Pakistan began their 2026 cricket calendar on a positive note with a clinical six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, 2026. The victory gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the three-match series and served as a crucial rehearsal ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The series holds added importance for Pakistan, which is set to play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to political tensions with co-hosts India. As a result, adapting quickly to local conditions has become a key focus for the Men in Green.
Pakistan comfortably chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 128, reaching 129/4 in 16.4 overs, with veteran all-rounder Shadab Khan delivering a strong all-round performance to earn the Player of the Match award.
How Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka in Dambulla
Sri Lanka’s innings never gained momentum after Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first. The hosts suffered an early collapse, slipping to 38/4 inside the powerplay, as Pakistan’s bowlers applied relentless pressure.
Fast bowler Salman Mirza set the tone by removing Kamil Mishara for a duck and finished with impressive figures of 3/18 in four overs. Left-arm spinner Abrar Ahmed was equally effective, tearing through the middle order with 3/25, while Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with 2/7 in a sharp spell.
Sri Lanka found brief resistance through Janith Liyanage, who top-scored with 40 off 31 balls, hitting two fours and a six. Wanindu Hasaranga added a quick 18 off 12, but the lack of support from the lower order meant the hosts were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs.
Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort underlined their growing confidence ahead of the World Cup, especially on a surface that offered grip and variable bounce.
Sahibzada Farhan & Shadab Khan seal comfortable chase
Chasing a below-par target, Pakistan started aggressively through their openers. Sahibzada Farhan played a commanding knock of 51 off 36 balls, reaching his half-century in just 25 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and two sixes, giving Pakistan early control of the chase.
Saim Ayub supported him well with 24 off 18 balls before being dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana. A brief middle-order wobble saw Pakistan lose three wickets for 12 runs, but the game was never truly in doubt.
Returning from injury, Shadab Khan showed composure with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 18 off 12 balls, while Usman Khan remained not out on 7 as Pakistan crossed the line with 20 balls to spare.
After the match, captain Salman Ali Agha pointed out the impact of dew in the second innings, while Shadab credited his recent Big Bash League stint for restoring confidence in both batting and bowling.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will remain in Dambulla for the second T20I on January 9, followed by the series decider on January 11, as both teams continue preparations for the global tournament.
