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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Key T20I Series Reveals World Cup Strategy

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed Pakistan will tour for a T20I series right before the World Cup. The matches are all set for Dambulla in early January. This gives both teams a chance to get used to the local conditions before the big tournament. Interestingly, Pakistan's entire World Cup campaign will be based in Sri Lanka.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Hosts Pakistan T20I Series Before 2026 World Cup

  • All three T20I matches will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in January 2026
  • The series serves as vital preparation for the T20 World Cup starting in February 2026
  • Pakistan will play all its World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to geopolitical tensions with India
  • Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, will play its group-stage World Cup matches on home soil
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Sri Lanka to host Pakistan for T20I series in January ahead of T20WC 2026

Sri Lanka to host Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January 2026, a crucial warm-up for the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

"The tour will provide the side with valuable match practice ahead of next year’s global event. - PCB Statement"

New Delhi, Dec 2

Sri Lanka Cricket announced that the team will host Pakistan for a three-match T20I series in January 2026 in the build-up to the Men’s T20 World Cup, which is set to be played from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

The Lankan Lions will face Pakistan on January 7 in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS) in Dambulla, followed by two more games on January 9 and 11 at the same venue to conclude the series.

The bilateral contest will provide both teams with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the conditions for the marquee tournament. While Lanka, as co-hosts, will play their group-stage matches at home, the Men in Green will play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

“The Pakistan National Team will tour Sri Lanka in January 2026 to play a three-match T20I series. All matches will be played at the RDICS in Dambulla,” said Sri Lanka Cricket on their Instagram as they announced the fixtures.

The PCB, meanwhile, said in their statement, “The tour will provide the side with valuable match practice ahead of next year’s global event.”

Pakistan have demonstrated strong performance in recent T20I cricket. Following a convincing 2-1 series win against South Africa, the Men in Green easily defeated Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe to win the T20I tri-series.

They are placed in Group A with Namibia, the United States, the Netherlands, and arch-rivals India, beginning their T20 World Cup campaign on February 7. If they reach the semifinal and eventually the final, those matches will also be staged in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, recently finished a three-week tour of Pakistan, during which they played three ODIs and participated in a tri-series that also included Zimbabwe.

T20I series schedule:

First T20I: Wednesday, January 7, Dambulla

Second T20I: Friday, January 9, Dambulla

Third T20I: Sunday, January 11, Dambulla

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's a bit disappointing that due to political tensions, we won't see an India-Pakistan match in India during the World Cup. The atmosphere would have been electric. But safety first, I guess. Hope Sri Lanka hosts a great tournament for all fans.
A
Aman W
Smart scheduling by SLC. Dambulla can be tricky with the early moisture. This series will be a proper test for both sides' batting line-ups. Pakistan's pace vs Sri Lanka's spin in those conditions... should be a fun watch!
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I'm just excited the World Cup is happening! Co-hosting with Sri Lanka is a great idea. Their grounds are beautiful. January can't come soon enough for this T20I series.
V
Vikram M
The real question is about the pitches. Will they prepare typical Sri Lankan turning tracks for this series to get used to it, or something more balanced? Pakistan's recent record is impressive, but World Cup pressure is another game altogether.
K
Kriti O
Good for cricket that these bilateral series are happening. Hope the focus remains on the sport. The India-Pakistan group match in Sri Lanka will be the highlight of the first round, no doubt! 🏏

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