Rain Delays Toss for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I in Dambulla

Persistent rain continued to dictate terms in Dambulla on Sunday as the toss for the third and final T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was delayed, casting serious doubt over the fate of the series decider at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

Heavy showers swept across the venue in the lead-up to the scheduled toss, forcing officials to keep the entire playing area under the covers. 

Ground staff is working around the outfield, which has taken a beating after days of intermittent rain, but conditions remained far from ideal as water continued to pool in several areas.

The rain intensified shortly before toss time, prompting match officials to hold off proceedings. Although there were brief signs of easing later in the evening, the threat of further showers loomed large, with weather forecasts suggesting a 51 percent chance of rain during match hours. 

High humidity and cloud cover are expected to persist, increasing the likelihood of interruptions or even a washout.

If play does not get underway, Pakistan will be confirmed series winners with a 1–0 lead, having already secured victory in the opening match before rain washed out the second T20I. 

Both teams remained in their dressing rooms awaiting further updates from the officials, with a revised start time expected once conditions are reassessed.

The uncertainty has once again highlighted the challenges of scheduling in Dambulla during this part of the year, where sudden downpours can arrive without warning and derail entire fixtures.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan:

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana / Nuwan Thushara.