SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update - Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka, 1st T20I

The Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026 will mark the beginning of the international calendar for both these sides as they are set to clash for a three-match T20I series starting January 7, 2026, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.

Many senior players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have been left out of the Pakistan T20I squad, due to workload management considerations and Big Bash League commitments. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will go with a full-strength Playing 11.

SL vs PAK Match Preview

Sri Lanka cricket team will be up against Pakistan cricket team to kick off their three-match T20I series in Dambulla on January 7. Pakistan have the head-to-head lead in this rivalry, winning 14 of their 24 T20I meetings, while Sri Lanka has 10 wins.

Sri Lanka’s batting is likely to revolve around Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, who are expected to anchor the innings at the top. In bowling, spin will once again be a key weapon for the hosts, particularly on these home pitches that tend to get slower. For Pakistan, the tour offers a valuable chance for emerging players to push their chances towards the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The likes of Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan and Abrar Ahmad are expected to play a significant role.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Match Details

SL vs PAK Dream11 Team Today Stats

• The Sri-Lankan opener, Kamil Mishara, was the standout batter for the team in the previous match, scoring 59 runs off 47 balls, including 2 fours and 4 sixes. He will be a crucial pick for the SL vs PAK Dream11 team prediction.
• Pavan Rathnayake was the top bowler for the Lankan side from their previous T20I game. He took 2 wickets in his spell of two overs. He is a great choice for the SL vs PAK Dream11 prediction today match.
• Pakistan's all-rounder Saim Ayub was the standout player for his team in the previous match with 36 runs in 33 balls. He also took a wicket in his spell at an economy of just 4.25 runs per over. He is a perfect contender for the SL vs PAK Dream11 today team prediction.
• Mohammad Nawaz was the leading wicket-taker in the last match with 3 wickets at an economy of 4.25. He is currently one of the best all-rounders in the world. As per our SL vs PAK Dream11 today prediction, his role will be significant.

SL vs PAK Injury Update Today

As of now, there is no information available about injuries from both teams. Although Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are excluded from the Pakistan squad due to BBL commitments.

SL vs PAK Toss Prediction

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is expected to win the toss, and he might opt to bowl first on this ground. This decision is solely based on previous records at this venue, and chasing the total could be an advantage at Dambulla Stadium.

Record of Chasing Teams at Dambulla Stadium

At the Dambulla Stadium, chasing should be the preferred choice as a total of 27 T20Is have been played here, and 15 matches were won by the chasing side, and 12 matches were won by the team batting first.

SL vs PAK Playing 11 (Probable)

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan, while Dasun Shanaka is the captain of Sri Lanka. The Pakistan squad lacks many marquee players due to workload management, and the focus will be on the young stars, who should be a part of your SL vs PAK Dream11 team prediction.

Highest Run Scorers & Highest Wicket Takers

• Pathum Nissanka and Saim Ayub could emerge as the highest run scorers for their respective teams in the T20I series, as these batters are reliable players who will be looking to start on a positive note.
• Abrar Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga will get help from the Sri Lankan wickets and could be the top wicket-takers for their respective teams in this three-match T20I series.

SL vs PAK Captain and Vice Captain Choices

• Pathum Nissanka and Saim Ayub are the best candidates for captaincy in this match. These players are the most impactful players from their respective teams and could earn a lot of fantasy points.
• Wanindu Hasaranga and Sahibzada Farhan are the ideal candidates for vice-captains. Their consistent performance in the T20 format will provide for a better SL vs PAK Dream11 team.

Top Picks for SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

• The skipper of Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka, will be among the top picks for this match as he can provide crucial finishing to his team in the lower order and might even chip in with the ball.
• Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz took 3 wickets in his last T20I appearance, and he can provide crucial fantasy points with both bat and ball. He will be a top pick in this SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction today.

Budget Picks for SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction

• Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis is an aggressive batter who can provide a quick start to the team and can also earn some points with his wicketkeeping.
• Pakistan top-order batter Fakhar Zaman has been in decent form in his recent T20 outings around the world. He will be one of the budget picks for the SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction.

Best Team for Dream11 Today's Match

• Keeper: K Mendis
• Batters: F Zaman, P Nissanka, S Farhan
• All-rounders: S Ayub (c), W Hasaranga (vc), D de Silva, M Nawaz
• Bowlers: M Pathirana, N Shah, A Ahmad

Best Dream11 Team Today

• Keeper: K Perera
• Batters: P Nissanka (c), S Farhan (vc), S Ali Agha, C Asalanka
• All-rounders: S Ayub, W Hasaranga, D Wellalage
• Bowlers: N Shah, A Ahmad, M Theekshana

Note: Sportsdunia has prepared a fantasy team for SL vs PAK based on their experience in fantasy cricket.

SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Today (1st T20I) Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Players to Avoid

• Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan can be avoided for this match as he has been out of form for the last few matches.
• Fast bowler Eshan Malinga might not feature in the playing 11, so he can be avoided for this match.

SL vs PAK Weather & Pitch Report at Dambulla Stadium

• Overcast conditions with a chance of rain and high humidity are expected for the 1st T20I of the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026. Dew might make an impact in this clash.
• The surface at the Dambulla Stadium is balanced but slightly better suited for bowlers. The ball will grip and turn, and might come slowly onto the bat. The average runs scored at this venue in the first innings revolves around 150.

SL vs PAK Head-to-Head Records

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other 24 times in T20Is. Pakistan have won 14 of those matches, while SL have won 10. So, the Men in Green lead the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-head rivalry.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the analysis, calculated odds, and past experience of the author. While selecting your team, consider the analysis only as supporting data while making your own decision. Sportsdunia does not work with insider news and will not be responsible for any monetary loss to the users following the analysis.