Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 2nd T20I Preview – January 9, 2026

Match Details

• Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
• Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
• Time: 13:30 GMT | 09:30 AM IST | 04:00 AM BST | 09:30 AM Local
• Series: T20I Series (2nd Match)

Current Form

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s opening match of the series was a tough loss, as they were bowled out for a modest score and fell short by 20 runs. The batting unit has shown signs of inconsistency, with only a few batters managing to convert starts into big scores. However, the spin department, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, has been a reliable source of wickets, and the team will look to him for both ends of the innings. Pathum Nissanka, in particular, has been in good form in recent tournaments, and his performance could be pivotal for Sri Lanka.

Pakistan

Pakistan, on the other hand, made a strong start to their campaign, with a well-balanced performance that saw both their batting and bowling contribute to the victory. The powerplay was particularly effective, with Sahibzada Farhan leading the charge. The bowlers, especially Salman Mirza and Shadab Khan, were instrumental in keeping Sri Lanka’s batters in check. Pakistan’s ability to chase down targets and contain opposition batsmen has been a key strength, and they will look to continue this trend.

Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka: A key run-scorer for Sri Lanka, Nissanka’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital asset.
• Wanindu Hasaranga: Sri Lanka’s premier spinner, Hasaranga has consistently troubled top-order batsmen and will be crucial in both middle and death overs.
• Dushmantha Chameera: A wicket-taking machine, Chameera has been the standout fast bowler for Sri Lanka, and his pace and accuracy could trouble Pakistan’s middle order.

Pakistan

• Salman Mirza: In excellent form, Mirza has been a revelation with the ball, maintaining a tight economy and picking up regular wickets.
• Abrar Ahmed: A consistent performer, Ahmed has the ability to break partnerships and trouble batsmen with his variations.
• Shadab Khan: The all-rounder has made a strong return to form, contributing with both bat and ball. His ability to bowl tight lines and pick up crucial wickets could decide the match.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Sri Lanka: 1 win
• Pakistan: 4 wins

Pakistan holds a clear advantage in the recent head-to-head record, with Sri Lanka managing just one win in their last five encounters. This psychological edge could play a significant role in the upcoming match.

Venue Insights: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

• Average 1st Innings Score (2024–2026): 177.0
• Winning Percentage (Batting First): 47.4%
• Winning Percentage (Batting Second): 52.6%

The pitch at Dambulla is known to offer some assistance to both pace and spin bowlers, especially in the middle and death overs. The recent drop in first innings scores (128.0 in 2026) suggests that the surface might be slightly slower than usual, which could favor bowlers.

• Wickets Per Innings (First): 7.47
• Wickets Per Innings (Second): 6.10

With the toss likely to be crucial, the team batting second might have a slight advantage based on the venue’s historical data.

Squads

Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Kamil Mishara (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

Pakistan

Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Abdul Samad, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.

PreMatch Predictions

• Toss Winner: Pakistan
• Match Winner: Pakistan
• Top Batter (Runs): Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
• Most Sixes: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka), Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
• Player of the Match: Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Sri Lanka 150+, Pakistan 150+

Key Insights

• Sahibzada Farhan’s Impact: Pakistan has won 78% of matches when Farhan scores over 50, making him a key player to watch.
• Fakhar Zaman’s Power: Fakhar has a boundary rate of 18% in international games, and his presence in the middle order could be crucial.
• Agha Salman’s Composure: Agha faces fewer dot balls (37%), showing his ability to rotate the strike and relieve pressure.
• Salman Mirza’s Wicket-taking Ability: Mirza takes more than three wickets in 25% of his matches and maintains an economy under 6.00 in 42% of games.
• Nuwan Thushara’s Powerplay Specialism: Thushara has taken 64% of his wickets during the Powerplay, making him a key threat in the early overs.

Final Verdict

This match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams eager to gain momentum in the series. Pakistan, with their balanced squad and better recent form, are slight favorites, but Sri Lanka's spin threat and Pathum Nissanka’s firepower could give them a fighting chance. The toss will be crucial, and the side winning it will look to bat first to exploit the slightly slower surface. Expect a tight, competitive game with plenty of excitement from both ends.
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