Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9, 2026. Pakistan will look to make the most of their home advantage, while Sri Lanka will aim to start the series with a strong performance.
PAK vs SL Match Details: Date, Time, Venue & Live Streaming
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan, 2026 |
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I |
| Date | Friday, 9 October 2026 |
| Time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 6:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| City | Rawalpindi |
| Live Streaming | YouTube, VETO |
| Live Score | Possible11 |
PAK vs SL Match Preview
Pakistan enter this match with confidence after their recent silver-medal finish at the 2026 Asian Games. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the side in T20Is and will be responsible for guiding a talented group of players.
The Pakistan batting lineup features aggressive players such as Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz. All-rounder Shadab Khan adds depth to both departments, while Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, and Sufyan Moqim will play important roles with the ball.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be led by wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis. The visitors will look to put their recent T20I struggles behind them and begin the Pakistan tour positively.
Mendis will be a key figure in the batting lineup, alongside Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, and Kamil Mishara. Their bowling attack includes Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Nuwan Thushara, who will aim to restrict Pakistan's aggressive batters.
Pakistan appear to have a slight advantage because of their home conditions, but Sri Lanka have enough experience and match-winning talent to make this opening encounter competitive.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 Matches)
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (PAK) | 5 |
| Sri Lanka (SL) | 5 |
| No Result | 0 |
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are evenly matched in their last 10 encounters, with five wins apiece. This record highlights the competitive nature of the rivalry and suggests that the opening T20I could be closely contested.
PAK vs SL Weather & Pitch Report: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Weather Report: The weather forecast for Rawalpindi indicates hazy sunshine, with temperatures around 22.7°C and humidity levels near 82%. The chance of rain is approximately 2%, suggesting favourable conditions for a full match.
- Pitch Report: The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, where the ball generally comes onto the bat nicely. Batters who settle in can score quickly, particularly when they find gaps in the field and take advantage of the boundaries.
PAK vs SL Probable Playing 11
Pakistan (PAK) Playing 11
1. Sahibzada Farhan (C), 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Saim Ayub, 4. Hasan Nawaz, 5. Abdul Samad, 6. Shadab Khan, 7. Maaz Sadaqat, 8. Khawaja Nafay (WK), 9. Naseem Shah, 10. Abrar Ahmed, 11. Sufyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka (SL) Playing 11:
1. Kusal Mendis (C/WK), 2. Kamil Mishara, 3. Sineth Jayawardena, 4. Kamindu Mendis, 5. Dasun Shanaka, 6. Sahan Arachchige, 7. Dunith Wellalage, 8. Maheesh Theekshana, 9. Dushmantha Chameera, 10. Nuwan Thushara, 11. Eshan Malinga.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?
Pakistan will enter the first T20I with the advantage of playing at home. Their batting lineup has several aggressive players, while their bowling attack offers a useful combination of pace and spin.
Sri Lanka also have experienced players who can turn the game around. Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka will be crucial to their chances, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera could make an impact with the ball.
AI Match Prediction: Prediction: Pakistan are slight favourites to win the 1st T20I against Sri Lanka.
Also Read: IND vs WI 2nd T20I 2026 Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI & AI Prediction
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