Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2nd T20 Match Prediction, Preview, Betting Insights and Who will win today’s match between SL vs PAK?

Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in the 2nd T20I at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 9th 2026, and there’s plenty riding on this one. Pakistan grabbed the opener and now lead 1-0 in the three-match series. That puts Sri Lanka in a tough spot – they need to win here to keep the series alive. Losing in front of their home crowd didn’t sit well, and they’ll be looking to set things right. Pakistan, on the other hand, have a chance to wrap up the series with a game to spare. They’ve got the momentum and won’t want to let Sri Lanka back in. Dambulla’s pitch could throw up some challenges though, so it’s not just about form – it’s about who reads the conditions better and executes on the day.

Let’s break down with expert analysis, team performance, key players, betting insights and SL vs PAK 2nd T20 Match Prediction. Who will win today’s match?

Team Performance

Pakistan’s are leading with 1-0 by winning the previous game, complete one sided match to kick off their first win, real strength is their bowling discipline and how calmly they bat under pressure. Against Sri Lanka, their bowlers got stuck in early and took wickets when it mattered. That completely threw Sri Lanka off their game. Keeping them to a low score showed Pakistan don’t need express pace or aggression to dominate – they just build pressure and wait for mistakes. The chase was impressive too. They didn’t fear after losing a few wickets. Just kept their heads, played sensibly, and never took stupid risks. That’s the kind of maturity you need in T20 cricket, especially when things get tight.

Sri Lanka need a strong approach to stay competitive. Their top order must take responsibility in the power play, as another slow or wicket-heavy start will place them under immediate pressure. The middle order has to rotate strike better and show intent against spin, which was a clear weakness in the opening game. With the ball, early wickets are non-negotiable if Sri Lanka are to challenge Pakistan.

Weather Report:

• Temperature: 20.5°C
• Humidity: 87%
• Rain: 84% chance of rain
• Wind Direction: ENE
• Wind speed: 3.6 KPH

Pitch report: SL vs PAK 2nd T20 Match

Dambulla’s pitch is decent for batting early on, but it slows down as the game progresses. The ball comes on nicely in the power play, but once spinners get into the action, scoring becomes tricky. Average first innings totals here hover around 143-160. In the first T20I, Pakistan’s spinners grabbed eight wickets on what was a two-paced surface that offered plenty of grip and turn.

The toss is massive here. Pakistan won it in the opener, bowled first, and dominated. Dew settles in during evening games thanks to the nearby lake, which makes chasing easier. While six of the last nine T20Is were won batting first, recent trends favour chasing – especially when conditions are like this. Expect whoever wins the toss tomorrow to bowl first.

Also, check the today’s SLv s PAK betting odds update on cricket betting sites

Also check our previous  SL vs PAK 1st T20I accurate match prediction before today’s clash.

SL vs PAK – Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka Squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara.

Pakistan Squad:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Today Match Betting Insights for SL vs PAK 2nd T20 Match 2026

• Who will win the toss Today: SL won the toss and elect to Bowl first.
• Top Batter Performance: Pathum Nissanka
• Top Bowler Performance: Mohammad Wasim Jr
• Today’s match betting tips: Team Chasing are safe bet to play today’s 2nd T20 match 2026.

T20 match Prediction: Team chasing are favourite to win the today’s T20 Match.