Sri Lanka and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series on Wednesday at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The T20I series between both sides comes at the perfect moment, allowing them to assess their progress. The T20I World Cup 2026 is exactly a month away, and this bilateral series will help both teams acclimatise to the conditions because the global tournament is set to be co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

For Sri Lanka, this series is huge, as playing at home adds extra significance. The conditions at Dambulla could closely resemble what they will face during the tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, enter the series with a fresh-looking squad under the leadership of Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan will miss the presence of some of the big names, such as Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali. They are busy playing the Big Bash League. Surprisingly, they have not even been included in the preliminary World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Big Bash League. This series offers other players a chance to push their case for the World Cup selection. For Pakistan, one of the biggest positives is the return of Shadab Khan, who has been rewarded for his encouraging performance in the BBL.

Head-to-head

Matches - 27

SL won - 11

PAK won - 16

Sri Lanka possible XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga

Pakistan possible XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed