Pakistan will travel to Sri Lanka in early January for a three-match T20I series that both sides see as a crucial tune-up ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the tour on Monday, marking the final bilateral assignment for both teams before next year’s global event in India and Sri Lanka.
The series begins on January 7, with the remaining games on January 9 and January 11, all scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. With Sri Lanka set to co-host the World Cup, the venue choice is no coincidence — both boards want their players exposed to conditions similar to what awaits in February.
Perfect Dress Rehearsal Before the World Cup
For Pakistan, the tour comes at an ideal time. The 2009 champions are riding the confidence of winning the recent tri-nation series that featured Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, sealing the title with a composed victory over the hosts in the final. Before that, they stitched together strong performances at home with ODI and T20I series wins against South Africa, followed by an ODI triumph over Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, enter the series with clear objectives. As co-hosts, expectations will be heavy when the World Cup begins on February 7, 2026, and the Lankans will want their combinations locked in and their young players battle-ready in home conditions.
Group Stakes Raise the Intensity
Pakistan sit in a competitive Group A with India, USA, Namibia and the Netherlands. A solid preparatory series could help them identify their preferred XI well before the showdown against arch-rivals India.
Sri Lanka have their own challenges. Drawn into Group B alongside Australia, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman, they must sharpen their T20 blueprint to avoid early slip-ups on home soil.
Why This Series Matters
- Conditions Match-Up: Sri Lanka’s slow, gripping surfaces will be close to what teams might face during the World Cup.
- Squad Fine-Tuning: With squads to be finalized soon, this is the last audition for fringe players.
- Momentum: Heading into a global event on the back of wins often shapes early confidence.
- Battles Within the Battle: Pakistan’s pace attack vs Sri Lanka’s home-grown spin pack makes for compelling viewing.
Series Schedule
- 1st T20I – Wednesday, January 7 – Dambulla
- 2nd T20I – Friday, January 9 – Dambulla
- 3rd T20I – Sunday, January 11 – Dambulla
The countdown to the T20 World Cup has well and truly begun — and this series might quietly tell us which of these two spirited sides is better placed for a deep run in 2026.
