, everyone is keen to express themselves, and he hopes they deliver the goods.

The captain of Pakistan, Salman Agha, says the decision to bowl first was influenced by the surface having been under covers, and they want to make use of any moisture on offer early on. Informs that Shadab Khan is back in the side, and they have a very balanced unit, with 8 batting options and 6-7 bowling options at their disposal. Shares that everyone is excited in the camp with the World Cup coming up. Adds that some players are preparing for their first World Cup, while some have been part of previous editions.

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 and Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

Toss - Up goes the coin, and down comes the verdict in favour of the visiting side. PAKISTAN ELECT TO FIELD! Please wait as we gather the details of the playing XIs for both sides.

There has been rain around Dambulla, with teams unable to train on the eve of the game, and even the trophy unveiling had to take place indoors. That said, conditions have improved since, and let's hope we get an uninterrupted contest. With rain in the lead-up and the surface being under covers, it looks very much a no-brainer for the captain winning the toss to bowl first. Stay tuned for the toss and team news.

As for Pakistan, with all their World Cup matches set to be played in Sri Lanka, this series takes on added importance. It offers a valuable chance to adapt to local conditions and fine-tune combinations ahead of the tournament. A home series against Australia before the World Cup is also in the pipeline, with dates yet to be confirmed. So far, the team under the partnership of Mike Hesson and Salman Agha has yet to fire on all cylinders or present itself as a genuine world-beating unit. The squad announcement was headlined by the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, who has made impactful contributions in the ongoing Big Bash League and adds balance and experience to the side. Pakistan will be without Babar Azam and Haris Rauf for this series, while Shaheen Afridi, who was also featuring in the BBL, saw his stint cut short by a knee injury.

Three games against Pakistan and another three later this month when England visit, that’s all Sri Lanka have left before the World Cup. In case you missed it, there has been a change in leadership for the island nation in this format. During the tri-series in Pakistan, Dasun Shanaka took over the captaincy from Charith Asalanka due to illness, and Shanaka will continue to lead the side heading into the global event. Asalanka will feature in this series, and he will be keen to rediscover his best form after an underwhelming 2025. The story of Sri Lanka’s 2025 campaign was their heavy reliance on Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order, while with the ball, consistency remained a concern. The fast bowlers, in particular, will be keen to draw on the vast experience of Lasith Malinga, who has been roped in as a fast-bowling consultant.

Hello and welcome, everyone! With exactly a month to go before the T20 World Cup, teams are in the final stages of their preparations for the mega event. The two sides that clashed in their final game of 2025 meet again to usher in the new year, as Sri Lanka host Pakistan in a three-match T20I series. All three games will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, and while Dambulla will not host any World Cup fixtures, the conditions are expected to be not too different from what teams will encounter in Colombo and Pallekele.

... MATCH DAY ...

With exactly a month to go before the T20 World Cup 2026 gets underway, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, the road to the global showpiece gathers real momentum as Sri Lanka and Pakistan face off in the 1st T20I of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, a venue that often tests both skill and adaptability. For Sri Lanka, this series is a crucial checkpoint in their World Cup build-up, especially at home, where conditions could mirror what awaits them later on. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the hosts boast a balanced squad that blends experience with versatility. The batting unit is expected to be anchored by the consistency of Pathum Nissanka at the top, with Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera providing stability and intent through the middle, while Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva offer the flexibility to either rebuild or accelerate depending on the situation. Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage add depth, ensuring Sri Lanka are not overly reliant on one phase of the innings. Their biggest strength, however, lies in their bowling variety, particularly on spin-friendly surfaces, with Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana capable of controlling the middle overs and creating constant pressure, complemented by Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round value. In the pace department, Matheesha Pathirana's unique death-over skills, along with the experience of Dushmantha Chameera and the control of Nuwan Thushara, give Sri Lanka plenty of options across phases, making them a well-rounded unit on familiar turf. Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive with a fresh-looking squad under the leadership of Salman Agha, missing several marquee names such as Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali, who have not been named even in the preliminary World Cup squad, while Shaheen Afridi continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered during the BBL. Despite those absences, Pakistan still possess plenty of intrigue and depth, with this series offering a golden opportunity for fringe players to stake a claim ahead of the World Cup. Shadab Khan's inclusion is a major boost after his impressive all-round displays for the Thunder in the BBL, while Faheem Ashraf comes in brimming with confidence after showing his bowling prowess in the ongoing BPL with 11 wickets in just three games. Mohammad Nawaz adds further balance with his all-round skills and arrives in terrific recent form, capable of influencing games both with his left-arm spin and his clean hitting down the order. The batting will look to players like Fakhar Zaman for experience and firepower, with Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Khan eager to make their mark at the top. Among the newer faces, Khawaja Nafay is one to watch with the bat, having shown composure and stroke-play that could translate well at this level. With the ball, Pakistan have genuine pace through Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim, complemented by the guile of Abrar Ahmed, while Usman Tariq adds control and confidence, coming in with some tremendous form. Tariq has not gone wicketless in T20s since March 2025, picking up 44 wickets in 21 innings at a stunning average of 13.45. With selection calls, combinations and World Cup roles very much under the spotlight, this opening encounter promises a fascinating contest where preparation meets opportunity and every performance could carry significance far beyond this series.