ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will aim to clinch the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka on Sunday, while the visitors will fight to level the contest and keep their hopes of a series victory alive at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The second T20I will begin at 6pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST) on Sunday, October 11, with Pakistan entering as favourites after a convincing victory in the opening match on Friday. The hosts chased Sri Lanka’s target of 182 with relative ease to take a 1-0 lead.
Read Also: Farhan, Sadaqat Shine as Pakistan Sink Sri Lanka in T20I Opener
A second consecutive win would give Pakistan an unassailable series advantage with one match remaining. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, need a much-improved performance to avoid another defeat following three heavy losses during their recent tour of England.
Power-hitting in full flow 💥🏏
Pakistan’s batters harness the big hits during training at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 🎥
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan | #BackTheBoysInGreen https://t.co/qkQpSF2tHr
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2026
First T20I review: Pakistan dominate the chase
Pakistan demonstrated their batting strength in the opening match, successfully chasing 182 after Sri Lanka opted to bat first in Rawalpindi.
Lahiru Udara offered resistance for the visitors, but Sri Lanka struggled to maintain momentum throughout their innings. Pakistan’s batting order responded effectively, with Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat playing important roles in the successful chase.
The result also highlighted differences between the current contest and Sri Lanka’s 2019 tour of Pakistan, when the visitors enjoyed greater success defending their totals. Pakistan’s latest performance has put them firmly in control of the series.
The hosts also conceded 29 extras in the opening match, their highest total of extras in a T20 international, giving their bowling unit an area to address despite the victory.
Pakistan favourites to seal the series
Pakistan captain Sahibzada Farhan expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in the first match, making an unchanged playing XI a strong possibility for Sunday.
Read Also: Sahibzada Farhan Sets Attacking Tone as Pakistan Prepare for Sri Lanka T20I Battle Tomorrow
The hosts could again rely on three specialist fast bowlers, alongside spinner Abrar Ahmed, depending on the conditions. Fakhar Zaman’s promotion to the top of the batting order and Saim Ayub’s move to No. 5 were among the tactical adjustments that worked in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan’s recent form also gives them confidence heading into the match. Their last five completed T20Is, as listed in the pre-match form guide, read WLWWL, compared with Sri Lanka’s LWLLL, with the most recent result shown first.
Sri Lanka seek changes to keep series alive
Sri Lanka need greater batting depth and more disciplined bowling to prevent Pakistan from securing the series.
The visitors could consider including Sineth Jayawardena in place of Nuwan Thushara, who conceded 32 runs in three overs in the opening match. The move would strengthen the batting line-up and provide additional options in the middle order.
Sri Lanka may also reconsider Dunith Wellalage’s position at No. 7, where his limited power-hitting could restrict the team’s ability to accelerate late in the innings.
Read Also: Pakistan Name Squads for Sri Lanka T20Is, England-Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series
With Wanindu Hasaranga unavailable because of injury, Maheesh Theekshana has an important role to play. He conceded 36 runs in four overs in the first T20I and will need to improve his control if Sri Lanka are to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batters.
Players to watch: Naseem Shah and Maheesh Theekshana
Naseem Shah — Pakistan: The fast bowler claimed two wickets in the opening match after returning to T20I action following a seven-month gap. Having worked his way back through domestic cricket and the Caribbean Premier League, Naseem will look to build consistency and strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack.
Maheesh Theekshana — Sri Lanka: With Hasaranga sidelined, Theekshana carries additional responsibility as Sri Lanka’s leading spinner. His performance will be crucial in the middle overs, particularly against Pakistan’s aggressive batting line-up.
Kusal Mendis — Sri Lanka: The captain is also approaching a major individual milestone. He needs 90 more runs to overtake the injured Pathum Nissanka as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in T20 internationals.
Sahibzada Farhan — Pakistan: The captain will be central to Pakistan’s attempt to finish the series early. His leadership and contribution at the top of the order could prove decisive once again.
A scenic setting for a meeting of the captains 🏆🇵🇰🇱🇰
@RealSahibzada and @KusalMendis13 come together at Saidpur Village for the KFC Presents Bank Alfalah Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series trophy reveal 🤝
#PAKvSL | #CricketKaJashan https://t.co/zymaBu55gC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 8, 2026
Head-to-head: Sri Lanka eye a historic milestone
Sri Lanka have won four T20 internationals against Pakistan on Pakistani soil and could become the first team to defeat the hosts five times in the format in Pakistan.
However, the visitors must overcome their recent struggles to achieve the milestone. Pakistan’s dominant opening performance gives them a clear advantage, while a Sri Lankan victory would set up a series-deciding third match.
Pitch and weather report
The Rawalpindi pitch had extra grass during the first T20I, offering assistance to fast bowlers. A fresh strip is expected for Sunday’s match, and similar conditions could again favour the quicker bowlers.
The pitch may therefore encourage Pakistan to retain their three-pronged pace attack. Batters will need to manage the new ball carefully before looking to accelerate as the innings progresses.
The pre-match forecast points to a pleasant evening, with temperatures expected to remain similar to those experienced during the opening match. Light showers may intercept the play.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan — likely unchanged: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka — possible change: Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Sineth Jayawardena, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Eshan Malinga.
Sri Lanka could bring in Jayawardena for Thushara to strengthen the batting order, although the final team selections will be confirmed at the toss.
Full Squads for the Second T20I
Pakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Maaz Sadaqat, Hasan Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Imran, Razaullah, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka squad: Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (captain), Sineth Jayawardena, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga and Nuwan Thushara.
Pakistan will seek to complete the series with a match to spare, while Sri Lanka must produce a stronger all-round performance to level the contest. Sunday’s match could determine whether the series ends early or goes down to a decisive third encounter.
