Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Prediction & Match Preview – 2nd T20I, Dambulla
Match summary
Sri Lanka host Pakistan in the second T20I at Dambulla on 9 January 2026. Our preview covers recent form, likely XIs, the pitch and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I |
|---|---|
| Series | Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Date | 9 Jan 2026 |
| Start time | 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm local |
| Venue | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Pakistan |
| Toss pick | Sri Lanka |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sri Lanka face a quick rebound task in the second T20I of Pakistan’s tour. Their first-match display at Dambulla was flat: bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs, with Janith Liyanage’s 40 off 31 balls the only real resistance. Experienced names such as captain Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva will be expected to carry far more of the scoring this time.
With the ball, Sri Lanka did show some fight. Wanindu Hasaranga returned figures of 4 for 17 in the opener and kept the hosts in the contest, and he will be joined by Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara and Shanaka as they look to take wickets at key moments.
Pakistan arrive in better rhythm. Sahibzada Farhan hit 51 off 36 balls in the first game and Saim Ayub added a quick 24 off 18, while Shadab Khan finished unbeaten on 18 off 12. In the field, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each and Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shadab claimed two apiece. With Salman Agha leading a settled side, Pakistan look the more complete unit.
Dambulla usually provides a balanced surface. It plays true early on, so batters can settle and build a competitive total, and the seamers can find some movement with the new ball if there is moisture around. The pitch tends to slow as the game goes on, which brings the spinners into play through the middle overs. Scores of 140–160 are common in T20s here, although a well-timed innings can push the total higher. Batting first can exploit the early conditions, while a side bowling first can use spin later in the innings.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 150–165 | – |
| Second innings | 145–160 | – |
Pakistan
Pakistan’s top order fired in the series opener, while Sri Lanka were bowled out for 128, which gives the visitors the edge going into the second game.
Toss pick: Sri Lanka
FAQ
Who is favoured to win the 2nd T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan?
Our preview leans towards Pakistan, whose openers and bowlers performed well in the first match at Dambulla.
Where and when is the match being played?
It is at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on 9 January 2026, starting at about 7:00 pm local time.
What is a good score at Dambulla?
Totals of around 140–160 are common in T20s here, and our expected range for this game is 150–165 in the first innings.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Kusal Mendiswk
- Charith Asalanka
- Kamindu Mendis / Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dasun Shanakac
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Mahesh Theekshana
- Nuwan Thushara
- Dushmantha Chameera
Pakistan
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Aghac
- Usman Khanwk
- Fakhar Zaman
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Abrar Ahmed
- Salman Mirza
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of Sri Lanka and Pakistan that we covered.