Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Playing 11: Where to watch, squads, head-to-head, pitch and weather report

The first T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be played in Dambulla, with both sides entering the contest amid key absences and changing team combinations. Pakistan will be without senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi for the series, while Sri Lanka will be adjusting under new captain Dasun Shanaka.

Pakistan are missing Babar Azam, who is currently participating in the Big Bash League after the Pakistan Cricket Board allowed players to feature in the tournament and skip the Sri Lanka series. Babar is reportedly part of Pakistan’s provisional T20 World Cup squad. Shaheen Afridi will also miss the series due to a knee injury sustained while playing in the BBL.

For Sri Lanka, the series presents an early test under Shanaka’s leadership, as the team looks to quickly settle on the right combination. Pakistan, meanwhile, face challenges of their own with several first-choice players unavailable because of their BBL commitments.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Pitch Report for 1st T20I

The toss will take place at 6:30 pm IST, and the pitch is expected to favour batters, raising the prospect of a high-scoring contest.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Match Venue Weather Update

Weather conditions in Dambulla are expected to be mostly cloudy through the evening, with occasional showers possible. Temperatures are likely to remain in the mid-20s, while humidity levels could hover around 75 percent.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20I live streaming

The first ball of the tri-series final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will be bowled at 7 pm IST. In India, the live telecast of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan first T20I will be available on the Sony Sports Network.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20I Playing 11

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Traveen Mathew, Eshan Malinga, Janith Liyanage, Dushmantha Chameera.

Pakistan: Salman Agha (captain), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Abdul Samad, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Sahibzada Farhan, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Head-to-head in T20Is

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have faced each other 24 times in T20Is. Pakistan have won 14 matches, while Sri Lanka have won 10. There have been no no-results.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st T20I Match Prediction

While Sri Lanka may take confidence from playing in familiar home conditions, Pakistan are considered the more balanced and well-drilled side. With a stronger spin attack and several players in form, Pakistan are tipped to win the opening T20I.