Pakistan Bowl First In Dambulla In 1st T20I Against Sri Lanka

Salman Agha won the toss and decided to field, believing the covered pitch, which had been receiving frequent showers, would offer early movement for the bowlers. Sri Lanka, however, still hopes that Dambulla will produce plenty of runs after the ball has softened.

With all group fixtures and potential Super Eight matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, both sides see this three-match T20I series as a crucial time to settle combinations and read pitches a month out from the World Cup. 

Shadab Khan returned to the side, having last played in June 2025. He joins Faheem Ashraf and Saim Ayub as valuable allround options. The three all-rounders offer good all-around skills, which offer Pakistan tactical choices at each stage.

Dhananjaya de Silva returned to the format for the first time since June 2024, and his introduction with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana strengthened the spin attack and balance of the side.

The pitch has sat beneath covers due to recent rain, which is why Pakistan believes their decision to field first could be decisive. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, remains confident that once the early movement fades, its batters can post competitive totals.

Playing XIs confirmed

Sri Lanka:

1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamil Mishara, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Janith Liyanage, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan:

1 Saim Ayub, 2 Sahibzada Farhan, 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Usman Khan (wk), 6 Shadab Khan, 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Mohammad Wasim, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar Ahmed