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DAMBULLA: The stage is set for the first T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), kicking off the cricketing year 2026.
Concerns had emerged over the Dambulla weather after persistent rain on Tuesday forced Pakistan to cancel their training session, casting doubts over whether showers could interfere with the series opener.
The stadium was fully covered as captains Salman Ali Agha and Dasun Shanaka unveiled the series trophy ahead of the match.
Weather forecasts, however, suggest a largely playable day in Dambulla.
Temperatures are expected to hover around 22°C, with a RealFeel of 21°C. Humidity is high at 73%, giving the air a slightly heavy feel, but no rain is expected.
Skies are fully overcast with 100% cloud cover, which may dim natural light, though visibility remains strong at 11 km, and mist or fog is not anticipated thanks to a high cloud ceiling of 9,100 metres.
Northeasterly winds at 13 km/h, gusting up to 32 km/h, could influence some bowling and fielding moments.
The remaining two T20Is of the series are scheduled at the same venue on January 9 and 11.
Historically, Pakistan leads the head-to-head record, having won 16 of 27 T20Is against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
READ: PCB forwards proposed T20I schedule to Cricket Australia: sources
