Match 2nd T20I
Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 (3 T20Is)
January 9, 2026, 7:00 pm
Sri Lanka Logo
Sri Lanka
Odds » 2.14
VS.
Pakistan Logo
Pakistan
Odds » 1.68
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

SL vs PAK Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, 2nd T20I, January 9

Published on: Jan 8, 2026 7:00 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 8, 2026 3:52 pm IST

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Pakistan proved to be too good for Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the series at Dambulla as they defeated the hosts by 6 wickets. The two teams are now set to square off yet again in the second T20I at this very venue on Friday, January 9. One more win and Pakistan will seal the series; for Sri Lanka, this game is a must-win to stay alive in the series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 2nd T20I of the Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.

Win Probability: SL vs PAK

The Sri Lankan team was totally out of sorts in the previous T20I. Their batting was a total flop, but now they can’t afford another loss as the series will slip away from their hands. Expect Sri Lanka to bounce back in this contest with Pakistan not letting the game get away from them easily. Expect the win probability meter to favor the host in this fixture. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd T20I of the Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla.

PAK: 44% win chance
SL: 56% win chance

  • The hosts have lost three of their last five completed T20Is.
  • Pakistan, on the other hand, have managed to win four of their last five completed games.
  • Pakistan has dominated in the recent battles between these two sides, winning 4 of the last 5 games.

Cricket Betting Tips for SL vs PAK- 2nd T20I

Sahibzada Farhan to score Over 23.5

The Pakistan opener has started this series on a positive note with a fifty to his name. Farhan will be at the forefront yet again.

Pathum Nissanka to score Over 23.5

The Sri Lankan opener failed in the opening game, but packs a punch in this lineup. The right-hander has amassed 289 runs from last 10 innings at an imperious strike-rate of 146.7.

Charith Asalanka to score Over 15.5

The former Lankan skipper is one of the mainstays in Sri Lanka's batting lineup. The left-hander will be keen to get into rhythm with the bat ahead of the next month's T20 World Cup.

Saim Ayub to score Over 19.5

The opening pair of Pakistan has amassed the most runs for Pakistan in recent times in the shortest format of the game. Saim has scored 264 runs in his last 10 T20 innings.

SL vs PAK Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the SL vs PAK 2nd T20I at Dambulla.

Sri Lanka needs to win this contest to keep the series alive

Sri Lanka face a do-or-die situation as they gear up for the second T20I against Pakistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday, January 9. After being outplayed in the opening clash, where Pakistan secured a comfortable six-wicket win, the hosts must bounce back strongly to keep the series alive.

The batting unit will be under the spotlight, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, and Charith Asalanka expected to shoulder responsibility at the top. Their failure to step up in the first game proved costly, and Sri Lanka cannot afford another collective batting collapse. The middle order too needs to provide stability, while the bowlers must find ways to contain Pakistan’s aggressive batting lineup.

For Sri Lanka, this contest is about resilience and execution. A strong performance from their key batters could turn the tide and give them the momentum they desperately need. With the series on the line, expect a spirited fight from the hosts.

Pakistan have a valiant opportunity to seal the series

Pakistan head into the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium with a golden chance to wrap up the series. After a commanding six-wicket win in the opener, the visitors have momentum firmly on their side and will be eager to deliver another clinical performance. Their batting unit looked composed in the chase, with key players stepping up under pressure, while the bowlers maintained discipline to restrict Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities.

This match presents Pakistan with a valiant opportunity to seal the series early and assert their dominance. A victory here would not only secure the series but also allow them to experiment with combinations in the final game, strengthening their depth ahead of bigger tournaments. The likes of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Nawaz will once again be crucial, as their experience and consistency provide stability across departments.

Sri Lanka, however, will be desperate to fight back, making this clash a high-stakes encounter. For Pakistan, the equation is simple: maintain focus, execute plans, and seize the moment to clinch the series in style. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

SL vs PAK Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 25
SL won: 10
PAK won: 15
No Result: 0
Tied: 0
RECENT form SRI LANKA: L W W L W
RECENT form PAKISTAN: W W L W L

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have locked horns 25 times in the past in the shortest format of the game. The Lankans have 10 wins to their name, whereas Pakistan leads the way with 15 wins. 

Team Analysis: Sri lanka and Pakistan

How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and Pakistan, fare in the 2nd T20I of the Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026? Let’s take a look.

Sri Lanka (SL)

  • Sri Lanka could look for some changes in the eleven.
  • Matheesha Pathirana for Nuwan Thushara is one to be considered.
  • Kusal Perera for either Dhananjaya de Silva or Kamil Mishara is an option to look forward to.
  • The spin twins Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will continue in the eleven.

Expected Starting 11

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

Pakistan (PAK)

  • Although Pakistan shouldn’t look for much changes in this game, they do have an opportunity to check other combinations.
  • Bringing in Naseem Shah for Salman Mizra is one option.
  • No other changes are expected in the XI.

Expected Starting 11

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

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd T20I of the Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla:

Pitch Report (Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium)Weather Report (Dambulla, Jan 9, 2026)
The surface has shown signs of slowness, making stroke play difficult.Temperature: 25–27°C during the evening.
Spinners have dominated, with turn and grip available throughout the innings.Conditions: Clear skies, comfortable for players.
Batters need patience; totals around 140–160 runs are competitive here.Rain: No rain expected, match likely to be uninterrupted.
Seamers can exploit early moisture under lights, especially with the new ball.Humidity: Moderate to high, aiding swing bowling slightly.
Dew factor may come into play in the second innings, favoring chasing sides.Wind: Light breeze, not disruptive.
Overall: A challenging pitch for batters, rewarding disciplined bowling.Overall: Good cricketing weather, full match expected.

Toss Prediction

At Dambulla, the toss will play a decisive role. With the pitch expected to assist spinners and seamers early, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose bowling first. Dew in the second innings favors chasing, making batting under lights the safer and more strategic option.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 2nd T20I of the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026 will take place live on the SonyLIV and Fancode app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on Sony Sports Network channels.

SL vs PAK: Today’s Match Predictions

Sri Lanka may have lost the previous fixture, but they won’t be going down fighting in this series at home. They should regroup and come up with a better execution in this game to clinch a win and draw level in this series. Odds may favor the visitors, but we are backing the hosts to come good in this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, Sri Lanka is expected to win the SL vs PAK, 2nd T20I of Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Logo
Odds » 2.14
VS.
Pakistan Logo
Odds » 1.68