Pakistan choose to bowl vs Sri Lanka national cricket team in key T20I before World Cup

Pakistan choose to bowl vs Sri Lanka national cricket team in key T20I before World Cup

Pakistan choose to bowl vs Sri Lanka national cricket team. File photo

January, 7 2026

DAMBULLA: (Web Desk): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka national cricket teams meet in the first T20I as Pakistan choose to bowl, starting World Cup preparations.

Pakistan have decided to bowl first in the opening match of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The series is being seen as an important step ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The Pakistan men’s team will face Sri Lanka in matches scheduled on January 7, 9, and 11. The first ball of the opening match will be bowled at 7pm local time.

This series will help the national selection committee finalise Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the World Cup. Since Pakistan will play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, the series offers valuable exposure to local conditions.

Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20I side. Under his captaincy, Pakistan won two tri-series tournaments and bilateral T20I series against Bangladesh, West Indies, and South Africa in 2025.

The series also gives players a chance to impress selectors with strong performances against a competitive Sri Lankan team.

Recently, Pakistan have won three of their last five T20I matches against Sri Lanka. These wins include the knockout match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the tri-series final in Rawalpindi.

Speaking at the pre-series press conference, Salman Ali Agha said:

“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform. Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatise to the conditions as quickly as possible.

“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects. We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”

Pakistan’s 15-member squad includes Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), and Usman Tariq.

This series is crucial for Pakistan’s World Cup planning. Playing in Sri Lanka helps players adjust early. Strong performances could decide final squad spots.