Sri Lanka and Pakistan will meet in the third and final T20I of the series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. With the second match abandoned due to rain, this game effectively acts as the series decider, making it a high-pressure contest for both sides.
Match Details
The third T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be played on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The match will decide the series winner after rain washed out the second encounter.
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I
Series: Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026
Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. IST, 7:00 p.m. PST, 1:30 p.m. GMT
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Dambulla
Team Overview
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be under pressure heading into this series finale, especially after losing momentum due to the abandoned second T20I. The home side will rely heavily on their experienced middle order to deliver in a must-win scenario. Captain Charith Asalanka, along with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, will be expected to provide stability and intent with the bat. Players like Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva add depth and finishing power, while young batters such as Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage will need to step up.
In the bowling department, Sri Lanka possess a strong mix of pace and spin. Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana will be key on a Dambulla surface that traditionally assists spinners, while Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara will be tasked with striking early with the new ball. Sri Lanka have lost their last three T20Is at Dambulla, which adds further pressure to perform in familiar conditions.
Pakistan
Pakistan enter the decider with confidence, having won seven of their last nine T20Is since the Asia Cup final. Their recent form and squad balance make them slight favourites heading into this clash. The opening pair of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan has been one of Pakistan’s biggest positives, with Farhan in particular enjoying a prolific run in the format. Captain Salman Agha will play a crucial role in anchoring the middle order, supported by Fakhar Zaman and wicketkeeper Usman Khan.
Pakistan’s bowling attack looks well-suited to the conditions. The spin trio of Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz provides control and wicket-taking options in the middle overs, while Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. offer pace and variation. Abrar Ahmed has been especially impressive, emerging as a consistent threat in the shorter format.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last six T20I meetings between the two sides, Pakistan have won four matches, Sri Lanka have won one, and one game ended with no result. Overall, Pakistan hold a clear edge in recent encounters.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva or Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera.
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Dambulla pitch is known for being balanced but generally low-scoring in T20Is, with an average first-innings total of around 135 runs. Spinners tend to get assistance, while pacers can extract swing with the new ball. Weather forecasts suggest high humidity and the possibility of intermittent showers, making the toss crucial. Teams are likely to prefer bowling first to take advantage of moisture and potential rain interruptions.
Match Scenarios and Prediction
If Pakistan bat first, a total in the range of 150 could be competitive given their bowling strength. If Sri Lanka bat first, they will need a disciplined top-order performance to put pressure on Pakistan. Considering current form, recent head-to-head results, and squad balance, Pakistan are favourites to win this match and clinch the T20I series, although Sri Lanka at home remain capable of producing a strong response.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
The match will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network and streamed on the Sony LIV app and website. In Pakistan, live coverage will be available on PTV Sports and Ten Sports, with digital streaming on official broadcaster apps. Viewers in Sri Lanka can watch the match on local sports channels and official streaming platforms, while international audiences can follow the game via regional sports networks and authorized cricket streaming apps.
