Will Sri Lanka Welcome Pakistan for T20I Series in January?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Get ready for an exciting T20I series as Sri Lanka prepares to host Pakistan in January 2026. This series is crucial for both teams to hone their skills before the Men's T20 World Cup! Discover the match schedule and insights into each team's preparations.
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka will host Pakistan for T20I series in January 2026.
- Matches will be played at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
- This series is essential for World Cup preparations.
- Pakistan has been in excellent form leading up to the series.
- All matches are set to take place on January 7, 9, and 11.
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that the national team will host Pakistan for a thrilling three-match T20I series in January 2026, serving as a precursor to the Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.
The Lankan Lions will kick off the series against Pakistan on January 7 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla. This will be followed by two additional matches on January 9 and 11, all taking place at the same venue.
This bilateral series offers both teams an excellent chance to acclimatize to the conditions ahead of the prestigious tournament. As co-hosts, Sri Lanka will play their group-stage matches on home soil, while the Men in Green are slated to play all their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka due to ongoing cross-border tensions with India.
“The Pakistan National Team is set to tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 for a three-match T20I series, with all matches scheduled at RDICS in Dambulla,” stated Sri Lanka Cricket on their official Instagram while announcing the fixtures.
Meanwhile, the PCB remarked, “This tour will offer the team essential match practice ahead of the global event next year.”
Pakistan has shown impressive form in recent T20I games, having secured a commanding 2-1 series victory against South Africa, followed by a decisive win over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in a T20I tri-series.
In the T20 World Cup, they are placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the United States, the Netherlands, and their arch-rivals India, commencing their campaign on February 7. Should they make it to the semifinals and finals, those matches will also occur in Sri Lanka.
Recently, Sri Lanka completed a three-week tour of Pakistan, consisting of three ODIs and participation in a tri-series that included Zimbabwe.
T20I Series Schedule:
First T20I: Wednesday, January 7, Dambulla
Second T20I: Friday, January 9, Dambulla
Third T20I: Sunday, January 11, Dambulla
Point of View
I firmly believe that this T20I series is vital for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It allows teams to prepare effectively for the upcoming T20 World Cup while fostering a spirit of sportsmanship. The anticipation surrounding this tournament is palpable, and cricket fans can expect thrilling encounters.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan take place?
The T20I series is scheduled for January 2026, with matches on January 7, 9, and 11.
Where will the matches be held?
All matches will be hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla.
Why is this series important?
This series serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the Men's T20 World Cup.
What are the group placements for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup?
Pakistan is placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the United States, the Netherlands, and India.
How has Pakistan performed in recent T20I matches?
Pakistan has shown strong form, winning a recent T20I series against South Africa and a tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
