Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Today's Match Prediction, 1st T20I - Who will win today’s match?
Sri Lanka (Source: PCB)
Published - 07 Oct 2026, 12:52 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Sri Lanka are in Pakistan to feature in a three-match T20I series, which will be a dress rehearsal for the ODI tri-series involving them and England. Pakistan have made a host of changes to their squad for the T20I series. Sahibzada Farhan, who guided the team to a silver-medal finish at the Asian Games in Japan, has been chosen as the new captain. Salman Ali Agha has lost both captaincy and his place in the side.
Hasan Nawaz, who almost got Pakistan over the line in the Asian Games final, has been rewarded for his herculean knock and named in the side. Pakistan have also brought in Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Razaullah for the shortest format and are favourites for the contest.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka enter the contest after a series loss to England and have made several changes. Charith Asalanka, Dilshan Madushanka, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Janith Liyanage have all been left out of the squad for the T20I series.
PAK vs SL Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Friday, October 9 | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka | 1st T20I | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 16 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 04 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 10 |
| No Result | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 145 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 141 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 195/5 (20) by PAK vs ZIM, 2025 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 90/10 (18.1) by NZ vs PAK, 2024 |
| Highest Score Chased | 194 [194/4 in 19.2 overs] by New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2023 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 162 by ZIM vs SL, 2025 |
Rawalpindi Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Good | Decent |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Movement/turn | Good | Minimal after powerplay | Decent |
| Best Phase | Middle overs | With the new ball | Middle Overs |
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head record (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 30 |
| Pakistan | 18 |
| Sri Lanka | 12 |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11
Pakistan (PAK):
Sahibzada Farhan (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Razaullah, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim.
Sri Lanka (SL):
Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kusal Mendis (captain), Lahiru Udara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
Players to watch out for in PAK vs SL:
Sahibzada Farhan (PAK):
Sahibzada Farhan has been the standout batter for Pakistan in the last few months. Farhan will be expected to rise to the challenge with added captaincy responsibility.
Eshan Malinga (SL):
Eshan Malinga has been the most improved Sri Lankan bowler in recent times. Malinga has the calibre to stifle the opposition at the death.
Today's Match Prediction: Pakistan to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.