The much-anticipated SL vs PAK 1st T20 match prediction begins with an exciting clash at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, 2026. This three-match T20I series serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, making every game significant, here’s the deep expert analysis, team performance, key players, and the betting insights. Who will win today’s match?
SL vs PAK | 1st T20 Match | Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Series: Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM Local Time)
Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Streaming: FanCode App
Team Performance
Pakistan’s (PAK) riding high after winning that tri-series last month. Beat Sri Lanka in the final, chased down 115 pretty comfortably. The thing is, these two teams played each other three times in that tournament and it went all over the place. Pakistan won the first match easily, then lost a tight one, then took the trophy. Their spinners have been on point – Nawaz grabbed three wickets in the final, Abrar chipped in with two. They’d also beaten South Africa before this, so momentum’s definitely with them.
Sri Lanka’s (SL) harder to read. Got rolled for 114 in that final which was pretty bad. But they’re not completely off form either. Mishara’s been hitting runs – got 76 in one match, 59 in another. Chameera looked sharp with the ball too, picked up four wickets against Pakistan earlier in the series. Main issue? Their batting lineup just crumbles too often. They’ll compete one day, collapse the next. Playing at Dambulla helps them since it’s home turf, but that inconsistency makes predictions tough. Can’t really trust which version of this team shows up.
Weather Report:
- Temperature: 29-32°C
- Humidity: 65-70%
- Rain: No chance of rain
- Wind speed: 15-20 km/h
Also, check the today’s cricket betting odds update on cricket betting sites
Pitch report:
The Dambulla pitch is pretty straightforward – it’s decent for batting first but chasing teams have won 12 times compared to 9 defending here. Most teams put up around 160 in the first innings, though Afghanistan managed 209/5 against Sri Lanka last year. Early on, batters get good value with the new ball bouncing nicely, and pace bowlers find a bit of help from morning moisture. But here’s the thing – Dambulla sits in Sri Lanka’s driest region, so the pitch wears out quickly. Spinners really come into play during the middle overs when the surface starts breaking up. That’s why captains usually choose to chase after winning the toss, knowing they can take advantage of better batting conditions upfront while their spinners will have more to work with later on.
SL vs PAK | Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played: 27
Pakistan Wins: 13
Sri Lanka Wins: 13
Tied: 1
Recent Encounters (Last 5 Matches)
- Nov 29, 2025 – Pakistan won by 6 wickets (Tri-Series Final)
- Nov 27, 2025 – Sri Lanka won by 6 runs
- Nov 22, 2025 – Pakistan won by 7 wickets
- Sep 23, 2025 – Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20 Playing XI
| Pakistan XI | Sri Lanka XI |
|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan (wk) | Pathum Nissanka |
| Saim Ayub | Kamil Mishara (wk) |
| Fakhar Zaman | Kusal Mendis |
| Salman Ali Agha (c) | Charith Asalanka (vc) |
| Usman Khan | Dasun Shanaka |
| Abdul Samad | Wanindu Hasaranga (c) |
| Shadab Khan | Dhananjaya de Silva |
| Faheem Ashraf | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Maheesh Theekshana |
| Naseem Shah | Akila Dananjaya |
| Abrar Ahmed | Matheesha Pathirana |
Toss Prediction
Who Likely to Win Toss: Sri Lanka opt Bowl First (chase-friendly conditions expected)
Today’s SL vs PAK 1st T20 Match Betting Tips and Insights
Match Odds (Expected)
- Pakistan to Win: 1.85 – 1.95
- Sri Lanka to Win: 1.85 – 1.95
- Toss Winner: Even odds
Top Betting Markets
1. Top Batsman
- Pakistan: Saim Ayub (5.00), Fakhar Zaman (6.00)
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka (5.50), Kamil Mishara (6.50)
2. Top Bowler
- Pakistan: Mohammad Nawaz (5.50), Abrar Ahmed (6.00)
- Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga (5.00), Dushmantha Chameera (6.00)
3. Player Performance
- Mishara Over 25.5 runs: Worth a shot after scoring 76 and 59 lately
- Nawaz 2+ wickets: He grabbed three in the final, could easily get two here
- Hasaranga 2+ wickets: He knows Dambulla inside out, safer option
4. Match Specials
- Highest Opening Partnership: Back Sri Lanka’s openers Nissanka and Mishara
- Most Sixes: Expect 12–15 maximum in the match
- Total Match Wickets: Go over 14.5, both batting line-ups fold under pressure
Betting Strategy
- Safe Bet: Pakistan winning
- Value Bet: Mishara for Sri Lanka’s top scorer
- Risky Bet: Sri Lanka winning at home
Today match Prediction: Team chasing are favourite to win the today’s SL vs PAK 1st T20 match prediction.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | 1st T20 Match Predictions
Match Prediction 1
- Who will win today’s toss: Sri Lanka wins the toss and opt to bowl first
- Pakistan score: 155–165
- Who will win today’s match: Sri Lanka to win today’s 1st T20 match
Match Prediction 2
- Who will win today’s toss: Pakistan wins the toss and opt to bowl first
- Sri Lanka score: 160–170
- Who will win today’s match: Pakistan wins the 1st T20 match