The historic Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium becomes the focal point of the cricket world today as Asian giants Pakistan and Sri Lanka kick off their highly anticipated three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series. This tour is far from a standard bilateral engagement; it serves as the final, high-stakes dress rehearsal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin in exactly one month.
For Pakistan, the series carries deep strategic importance. Under the ICC’s hybrid hosting model, Pakistan is scheduled to play all their World Cup group stage matches in Sri Lanka. Consequently, this tour is being treated as a vital “home condition” simulation. For the hosts, Sri Lanka, it is an opportunity to fine-tune their combinations under the new captaincy of Dasun Shanaka following their recent tri-series success.
Global Broadcast Guide: Where to Watch Live
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have secured wide-reaching broadcast agreements to ensure that the “Green Shirts” and the “Lions” fans can follow every delivery across the globe.
Where to Watch F1 in India Online
In India: Sony Sports & Digital Supremacy
In the Indian subcontinent, the Sony Sports Network remains the exclusive television home for the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka.
- Television: Fans can tune in to Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 5.
- Live Streaming: For those on the move, the Sony LIV app and website offer 4K streaming. Additionally, FanCode has secured digital-exclusive rights to provide match passes for users who prefer a dedicated cricket-centric platform.
In Pakistan: PTV Sports & Tamasha
The national broadcaster, PTV Sports, is leading the coverage in Pakistan. The network has confirmed that the matches will be available on their terrestrial and cable channels.
Sri Lanka vs Oman Where to Watch Online Free
- Television: PTV Sports and A-Sports.
- Digital: The Tamasha app and website are the official digital streaming partners, providing free and premium viewing options for mobile users.
In Sri Lanka: Home Ground Coverage
As the host nation, Sri Lanka has ensured multiple viewing avenues for its domestic audience.
- Television: Siyatha TV and Talent TV (operated by ThinkCube Systems) are providing free-to-air coverage.
- Digital: Fans can stream the action via talenttv.lk or the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Official YouTube Channel, which will provide a live feed for local IP addresses.
In the United Kingdom & Ireland
TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) has acquired the rights to the series.
- Television: TNT Sports 1 and 2.
- Digital: The Discovery+ app will house the live stream for all three T20Is.
Series Schedule & Venue Details
All matches in this series are scheduled to be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, a venue known for its unique “wind factor” and surfaces that traditionally assist both seamers early on and spinners as the night progresses.
| Match | Date | Time (Local/IST) | Venue |
| 1st T20I | Jan 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Dambulla |
| 2nd T20I | Jan 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Dambulla |
| 3rd T20I | Jan 11, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Dambulla |
Team News: Squad Depth and Notable Absences
Both squads are using this series to test their bench strength, leading to some surprising omissions and exciting inclusions.
- Pakistan’s Revamped Squad: The visitors are led by Salman Ali Agha for this series. Notable superstars Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are currently unavailable due to their commitments in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL). However, the return of Shadab Khan after a lengthy shoulder injury is a major boost. All eyes are also on 23-year-old batting sensation Khawaja Nafay.
- Sri Lanka’s New Era: Under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka, the Lions have opted for a spin-heavy attack, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, to exploit the Dambulla conditions. They aim to continue the momentum from their recent tri-series victory against Zimbabwe.
Pitch and Weather Outlook
The Dambulla pitch for the opening match is expected to be a “sporting” one. While the historical data suggests that pacers take roughly 53% of the wickets during the powerplay at this venue, the lack of recent rain has left the surface dry, which could play into the hands of the world-class spinners on both sides.
Weather Forecast: There is a 20% chance of isolated showers late in the evening, but meteorologists do not expect a significant disruption to the full 20-over-per-side contest.
Why This Series Is a “Must-Watch”
Beyond the rivalry, this series carries immense statistical weight. Pakistan currently leads the head-to-head record with 14 wins to Sri Lanka’s 10 in T20Is. However, Sri Lanka has been dominant at home in recent years. With both teams experimenting with aggressive “Powerplay” strategies ahead of the World Cup, viewers can expect high-scoring encounters and tactical innovations.
