SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction, 1st T20I, Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 – Who Will Win?
The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Dream11 prediction for the 1st T20 International of the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2026 is one of the most anticipated T20 clashes early in the year. Scheduled for 07 January 2026, both teams bring in explosive batting, quality bowling, and depth in playing XI, making it a fantasy cricket favourite for Dream11 and other platforms.
Below is the full match preview, player analysis, Dream11 prediction, winning chances forecast, key players and strategy.
Match Details
| Match | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Match | 1st T20I: SL vs PAK |
| Date | 07 January 2026 |
| Time | 02:00 PM (Local) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Format | T20 International |
Head to Head & Recent Form
Sri Lanka National Team (SL)
Sri Lanka’s T20 side includes a strong mix of youth and experience, with powerful hitters and crafty spinners well-suited for home conditions.
Pakistan National Team (PAK)
Pakistan’s T20 outfit is known for explosive batting and varied bowling attack with skilled pacers, wrist spinners, and robust fielding units.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a long rivalry in T20 cricket, both capable of unexpected performances under pressure.
Pitch Report & Conditions
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium generally offers:
- Balanced conditions favouring both batting and bowling
- True bounce on offer for stroke play
- Spinners can come into play during middle overs
- Day conditions might give seam bowlers early help
Weather: Typically sunny daytime conditions in Kandy, with minimal rain interruption expected.
Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first or decide based on pitch assessment at toss.
SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction & Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Percentage |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 48% |
| Pakistan | 52% |
Predicted Winner: Pakistan clinching a narrow edge due to deeper batting lineup and balanced bowling options.
(Remember — this is a prediction, actual results depend on playing XI, toss & match day performance.)
Key Players to Pick in Dream11
Sri Lanka (SL) – Top Picks
- Pathum Nissanka – Aggressive top order batter
- Kusal Mendis – Middle order anchor & finisher
- Charith Asalanka – All-round match impact
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Spin all-rounder
- Maheesh Theekshana – Spin specialist
Pakistan (PAK) – Top Picks
- Babar Azam (c) – Captain & top order anchor
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk) – Consistent runskeeper batter
- Shadab Khan – All-rounder, wickets + runs
- Haris Rauf – Strike fast bowler
- Naseem Shah – Death bowling specialist
(These player names are updated and based on current international squads and recent series participation.)
Dream11 Prediction Tips
Best Captain Choices
- Babar Azam (PAK) – Bound to score runs at top
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – Power hitting opener
Best Vice-Captain Picks
- Shadab Khan (PAK) – Offers multi-skill points
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – Spin + batting contributions
Suggested Dream11 Team (General Lineup)
Final lineup depends on official playing XI before toss.
Wicket-Keepers
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
- Backup: Kusal Mendis (SL)
Batsmen
- Babar Azam (PAK)
- Pathum Nissanka (SL)
- Charith Asalanka (SL)
All-Rounders
- Shadab Khan (PAK)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Bowlers
- Haris Rauf (PAK)
- Naseem Shah (PAK)
- Maheesh Theekshana (SL)
- Extra bowler option: Dilshan Madushanka (SL)
Toss Prediction
At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, afternoon matches usually favour batting first as dew is unpredictable in early evening.
Predicted Toss Call: Bat First
Match Strategy & Fantasy Tips
If Batting First
- Build solid opening partnership
- Middle overs should focus on rotating strike
- Aim for 170+ on balanced wicket
If Chasing
- Target powerplay overs
- Bowlers should prioritize early breakthroughs
- Spinners key in middle phases
Key Battlegrounds in This Match
✅ Top Order Performance – Both teams rely on early runs
✅ Spin vs Pace Balance – Spin could turn middle overs
✅ Death Bowling – Crucial for restricting scoring
Conclusion
The SL vs PAK 1st T20I Dream11 prediction for 07 January 2026 promises a fiercely competitive T20 encounter at Pallekele International Stadium, with both teams capable of winning.
🎯 Predicted Match Winner: Pakistan
📌 Winning Chance: Pakistan – 52% | Sri Lanka – 48%
This match offers rich fantasy potential — choose key performers wisely and build your Dream11 team based on form, pitch conditions, and captaincy choices.
