Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 3rd T20 Match Prediction, Preview, Betting Tips and Who will win today’s match?

It all comes down to this. Sri Lanka face Pakistan in the 3rd T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium today, January 11, 2026, with the series hanging in the balance. Pakistan lead 1-0 after dominating the opener, while the second match was completely washed out. The pressure is squarely on Sri Lanka – their batting crumbled in the first game, and Pakistan’s spinners exploited the turning Dambulla pitch perfectly. Pakistan’s game plan is clear: win the toss, bowl first, build pressure with spin, and chase under lights with dew on their side. For Sri Lanka, it’s now or never – their top order must step up, and their bowlers need early breakthroughs to have any chance of levelling the series at home. Let’s Break down with expert insights, betting tips, team performance, pitch report, and our SL vs PAK 3rd T20 Match Prediction. Who will win today’s match?

Team Performance

Pakistan Team performance

Pakistan maintains their 1-0 series lead after the second T20I in Dambulla was completely washed out due to heavy rain and poor weather conditions. With no play possible, their dominant performance from the opening match still stands as the defining moment of the series so far.

Pakistan’s early dominance came through disciplined bowling and composed batting under pressure. Their bowlers set the tone by taking early wickets and building relentless pressure, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total without needing express pace or aggression. The chase showcased their mental strength – despite losing a few wickets, they kept their composure, played sensibly, and avoided reckless shots. That kind of maturity is crucial in T20 cricket, especially in high-pressure situations.

Sri Lanka Team Performance

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, head into the decider with plenty to prove and no momentum from game two. Their top order remains a concern – another slow or wicket-laden start in the power play will put them under immediate pressure against a confident Pakistan side. The middle order must improve their strike rotation and show greater intent against spin, which exposed them in the first match. With the ball, early wickets are absolutely essential if Sri Lanka are to level the series.

With everything on the line in the final match on Sunday, January 11, Sri Lanka need to find answers quickly. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to maintain their intensity and seal the series with another complete performance. The pressure is firmly on the hosts to bounce back and force a decider that actually gets played.

SL vs PAK Today’s Match Weather Condition:

• Temperature: 28.1°C
• Humidity: 69%
• Rain: 58% Rain of chance
• Wind direction: E
• Wind speed: 14KPH

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SL vs PAK Today’s Match Pitch Report & Toss Factor

Dambulla’s pitch favours batters early on, with the ball coming on nicely in the power play. However, it slows down significantly as the match progresses, making scoring tricky once spinners come into play. The surface offers grip and turn – Pakistan’s spinners exploited this perfectly in the first T20I, taking eight wickets. Average first innings scores here sit around 143-160.

The toss is crucial. Pakistan won it in the opener, bowled first, and dominated. Dew settles in during evening games due to the nearby lake, making chasing easier as spinners lose their grip. While six of the last nine T20Is were won batting first, recent trends favour chasing – especially with dew in play.

Expect both captains to bowl first if they win the toss today. Pakistan will look to repeat their winning formula: restrict early, then chase under lights with dew assistance. Sri Lanka need early wickets if bowling first, or a strong power play total if batting – another slow start could hand Pakistan the series.

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 Prediction: Team Chasing are favourites to win today’s SL vs PAK 3rd T20 2026.

Today’s cricket betting tips for SL vs PAK 3rd 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: Salman Agha
• Today Cricket betting tips: Team Chasing are safe bet to play today’s SL vs PAK 2026.