Published on: Oct 8, 2026 8:00 pm IST | Updated on: Oct 7, 2026 2:06 pm IST
Sri Lanka is all set to tour Pakistan for a 3-match T20I series set to get underway on October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. All three games will be played at the same venue, and both teams will be eager to gain an advantage in the series by securing a win in the opening fixture. The three T20Is will be followed by 2 Test matches as well before the two teams get themselves going in an ODI tri-series featuring England as the third team. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I, PAK vs SL, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Pakistan should enter this contest with the upper hand. Sri Lanka’s recent struggles in the format have been quite evident. They finished with the Bronze medal in the 2026 Asian Games and lost the T20I series in England prior to the continental event. Meanwhile, Pakistan too haven’t been at their best in recent times in the format but have managed to finish their 2026 Asian Games campaign as runners-up. With home advantage backing them, the win probability meter should lean in favor of Pakistan in the first T20I. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I, PAK vs SL, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
PAK: 58% win chance SL: 42% win chance
Sahibzada has been Pakistan's leading run-getter in this format in the past year or so. In his last 9 outings, the right-hander has amassed 394 runs at a brilliant average of 56.
The senior batter will be one of the key batters for the Pakistani side in the middle order where they lack experience. Therefore, expect Farkhar to play an instrumental role.
Kusal Mendis, the Lankan skipper remains a key prospect at the top. He will be opening the innings in the series and remains one of the key wickets for Sri Lanka.
The Lankan veteran Dasun Shanaka's finishing prowess will be on display. He has been striking at a fantastic rate of 170 in his last 8 T20I outings and will be eager to contribute more with the bat.
Check out our prediction for the PAK vs SL 1st T20I match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Pakistan’s spirited run at the 2026 Asian Games in Nisshin earned them plenty of respect, even in defeat. Chasing a daunting target of 212 against a full‑strength Indian side, they fell short by just 19 runs, a performance that showcased grit, talent, and promise from a youthful, second‑string squad. That silver medal finish has injected fresh belief into Pakistan’s T20 setup.
Now, as they prepare to host a three‑match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting October 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan will look to build on that momentum. With senior players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha dropped after inconsistent performances, the spotlight shifts to new skipper Sahibzada Farhan, who led admirably at the Asiad.
The inclusion of Hasan Nawaz, who smashed a breathtaking 96 in the final against India, adds firepower to the batting lineup. Against a struggling Sri Lankan side, Pakistan’s youthful exuberance and home advantage make them firm favorites. This series offers a perfect platform for Farhan’s men to consolidate their progress and signal the dawn of a new era in Pakistan’s T20 cricket.
Sri Lanka’s T20I fortunes have been on a downward curve, and the upcoming series against Pakistan highlights their transitional phase. With Kusal Mendis at the helm, the squad features several fresh faces as the selectors look to rebuild after inconsistent performances.
Promising opener Sineth Jayawardena earns his maiden call‑up, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth steps in to fill the leg‑spin void left by the injured Wanindu Hasaranga. Seam‑bowling all‑rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe and batter Sahan Arachchige add depth, and Binura Fernando makes a return to bolster the pace attack. These inclusions reflect Sri Lanka’s intent to inject youth and variety into their lineup.
However, the omissions are equally telling. Established names like Charith Asalanka, Dilshan Madushanka, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Janith Liyanage have been left out, signaling a bold shift in strategy. While the new‑look squad offers potential, the lack of experience could prove costly against a confident Pakistan side riding high after their Asian Games silver medal run.
Sri Lanka’s challenge will be to overcome recent struggles, adapt quickly to conditions in Rawalpindi, and prove that their transition can yield competitive performances in the shortest format. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 31 PAK won: 18 SL won: 13 Tie: 0 No Result: 0 RECENT form PAKISTAN: L W AB W L RECENT form SRI LANKA: L L AB L W
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have squared off 31 times in T20Is. Pakistan have had the upper hand in this battle, as they have won 18 fixtures, whereas Sri Lanka have won 13 contests.
How will the two teams, i.e., Pakistan and Sri Lanka, fare in the 1st T20I? Let’s take a look.
Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:
On a batting‑friendly Rawalpindi surface with dew expected under lights, captains may prefer chasing to exploit the conditions. A target in the 170–180 range could be competitive, but the toss will be crucial as Pakistan looks to capitalize on home advantage while Sri Lanka aims to break their lean run.
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of the Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Sri Lanka is desperate to put behind their lean run in T20 internationals. However, Pakistan, playing at home, should fancy their chances to go 1-0 up in the series. Pakistan already have the wood over Sri Lanka in head-to-head T20Is and should start as the favorites ahead of this fixture. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Pakistan, are expected to win the PAK vs SL 1st T20I match.
Want more Cricket Betting Tips like this? Click here