KEY PONTS
- Trophy was unveiled under rain-threatened skies ahead of T20I series.
- Series serves as vital preparation for T20 World Cup.
DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka: Under overcast skies, the trophy for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I series was unveiled on Tuesday, setting the stage for a crucial three-match contest that serves as a direct precursor to next year’s T20 World Cup.
Amid concerns of inclement weather, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dasun Shanaka unveiled the silverware at the picturesque Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
The event, held on the stadium rooftop, took place with the field in the background covered due to heavy rainfall earlier in the day.
📹 Pakistan squad in action! Headshots done ahead of the Sri Lanka T20I assignment 🏏#SLvPAK #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/EBRRjoqOEL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 6, 2026
The unveiling foreshadowed the potential challenge for the series, with all three matches scheduled at the same venue on January 7, 9, and 11.
Weather forecasts predict continued gloomy conditions and rain interruptions throughout the period in Dambulla, threatening to disrupt the highly anticipated fixtures.
Vital preparation for T20 World Cup
The series carries significant weight as a key preparatory assignment for both nations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
It offers vital match practice in subcontinental conditions less than a month before the global tournament begins.
Contrasting fortunes and historical edge
The two sides enter with contrasting recent form. Pakistan arrives buoyed by a recent home T20I tri-series triumph over Zimbabwe, while Sri Lanka will look to build momentum.
Historically, Pakistan holds the upper hand in the head-to-head record, having won 16 of the 27 T20Is played between the two teams, compared to Sri Lanka’s 11 victories.
Squads
Pakistan: 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) and Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka: 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 and Eshan Malinga.
