Pakistan to host Sri Lanka in first T20I at Rawalpindi on October 9, 2026
Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the first of three T20 internationals at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 2026, with the match scheduled to start at 6:30 PM IST as Sri Lanka tour Pakistan for three T20Is and two Tests.
The series begins with Sahibzada Farhan leading Pakistan in his first assignment as the side's official T20I captain, while Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka. Pakistan arrive with Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah back in the mix after the Asian Games 2026, where Pakistan won silver. Sri Lanka will be without Wanindu Hasaranga and Patham Nissanka, both unavailable for this series. Historically the sides have met 30 times in T20Is, with Pakistan winning 18 and Sri Lanka 12.
Evening conditions in Rawalpindi are forecast to be clear and humid, with temperature around 26°C and average humidity of 63%. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is described as flat and offering little assistance to bowlers, with pace and bounce favouring batters; spinners may find some grip as the ball ages but dew could complicate bowling later in the match.
Pakistan's named XI for the first T20I is: Sahibzada Farhan (C), Maaz Sadaqat, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Ahmed Daniyal, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka's selected XI is: Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Sineth Jayawardena, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga.
Dream11 recommendations in the preview include batting and all-round options such as Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Dasun Shanaka, Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Arafat Minhas, Shadab Khan and Sahan Arachchige, with bowling choices like Dunith Wellalage and Eshan Malinga. The piece lists Captain First-Choice: Shadab Khan || Captain Second-Choice: Sahan Arachchige and Vice-Captain First-Choice: Kusal Mendis || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Maaz Sadaqat as one recommended combination. An alternate recommended combination shows Batters: Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Dasun Shanaka, Sahibzada Farhan; All-rounders: Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Shadab Khan, Sahan Arachchige; Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Abrar Ahmed with Captain First-Choice: Saim Ayub || Captain Second-Choice: Fakhar Zaman and Vice-Captain First-Choice: Dasun Shanaka || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Dunith Wellalage.
The preview backs Pakistan to win the first T20I on Friday, citing home conditions and a batting unit that looks heavier on paper than Sri Lanka's.
The PAK vs SL 1st T20I will take place on October 9, 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. For further updates follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join the community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
