The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (starting in February) takes a sharp turn through Dambulla this week. With the mega-event just around the corner, this three-match series serves as a critical dress rehearsal for both Asian giants.

While Sri Lanka will look to maximize their home advantage and fine-tune their spin combinations, Pakistan arrives with a new-look squad. The visitors have opted to rest several marquee players (including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, who are featuring in the BBL), handing the reins to Salman Ali Agha to test the nation’s bench strength.

Squad outlook of Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Playing at home in Dambulla, Sri Lanka has doubled down on their greatest strength: spin. The squad features a terrifying array of slow-bowling options, including Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and the uncapped off-spinner Traveen Mathew. Dasun Shanaka continues to lead, bringing stability to a volatile format. The inclusion of “Slingers” like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara, alongside young talent Eshan Malinga, ensures that even when spin isn’t operating, the attack remains unorthodox and difficult to pick. The return of experienced campaigners like Kusal Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva adds muscle to the batting lineup, supporting the flair of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

With their seniors in the BBL, Pakistan have unleashed a squad full of PSL performers and raw talent. The biggest headline is the inclusion of Usman Tariq, the mystery spinner whose paused action has baffled domestic batters. All eyes are on Shadab Khan. His return from injury is vital for Pakistan’s World Cup balance. Wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay is expected to bring explosive power to the top order, while Sahibzada Farhan gets another extended run to cement his spot. Even without Shaheen and Rauf, the pace attack looks lethal with Naseem Shah leading the line, supported by the skiddy Mohammad Wasim Jnr and the emerging Mohammad Salman Mirza.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series scheudule

Also READ: No Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan unveils provisional squad for the T20 World Cup 2026

Squads

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

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmad, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Broadcast and Live Streaming details:

• Sri Lanka: Siyatha Television
• India: Sony Sports Network, Fan Code
• Pakistan: Tapmad

Also READ: Maheesh Theekshana set to become father, shares baby bump photo with wife Arthika

NEW DELHI: Pacer Jacob Duffy was included in New Zealand’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup on Wednesday, capping an outstanding 2025 in which he claimed 81 international wickets. The 31-year-old surpassed Richard Hadlee’s 40-year-old record of 79 wickets in a calendar year and climbed to second place in the world T20 bowling rankings. Despite being part of a New Zealand squad that collectively boasts 1,064 T20 international caps, Duffy is the only player yet to feature in a T20 World Cup.Duffy slots into an experienced pace unit featuring Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Kyle Jamieson will travel with the squad as the reserve fast bowler.

The squad will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who anchors a spin group that includes specialist Ish Sodhi along with Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra. Both Santner and Sodhi were part of New Zealand’s campaign at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India.Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Tim Seifert make up the specialist batting contingent. Seifert, who will also keep wicket, is set to join the squad after the conclusion of Australia’s Big Bash League.Allen (finger/hamstring), Chapman (ankle), Ferguson (calf), Henry (calf) and Santner (adductor) are currently undergoing treatment. Ferguson and Henry are also likely to be granted short-term paternity leave during the tournament.Duffy led New Zealand’s pace attack across all three formats during the domestic season in the absence of Henry, Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears, Jamieson, Nathan Smith and Ferguson, who were all sidelined with injuries. His 81 wickets in 2025 came from 36 matches at an average of 17.New Zealand will play a white-ball series in India in January, followed by a warm-up match against the United States, before beginning their World Cup campaign in Group D alongside Afghanistan, UAE, South Africa and Canada.New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

In Match 26 of Big Bash League Season 15 (BBL|15), Perth Scorchers return to Optus Stadium on Wednesday to face Melbourne Renegades. Currently occupying second place on the table with a 4-2 win record, the Scorchers are searching for their fourth consecutive victory – a result that would effectively cement their position within the top four.

Perth has turned their home ground into an impenetrable fortress, remaining undefeated in their last three matches at the venue. This dominance is fuelled by a high-performing core of local stars, including Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, Aaron Hardie and the versatile Cooper Connolly. Their collective form has made the Scorchers one of the most balanced and intimidating units in the competition this season.

In contrast, the Melbourne Renegades arrive with a 2-3 record, desperately trying to keep their season alive. They travel to Perth with some renewed confidence after snapping a losing streak via a dramatic ‘derby’ win over the Stars, highlighted by a decisive knock from Josh Brown.

PS vs MR, BBL|15: Match details

• Date and Time: December 26; 1:45 pm IST / 8:15 am GMT / 4:15 pm Local
• Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth

PS vs MR, Head-to-Head Record in BBL

Matches played: 21 | Perth Scorchers won: 16 | Melbourne Renegades won: 05 | No result/Tied: 0

Perth Stadium Pitch Report

Optus Stadium in Perth is renowned for offering significant extra bounce and raw pace, which play directly into the hands of the bowling attack. Batters can expect a difficult time handling the fast bowlers, particularly when they target a hard length, making it difficult to score freely.

In addition to the surface speed, the large square boundaries provide an extra layer of protection for the bowlers, forcing batters to take higher risks to clear the rope. Historically, conditions favour the bowlers early on; however, as the pitch levels out, the surface typically becomes slightly more manageable for batting during the second innings.

Squads

Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Sam Fanning, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Nick Hobson, Brody Couch, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jhye Richardson, Laurie Evans, Joel Paris, David Payne, Corey Rocchiccioli

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Tim Seifert, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Oliver Peake, Will Sutherland (c), Matthew Spoors, Gurinder Sandhu, Caleb Jewell, Jason Behrendorff, Hassan Khan, Sam Elliott, Callum Stow, Andrew Tye

Also READ: BBL|15 – Jamie Overton shines in Adelaide Strikers’ thrilling win over Sydney Thunder

PS vs MR, BBL|15: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Perth Scorchers wins the toss and bowls first
• Melbourne Renegades’ powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
• Melbourne Renegades’ total score: 160-170

Case 2:

• Melbourne Renegades wins the toss and bowls first
• Perth Scorchers’ powerplay score: 60-70 (6 overs)
• Perth Scorchers’ total score: 170-180

Match result: Perth Scorchers to win the contest.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Stuart Broad reveals the truth behind verbal altercation between Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne

Aryna Sabalenka (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has pushed back against the criticism surrounding her much-debated “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match against Nick Kyrgios, saying the negative reaction left her feeling “sad” and misunderstood. The Belarusian, who lost 6-3, 6-3 to Kyrgios in the high-profile Dubai exhibition in late December, addressed the controversy while speaking at the season-opening Brisbane International on Tuesday. The event drew widespread attention but also sparked questions about its purpose, with critics suggesting it was driven more by money and broadcast appeal than sporting value. The match was organised by the agency that represents both players. “What I’m sad about is that some people got it wrong, the whole idea of that event,” Sabalenka said. She insisted the exhibition was never meant to prove a point or settle a gender debate, but rather to showcase tennis in a different light. “It was fun. It was a great challenge. I think we brought so many eyes on tennis,” she added. “It wasn’t about proving something to anyone.” Sabalenka explained that the intention was to demonstrate the sport’s ability to attract attention beyond traditional formats. “It was about to show that tennis can be really huge and we can bring a lot of attention on the exhibition match, which usually never happen, and we just proved that. That’s all it was about,” she said. Not everyone in the women’s game shared that view. World number two Iga Swiatek questioned the need for such an event, saying on Saturday that women’s tennis did not require a crossover spectacle to validate itself “because I feel like women’s tennis stands on its own right now”. The choice of Kyrgios as Sabalenka’s opponent also fuelled debate. The Australian has previously admitted to assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2021 and has, in the past, been forced to distance himself from misogynistic comments, adding another layer of controversy to the exhibition. Held on December 28, the match featured modified rules designed to offset physical differences between the players, but it drew inevitable comparisons to the original and iconic 1973 Battle of the Sexes. That historic encounter, between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, carried far greater significance. At the time, the women’s professional tour founded by King was fighting for recognition, equal prize money and legitimacy. King, then at the peak of her career, defeated the 55-year-old Riggs in straight sets, creating a defining moment in sporting and social history.