DAMBULLA: The official trophy for the upcoming three-match T20 International series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was unveiled on Tuesday, adding excitement ahead of the much-anticipated contest between the two Asian rivals.
The glittering silver trophy was revealed at the rooftop of the iconic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium by Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka. Despite persistent rainfall earlier in the day, the unveiling ceremony went ahead, offering a scenic backdrop that highlighted Dambulla’s natural beauty.
All three matches of the bilateral T20I series will be played at the same venue, with fixtures scheduled for January 7, 9, and 11. However, weather is expected to play a significant role throughout the series, as forecasts predict overcast conditions and possible rain interruptions during the match days.
The series holds considerable importance for both teams as it marks an early step in their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The global event is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, making these encounters valuable in assessing combinations, player form, and tactical depth.
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Pakistan enter the series with confidence after clinching a T20I tri-series title at home, where they outperformed both Zimbabwe and a former world champion side. The Green Shirts are currently undergoing a transitional phase, with Salman Ali Agha leading the side as Pakistan continues to build a balanced squad for major tournaments.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be eager to capitalize on home conditions and bounce back strongly. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the hosts have named a well-rounded squad featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent. The presence of match-winners such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka adds depth and versatility to the Sri Lankan lineup.
Historically, Pakistan have held a slight edge over Sri Lanka in the shortest format. The two teams have faced each other in 27 T20 Internationals so far, with Pakistan winning 16 matches, while Sri Lanka have emerged victorious on 11 occasions. These numbers underline the competitive nature of the rivalry, often producing closely fought encounters.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both sides are expected to experiment with combinations, test bench strength, and fine-tune strategies. The Dambulla series is likely to provide valuable insights for team managements, even if rain becomes an unwelcome factor.
As the countdown begins, fans can expect an intense battle between bat and ball, with the newly unveiled trophy symbolizing pride, preparation, and momentum ahead of a crucial year in international cricket.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Squads for T20I Series 2026
Pakistan Squads for T20I Series 2026
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka Squads for T20I Series 2026
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara and Eshan Malinga.
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