SL vs PAK Match Prediction : 3rd Match, Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2026

Sri Lanka and Pakistan meet for the series decider in the 3rd T20I at Dambulla on Sunday. Pakistan currently lead 1–0 after a clinical win in the opener, with the second match washed out due to rain.

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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan have enjoyed sustained success in Sri Lanka, winning nine of their 12 T20Is on the island. Their disciplined performance in the opening match further strengthened that historical advantage.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Live-streaming and Broadcast

Matches in Sri Lanka are televised on Dialog TV and SLRC, with digital streaming via official broadcaster platforms. In India, the series is available on FanCode (app and website).

In Pakistan, coverage is provided by PTV Sports and A Sports, with streaming on their respective digital services.

In the UK and USA, matches are available through Willow TV (TV/app). In the UAE and MENA region, access is typically via major sports IPTV/OTT providers depending on local rights.

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbscores.com.

SL vs PAK Team Previews

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s familiar top-order issues remain unresolved as they approach another T20 World Cup. In the first T20I, they were reduced to 38 for 4 inside seven overs, once again failing to establish any early momentum. While Janith Liyanage’s 40 and Wanindu Hasaranga’s late hitting offered brief resistance, the collapse left the middle and lower order with too much to do.

The bowling unit still has genuine quality. Dushmantha Chameera provides pace up front, Hasaranga continues to be a major all-round threat, and Maheesh Theekshana can control the middle overs. However, the lack of top-order stability continues to undermine Sri Lanka’s competitiveness.

Kamil Mishara, who was second-highest run scorer in last month’s T20I tri-series in Pakistan with 169 runs, will be under pressure after a first-match duck. Sri Lanka may again consider introducing Matheesha Pathirana in place of Nuwan Thushara, which would alter their new-ball structure and require Dasun Shanaka to contribute with the ball early.

Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11

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

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Pakistan

Pakistan were near-faultless in the series opener. Their bowlers dismantled Sri Lanka for 128, with Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmed applying relentless pressure throughout the innings. Mirza’s three-wicket burst and Shadab’s economical middle-over spell set the platform for a straightforward chase.

With the bat, the opening partnership of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave Pakistan immediate control. Farhan’s 51 off 36 balls highlighted both form and intent, while Shadab once again delivered a calm finishing act with 18* off 12 balls to earn Player of the Match honours.

What makes Pakistan’s performance even more impressive is the absence of key players such as Babar Azam. Despite that, their depth, discipline, and clarity of roles have stood out. With no weaknesses exposed in the first game, Pakistan are unlikely to make changes for the series decider.

Pakistan Expected Playing 11

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

SL vs PAK Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss is expected to bowl first. Chasing has been effective at Dambulla, and Pakistan’s comfortable pursuit in the opening match reinforced the advantage of batting second under these conditions.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The Dambulla surface continues to offer assistance to spin, with grip increasing as the ball gets older. Seamers can extract movement early, but stroke-making becomes more challenging later in the innings.

A first-innings total of around 150–160 should be competitive. Weather remains a factor, although forecasts suggest a better chance of play compared to the abandoned second T20I.

SL vs PAK: Who Will Win?

Pakistan enter the 3rd T20I as favourites. Their bowling depth, disciplined execution, and in-form top order give them a clear edge, while Sri Lanka continue to search for consistency at the top of the batting order.

Bet on Pakistan to win.