Pakistan to tour Sri Lanka for short series before T20 World Cup

Pakistan will tour Sri Lanka for a short T20I series next year, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed on Tuesday. The two teams will play three T20Is on January 7, 9 and 11, with all matches scheduled in Dambulla.

The two teams recently contested a T20I tri-series in Pakistan, with Zimbabwe as the third team. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final of that tri-series last Saturday.

This series will serve as ideal preparation for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup, especially with Pakistan set to play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka. Pakistan begin the World Cup against the Netherlands, followed by matches against the USA, India, and Namibia. If they advance to the semifinals and final, those matches will also be held in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, will play their group games in their own country. They are in a group with Australia, Oman, Zimbabwe, and Ireland.