The second T20I of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan takes place on January 9, 2026, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. This night match starts at 13:30 GMT+0 under lights, with Pakistan leading 1-0 after a commanding six-wicket victory in the opener.
Both teams are building towards the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, making this series crucial for adapting to local conditions. No specific umpire details are available yet, but the focus remains on the series stage with Pakistan aiming to seal it early.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
As we dive deeper into this exciting encounter, recent performances and historical clashes provide key context. The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan prediction today hinges on how the hosts bounce back from their low-scoring collapse in the first game.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated on a bowler-friendly surface, while their batsmen chased comfortably. Sri Lanka need better starts and middle-order resilience. Toss could again play a role with dew expected. Momentum favors the visitors, but home advantage might spark a fightback. Expect another competitive low-to-mid scoring affair in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka Results
Sri Lanka have shown inconsistency in recent T20Is, struggling particularly with batting collapses under pressure. Their home form has been mixed, and the defeat in the series opener highlighted vulnerabilities against disciplined bowling.
They managed wins against weaker sides but faltered against Pakistan multiple times.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 07.01.26 | T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 6 wkts | L |
| 29.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 6 wkts | L |
| 27.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 6 runs | W |
| 25.11.25 | T20 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka won by 9 wkts | W |
| 22.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 7 wkts | L |
Sri Lanka’s two wins came against Zimbabwe and in one close game against Pakistan, but three losses to the same opponents expose matchup issues. Batting has been fragile, often failing to post or chase competitive totals. The recent series opener saw them bundled for 128, continuing a pattern of middle-order failures. Home conditions should help spinners like Hasaranga and Theekshana, but they need runs on the board. Pressure is mounting to avoid a series defeat early.
Pakistan Results
Pakistan enter this match in strong form, displaying balanced performances with effective bowling and composed chasing. Their depth in all-rounders and spin options has been key in recent victories.
They dominated Zimbabwe and handled Sri Lanka comfortably multiple times.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 07.01.26 | T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 6 wkts | W |
| 29.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 6 wkts | W |
| 27.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 6 runs | L |
| 23.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Pakistan won by 69 runs | W |
| 22.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 7 wkts | W |
Pakistan have won four of their last five, with the sole loss a narrow one. Their bowling unit, led by pacers like Salman Mirza and spinners like Abrar Ahmed, has restricted opponents effectively. Batting depth shone in chases, as seen in the opener with Farhan’s fifty. Momentum is firmly with them, and adapting quickly to conditions gives confidence. This win streak positions them as favorite to extend the lead.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
These two sides have a fierce rivalry in T20Is, with Pakistan holding a slight edge overall. Recent encounters have been closely contested, often decided by small margins or bowling performances.
Pakistan have won three of the last five, including the most recent one.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 07.01.26 | T20I | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 6 wkts |
| 29.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 6 wkts |
| 27.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 6 runs |
| 22.11.25 | T20 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 7 wkts |
| 16.11.25 | ODI | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | Pakistan won by 6 wkts |
Pakistan dominate the recent head-to-head, winning four of the last five across formats (four T20Is). Low-scoring games have favored their bowling strength, restricting Sri Lanka repeatedly. Sri Lanka’s lone win was tight, showing they can compete on good days. This trend suggests Pakistan’s superior matchups, especially in bowling, give them the upper hand again.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Predicted Starting Lineups
Team lineups for T20I cricket matches are typically announced shortly before the toss, but based on the playing XI from the first match and squad availability, here are the predicted starting lineups for the second T20I in Dambulla. Pakistan dominated the opener and are likely to field an unchanged side, while Sri Lanka may consider minor tweaks to their batting order or bowling options after a disappointing performance, though no major changes are expected without reported injuries.
| Sri Lanka Player | Position | Pakistan Player | Position |
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter | Saim Ayub | Opening Batter |
| Kamil Mishara | Opening Batter | Sahibzada Farhan | Opening Batter |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Salman Agha (c) | Batter / Captain |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | Batter | Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Charith Asalanka | Batter | Usman Khan (wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | All-Rounder / Captain | Shadab Khan | All-Rounder |
| Janith Liyanage | Batter | Mohammad Nawaz | All-Rounder |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-Rounder | Faheem Ashraf | All-Rounder |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Bowler | Mohammad Wasim Jr | Bowler |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler | Salman Mirza | Bowler |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
Key Factors to Watch
With the series on the line and World Cup preparations intensifying, several elements could decide the outcome. Both teams feature strong spin attacks suited to Dambulla conditions, but execution under pressure will be crucial.
Sri Lanka must address batting frailties, while Pakistan look to maintain dominance.
- Pakistan lead 1-0 after restricting Sri Lanka to 128 and chasing easily in the opener.
- Dambulla pitch is slow and low, assisting spinners with average first-innings scores around 140-160; dew may favor chasing.
- No major injuries reported; both sides near full strength with all-rounder depth.
- Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Hasaranga and Theekshana could exploit home conditions if they bat first.
- Pakistan’s pace-spin combination (Mirza, Abrar, Shadab) dismantled Sri Lanka recently.
- Toss important: Teams bowling first have won more at this venue due to evening dew.
- Form: Pakistan on a four-win streak in last five; Sri Lanka inconsistent with cluster wicket losses.
- Motivation high as both prepare for T20 World Cup groups in Sri Lanka; no scandals affecting focus.
- Weather: Partly cloudy with low rain chance, high humidity aiding swing early.
- Key matchup: Sri Lanka top order vs Pakistan new ball attack.
Free Tips on Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
Before placing bets on this crucial second T20I in Dambulla, savvy punters always dive into historical data and current trends to spot value opportunities. Statistics from previous encounters and recent team performances offer clear indicators of potential advantages in this Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka series. Here are five targeted free tips based on verified patterns and key influencing factors for the January 9 clash.
- Head-to-Head Dominance: Pakistan have won four of the last five T20 meetings across formats, including the series opener by restricting Sri Lanka to low totals – back them to continue exploiting familiar matchups.
- Recent Team Momentum: Pakistan arrive on a strong run, winning four of their last five T20Is with balanced bowling attacks, while Sri Lanka have shown inconsistency, often collapsing in clusters – favor sides with winning streaks for higher confidence.
- Pitch Surface and Conditions: Dambulla’s slow, low-bounce track typically assists spinners as the game progresses, with average first-innings scores around 140-160 – consider under totals or spinner-focused bets like top bowler.
- Weather Impact on Play: High humidity and potential dew in the evening often make gripping the ball tougher for bowlers in the second innings – teams chasing have a historical edge here, so toss winners bowling first hold an advantage.
- Player Form in Key Roles: Standout performers like Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed have dominated recent games with wickets on similar surfaces – target individual markets for in-form all-rounders or mystery spinners thriving in these conditions.
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Match Prediction 2026
Pakistan hold the edge heading into this crucial second T20I, backed by their clinical performance in the opener and strong recent record against Sri Lanka. The visitors’ bowling unit, featuring a mix of pace and spin, exploited the slow Dambulla surface perfectly, bundling the hosts for just 128 before a comfortable chase led by Sahibzada Farhan’s fifty.
Sri Lanka, playing at home, have the spin weapons in Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to fight back, but their batting has shown repeated collapses, failing to build partnerships. The pitch is expected to remain bowler-friendly, slowing down further, with possible dew making chasing preferable.
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Winner | Pakistan to win | 1.7 |
Place your bets wisely and enjoy the action. You can place your bet on the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match at bc.game.