Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st T20I LIVE streaming: When and where to watch in India?

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, Sri Lanka and Pakistan kick off a crucial three-match T20I series tonight in Dambulla. Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, seeks redemption.

Sri Lanka will face Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 for a 3-match series.

Koushik Biswas

Last Updated: 02.36 PM, Jan 08, 2026

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 just one month away, the stakes couldn't be higher as Sri Lanka and Pakistan face off in the opening match of a three-match T20I series. Starting tonight at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, this series serves as the ultimate litmus test for both sides to finalize their combinations for the global showpiece. For Pakistan, the tour is particularly crucial; they are scheduled to play all their World Cup group stage matches in Sri Lanka, making this "away" series a vital home-condition simulation.

Watch the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series with OTTplay Premium. Get JioHotstar, Fancode, SonyLIV, and enjoy every sport available on those apps in a single platform.

Match details

Match: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st T20I

Date: 7th January, 2026

Time: 7 pm IST

How to watch the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I series in India online?

A cricket fan in India who wants to watch Sri Lanka play against Pakistan in this T20I series ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 can watch all the matches on SonyLIV, accessible via OTTPlay Premium.

Preview: Tactical chess in Dambulla

The narrative surrounding this series is one of "depth vs. stability." Sri Lanka enters the series with a settled leadership core under Dasun Shanaka, who has reclaimed the T20I captaincy. The hosts are looking to avenge their defeat in the Rawalpindi tri-series final held just two months ago, where Pakistan emerged victorious.

Pakistan, meanwhile, arrives with a revamped, experimental squad. In a bold move by the PCB, several "A-list" stars, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, are missing due to Big Bash League (BBL) commitments and workload management. This leaves the captaincy in the hands of Salman Ali Agha, who leads a hungry group of "next-gen" talent.

Head-to-Head stats

Historically, Pakistan has held the upper hand in this rivalry, but the gap is closing rapidly.

Matches played 27

Pakistan won 16

Sri Lanka won 11

Team news & squads

Sri Lanka: The return of the veterans

The Lankans have named a formidable squad, blending explosive power with elite spin.

The core: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will likely open, with the red-hot Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka anchoring the middle order.

Bowling: The spin twin-engine of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be the primary threat on a Dambulla track known for its turn. Matheesha Pathirana's "slingy" death bowling remains their X-factor.

Pakistan: The new setup

Pakistan’s squad is a glimpse into the future.

Key return: All-rounder Shadab Khan returns after a long injury layoff, providing much-needed experience.

Debut watch: All eyes are on Khawaja Nafay, the T10 sensation who earned his maiden call-up after a record-breaking domestic run.

Pace battery: In the absence of Shaheen and Rauf, Naseem Shah leads the attack alongside the rising Salman Mirza.

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