Dambulla, January 6, 2026 – The Pakistan men’s national team is set to begin a crucial three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Dambulla tomorrow, marking the final phase of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
With the global tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, this bilateral series serves as a strategic rehearsal. Pakistan is scheduled to play all their World Cup fixtures on Sri Lankan soil, making this tour a vital opportunity for the squad to acclimatize to local pitches and refine their tactical combinations.
Captain Salman Ali Agha at the Helm Salman Ali Agha continues his leadership of the T20I side following a stellar 2025 campaign. Under his captaincy, Pakistan secured victories in two tri-series tournaments and claimed bilateral series wins against the West Indies, Bangladesh, and South Africa.
Speaking at the pre-series press conference, Salman emphasized the importance of the tour:
“This series is a fantastic platform for our players to showcase their skills. Playing in Sri Lanka just weeks before the World Cup gives us a significant edge. Our goal is to adapt to these conditions quickly and give our younger prospects a chance to prove they are ready for the big stage.”
Squad Dynamics and Selection The series is more than just match practice; it is a final audition for the selection committee to narrow down the 15-member squad for the World Cup. High-impact performances against a formidable Sri Lankan side will be key for players looking to secure their tickets to the mega event.
Statistically, Pakistan holds the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of their last five T20Is against Sri Lanka, including a high-stakes knockout victory in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup and a tri-series final win in Rawalpindi.
Match Schedule (All matches in Dambulla):
- 1st T20I: January 7 (7:00 PM local time)
- 2nd T20I: January 9 (7:00 PM local time)
- 3rd T20I: January 11 (7:00 PM local time)
Pakistan’s 15-Member Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.
