Rain Forces Abandonment of Pak vs SL Second T20I in Dambulla

DAMBULLA: Persistent rain brought an early end to the second T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as no play was possible at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The continuous downpour delayed the toss and eventually led match officials to abandon the fixture altogether.

Weather conditions showed no signs of improvement throughout the scheduled start time, making it impossible for the teams to take the field. As a result, the contest was officially called off without a ball being bowled.

The three-match T20I series will now move directly to its final encounter, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday, 11 January, at the same venue in Dambulla.

Pakistan currently holds a 1-0 advantage in the series after registering a commanding win in the opening T20I. In that match, the visitors delivered a dominant display with both bat and ball, highlighted by an impressive all-round performance from returning Shadab Khan.

The ongoing series carries added significance for both sides, as it serves as preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. The global tournament is set to begin on 7 February and will be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

Squads

Pakistan

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

Sri Lanka

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