Pakistan and Sri Lanka are all set for the 3rd T20I of their three-match series on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. This match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST. Stay tuned with our PAK vs SL prediction, team preview, head-to-head record, pitch report, player stats and winner prediction ahead of this exciting final contest.
Pakistan made a strong start to the T20I series by beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the first match. Under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan delivered a solid all-round performance. They bowled well to limit Sri Lanka to 128 runs and then chased the target comfortably, reaching 129 for 4 with plenty of overs left. The second match was called off due to rain, so Pakistan now lead the series 1-0. Pakistan need just one more win to seal the series, while Sri Lanka must win the final match to stay in contention.
Sri Lanka had a poor start to the series in the first T20I. Lanka batters struggled against Pakistan’s tight bowling, and only Janith Liyanage showed some fight with the bat. The team could not score enough runs and fell short. Now, Sri Lanka must win the final match to avoid losing the series at home.
Head-to-Head Record: Till now, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other 28 times in T20I cricket. Out of these matches, Pakistan have won 17, while Sri Lanka have managed 11 victories. Pakistan clearly have the upper hand in their T20I rivalry. Looking at their recent form in the last 5 matches, Pakistan have won 3 games while Sri Lanka have won 2, showing Pakistan’s slight edge in recent encounters as well.
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Pakistan Preview
Pakistan started the series on a strong note with their six-wicket victory in the first T20I. Their performance in Dambulla showed why they are considered one of the stronger T20 sides heading into the T20 World Cup 2026. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s leadership has been impressive, and the team looks well-balanced with both experienced and fresh talent.
In batting, Sahibzada Farhan has been the standout performer so far in this series. He played a brilliant half-century (51 off 36 balls) in the first T20I, hitting 4 fours and 2 sixes. His aggressive approach at the top of the order set the perfect platform for Pakistan’s successful chase. Saim Ayub also contributed with 24 runs. Shadab Khan, who has made a comeback after shoulder surgery, showed he is ready for the World Cup by scoring an unbeaten 18 off 12 balls in the first match.
Pakistan’s bowling has been their real strength in this series. Shadab Khan returned to take 2 wickets for 25 runs while also playing a crucial role in setting up the victory. Abrar Ahmed was absolutely brilliant, taking 3 wickets for just 25 runs with excellent variations that troubled Sri Lankan batsmen. Salman Mirza also picked up 3 wickets for 18 runs, showing great skill with the ball. Mohammad Wasim Jr. chipped in with 2 wickets, proving that Pakistan’s bowling unit is working like a well-oiled machine. The presence of Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Nawaz in the squad adds further depth to the team.
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka are facing tough times after losing the opening match and being forced into a must-win situation for the series finale. The hosts need to turn things around quickly if they want to keep the series alive. Captain Dasun Shanaka will be hoping his team can bounce back and show the fighting spirit needed for T20 cricket.
In their batting lineup, Pathum Nissanka is expected to lead from the front. He didn’t perform well in the first T20I, scoring only 12 runs, so he will be eager to make up for it in this final match. Kusal Mendis struggled as well with just 14 runs. Janith Liyanage was the only Sri Lankan batter to show some form with 40 runs, proving that he can be a valuable middle-order player. Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Charith Asalanka need to contribute more if Sri Lanka wants to post a competitive total.
For bowling, Sri Lanka have some good options. Wanindu Hasaranga is their leading spinner and a key player who took 1 wicket in the first match. His ability to control the game in the middle overs will be important. Dushmantha Chameera is a quality pacer who can take wickets in the powerplay, and Maheesh Theekshana is a mystery spinner who can trouble the opposition batsmen. Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, and other pace bowlers will play a crucial role in keeping Pakistan’s strong batting in check.
PAK vs SL Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
PAK vs SL Pitch Report
The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium has played evenly in this series. It helps both bowlers and batters, but spinners and slower bowlers get more help as the match goes on. The surface is not very quick, which makes shot timing a bit difficult. Teams usually prefer to bat first here because the pitch slows down later and becomes harder for chasing. With cloudy weather expected, fast bowlers could also get some early help.
The weather on Sunday at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is expected to be light rain, around 29°C, with a 25% chance of rain, high 77% humidity and moderate winds near 14 km/h.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 28 |
| Matches won batting first | 12 |
| Matches won bowling first | 16 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 143 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 119 |
| Highest total recorded | 209/5 (20 Ovs) – AFG vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 40/10 (19.5 Ovs) – MLYW vs SLW |
| Highest score chased | 180/5 (19.1 Ovs) – WI vs SL |
| Lowest score defended | 108/10 (19.3 Ovs) – NZ vs SL |
PAK vs SL Winner Prediction
This match is very important for both teams. Pakistan can win the series with a victory, while Sri Lanka must win to keep the series alive. Looking at recent form, Pakistan appear to be the stronger side. Their bowling has been disciplined, and their batters have handled the Dambulla conditions well so far.
Pakistan’s team looks well balanced, with key players in good touch and support from both senior and young players. Sri Lanka will need a big improvement in both batting and bowling to challenge them. Playing at home may help, but Pakistan’s confidence and momentum could make the difference in this match.
Our Prediction: Pakistan
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Code: TOPBK
