The first T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan marks the start of crucial World Cup 2026 preparation for both teams.
This bilateral series in Dambulla offers fantasy cricket users strong scoring opportunities across batting and bowling categories.
Pakistan enters without their BBL stars, including Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi. Salman Ali Agha leads the squad.
Dasun Shanaka returns as Sri Lanka captain after missing the recent tri-series. This creates fantasy value shifts favoring available players.
Dambulla’s bowling-friendly surface impacts Dream11 team selection significantly. The pitch assists both seamers with a new ball and spinners in the middle overs.
Teams batting first won 66% of matches here. Fantasy users must balance batting depth with bowling variety based on these conditions.
The sl vs pak 1st T20I Dream11 prediction today score depends on pitch behavior and toss decision. Expected totals range between 160-170 runs.
SL vs PAK 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction Today
Understanding these factors helps optimize captain and vice-captain choices for maximum fantasy points.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Match Preview
| Team | Matches Played | Recent Wins | Key Strength | Fantasy Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 27 T20Is vs Pakistan | 11 wins total, 2 of last 5 | Home advantage, spin attack | Unstable batting lineup |
| Pakistan | 27 T20Is vs Sri Lanka | 16 wins total, 3 of last 5 | Recent form, balanced attack | Missing BBL stars |
Pitch Report
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Bowling-friendly, aids pace and spin |
| Average Score | 160 runs (first innings) |
| Surface | Dry, low bounce, crumbles in the middle overs |
| Batting First Record | 6 wins in 9 T20Is (66.67%) |
Seamers get movement with the new ball during the first three overs. Spinners become crucial from over 7 onwards as the pitch deteriorates.
All-rounders who bowl spin gain higher fantasy points due to wicket-taking opportunities. Batsmen who anchor innings score better than aggressive hitters on this surface.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 26-28°C |
| Humidity | High (tropical conditions) |
| Rain Chance | 65% (possible showers) |
| Dew Factor | Expected in the second innings |
Toss Prediction
Teams batting first won 66% of T20Is at Dambulla. Setting targets works better than chasing here. The pitch slows down significantly after 10 overs. First innings totals between 160-170 prove difficult for chasing teams.
Dew arrives during the second innings of bowling. This reduces spin effectiveness and adds fantasy risk to spin bowlers. The sl vs pak 1st t20i dream11 prediction today match strategy should prioritize pace bowlers and top-order batsmen if batting first is chosen.
Predicted Squads
Sri Lanka:
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nuwan Thushara
- Dunith Wellalage
Pakistan:
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Usman Khan
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 16 of 27 matches |
| Sri Lanka | 11 of 27 matches |
Pakistan holds a historical advantage, but Sri Lanka performs better at home venues. Recent tri-series results favor Pakistan. Fantasy users should consider Pakistan batsmen and Sri Lankan spinners as safer picks based on head-to-head trends.
Last Five Matches
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 29-Nov-2025 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 27-Nov-2025 | Sri Lanka won by 6 runs |
| 22-Nov-2025 | Pakistan won by 7 wickets |
| 23-Sep-2025 | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| 11-Sep-2022 | Sri Lanka won by 23 runs |
Pakistan enters with a winning momentum from the tri-series. Sahibzada Farhan’s 191 runs in that series boost his fantasy value. Sri Lanka seeks revenge at home ground where they won 8 of last 12 T20Is.
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Role | Fantasy Value Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 191 runs in tri-series at 47.75 average, career-best 80* vs SL |
| Pathum Nissanka | Opener | 2345 T20I runs, 98* in tri-series, consistent home performer |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | All-rounder | World-class leg-spinner, wicket-taker in middle overs on dry pitch |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | 10 wickets at 10.20 average in tri-series, left-arm spin suits Dambulla |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Experienced keeper, aggressive strokeplay, strong home record |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler | Express pace, new-ball wicket threat, bounce extraction capability |
FAQs
- Is this pitch better for spinners or pacers?
Both bowling types succeed at Dambulla. Pacers dominate the first three overs with the new ball. Spinners control overs 7-20 as the pitch crumbles. Include 3 spinners and 2 pacers in fantasy teams.
- Are all-rounders important in Dambulla?
All-rounders provide maximum fantasy points on this surface. Players like Hasaranga and Nawaz offer both bowling wickets and batting contributions. Select a minimum of 2 all-rounders for balanced scoring.
- Does dew affect bowling fantasy points?
Yes. Second innings, dew reduces spin effectiveness significantly. Pace bowlers maintain value, but spinners lose grip. The sl vs pak 1st T20I Dream11 prediction today live conditions show 65% rain affecting dew levels.
- Should wicketkeepers get priority in team selection?
Both teams feature strong keeper-batsmen. Farhan scored 191 runs recently. Mendis thrives at home. One keeper must be selected; consider both as batting options.
- How many Sri Lankan players should be selected?
Home advantage suggests 6-7 Sri Lankan players. However, Pakistan’s recent form balances this. Use 5-6 players from each team based on pitch role suitability.
- Do opening batsmen score higher than middle order?
Yes. The average first innings score is 160 runs. Most runs come from the top three batsmen. The pitch slows down after 10 overs. Prioritize openers in team selection.
- Can lower-order batsmen provide fantasy value?
Limited value exists for lower-order batsmen. Low-scoring matches restrict their opportunities. Focus the fantasy budget on the top five batsmen and main bowlers instead.
Conclusion:
The SL vs PAK 1st T20I Dream11 prediction today requires careful analysis of multiple factors:
- Pitch favors bowlers, especially spinners, in the middle overs
- Batting first strategy dominates at Dambulla with a 66% success rate
- All-rounders provide maximum points through dual contributions
- Pakistan enters with momentum but lacks BBL stars
- Sri Lanka benefits from home conditions and a spin-friendly surface
- The weather shows 65% rain affecting the match duration
- The dew factor reduces the second innings’ bowling effectiveness
Safe picks include established performers like Nissanka, Farhan, and Hasaranga.
Risky differential options involve lower-order all-rounders and backup spinners.
Balance team selection between proven form and pitch-specific roles for optimal fantasy scoring.
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