T20I Series Trophy Revealed as Pakistan, Sri Lanka Gear Up in Dambulla
DAMBULLA: The trophy for the eagerly awaited three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was revealed on Tuesday in Dambulla.
The unveiling ceremony featured Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha alongside Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka and took place atop the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The scenic venue, however, was blanketed by rain earlier in the day due to persistent wet weather.
All three matches of the T20I series will be staged at the same ground, with games set for January 7, 9 and 11. Weather forecasts suggest that rain could play spoilsport throughout the series, as gloomy conditions are expected to linger in Dambulla.
The series marks an important early step for both teams as they begin preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
Pakistan arrive with momentum on their side after clinching a home T20I tri-series title against Zimbabwe and the reigning 2014 champions. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to find rhythm and confidence against strong opposition.
In T20I history, the two sides have met 27 times, with Pakistan holding the upper hand with 16 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 11.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
