DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
The match has been reduced to 12 overs per side due to persistent rain, which delayed the toss earlier in the day.
Pakistan lead the series 1-0 after securing a comprehensive win in the opening T20I. The second game was abandoned without a ball bowled due to similar weather conditions.
Series context
The three-match T20I series serves as a preparatory platform ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on 7 February in Sri Lanka and India.
Pakistan dominated the first game, with returning all-rounder Shadab Khan delivering a standout performance with both bat and ball. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to level the series in the finale.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other 29 times in T20Is. Pakistan lead the head-to-head record with 17 wins, while Sri Lanka have won 11 matches. One match ended with no result.
Pakistan playing XI
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka playing XI
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Form guide
Pakistan enter the match on the back of a T20I tri-series victory that included a win over Sri Lanka in the final. Their strong form continued with a commanding performance in the opening game of this series.
Sri Lanka, however, have struggled in recent matches, including the abandoned second T20I, and will look to use the series finale to regain momentum before the T20 World Cup.
Recent results (most recent first):
- Pakistan: A, W, W, L, W
- Sri Lanka: A, L, L, W, W
