Dambulla, January 7, 2026 — Pakistan began their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in commanding fashion, cruising to a six-wicket victory in the opening encounter at Dambulla. It was a clinical all-round performance from the visitors, who were rarely challenged while chasing a modest target.
Pakistan’s chase was virtually sealed inside the Powerplay as the openers raced to 59 runs with ease. Although a couple of wickets fell along the way, the outcome was never in doubt. Sahibzada Farhan once again impressed at the top of the order, underlining his growing stature in T20 cricket with a composed and confident knock.
Sri Lanka endured a forgettable outing with the bat, struggling to build momentum throughout their innings. Apart from a brief recovery led by Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga, the hosts failed to capitalize on starts and lost wickets in clusters. The pitch offered some assistance with uneven bounce, but Sri Lanka’s batters were unable to adapt, finishing well below a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers set the tone early, with Salman Mirza delivering a sharp new-ball spell during the Powerplay. Shadab Khan marked a reassuring return to international cricket, claiming two crucial wickets, while Abrar Ahmed continued his steady rise as a reliable middle-overs wicket-taker. Despite a couple of dropped catches, Pakistan ticked most of the boxes with both bat and ball.
Shadab Khan was adjudged Player of the Match for his decisive spell. Speaking after the match, he credited his confidence to time spent in the Big Bash League and emphasized the importance of assessing conditions and keeping things simple. He also praised Pakistan’s pace bowlers for laying the foundation.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka admitted his side fell short, acknowledging that they should have posted at least 150 runs. He pointed to poor starts, lack of fielding intensity, and an off day for the bowlers as key factors behind the defeat.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha noted that dew played a bigger role than expected, making the toss crucial. He added that the team is focused on refining roles and improving fielding as they build towards the upcoming World Cup.
The second T20I will be played on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1:30 pm GMT, where Sri Lanka will look to bounce back and keep the series alive.