The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan moves to its second fixture at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, with the visitors holding a 1-0 lead. Pakistan secured a clinical six-wicket victory in the opener, chasing down a modest target of 129 with 20 balls to spare, largely thanks to Shadab Khan’s all-round brilliance and Sahibzada Farhan’s composed half-century. For the Lankan Lions, this is a do-or-die encounter to keep the series alive. Their batting core, which struggled to capitalize on starts in the first game, must step up against a disciplined Pakistan attack that seems to have acclimatized to the local conditions rapidly ahead of next month’s World Cup.
SL vs PAK, 2nd T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 9 (Friday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 7:00 pm LOCAL
- Venue: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):
Matches played: 28 | Pakistan won: 17 | Sri Lanka won: 11 | No results: 0
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch for the second T20I is expected to behave similarly to the first, offering a balanced contest with a slight tilt toward the bowlers. While the track is generally good for batting, the ball tended to stop a bit in the first game, making it difficult for the home side to hit through the line. Historically, teams batting first have won 60% of matches at this venue; however, Pakistan’s comfortable chase in the opener proved that dew can influence the second innings significantly. Given the result of the previous match, the captain winning the toss might strongly consider bowling first again to avoid the late-evening moisture affecting the grip for the spinners.
Also READ: Shadab Khan’s all-round show powers Pakistan to a dominant win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20I
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Team Dynamics and Key Players
Sri Lanka: The hosts are under immense pressure to fix their batting woes. While Janith Liyanage showed resilience with a gritty 40 in the first match, the top order featuring Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis failed to fire. The bowling unit, led by the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, was economical but lacked the wicket-taking spark needed to defend a low total. To level the series, Sri Lanka needs their ‘Big Three’ in the batting department to post a total in the 160-170 range, allowing their spinners to dictate terms in the middle overs.
Pakistan: Pakistan’s decision to test their bench depth is paying off, as the younger squad looks hungry and disciplined. Salman Mirza was the standout with the ball in the first T20I, taking 3/18, while Shadab Khan proved why his return is vital for the upcoming World Cup. Sahibzada Farhan continues to anchor the innings effectively, providing the platform for aggressive hitters like Saim Ayub. With the momentum of a 1-0 lead and a highly balanced bowling attack that exploited the Dambulla bounce, Pakistan looks poised to seal the series in this fixture.
SL vs PAK, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- Pakistan powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- Pakistan total score: 155-170
Case 2:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
- Sri Lanka total score: 140-155
Match result: Pakistan is predicted to win the contest
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2025, T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
