Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction, 1st T20I – Who will win today’s match between PAK vs SL?

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 9. The hosts will enter the contest with plenty of confidence after recently winning the silver medal at the 2026 Asian Games, while Sri Lanka will be keen to put their recent T20I struggles behind them.

Pakistan have handed the T20I captaincy to Sahibzada Farhan, who led the side at the Asian Games. The right-handed batter enjoyed an impressive 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and will be expected to lead the batting unit alongside experienced campaigners such as Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be led by Kusal Mendis. The wicketkeeper-batter was in excellent form during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England and will be one of the key players for the visitors.

PAK vs SL: Match Details

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi: Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi surface has traditionally offered good conditions for stroke-making, meaning another high-scoring contest could be on the cards. Both teams possess enough firepower in their batting line-ups, but Pakistan appear to have a slightly stronger combination, particularly with their bowling options.

PAK vs SL: Head-to-Head T20I Record

PAK vs SL: Predicted Playing 11s

Pakistan

Sahibzada Farhan (C), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, Khawaja Nafay (WK), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim.

Sri Lanka 

Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Kamil Mishara, Sineth Jayawardena, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Sahan Arachchige, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.

PAK vs SL: Probable Best Performer of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis 

Kusal Mendis will be a key batter in the series opener. The right-hander will also lead the side and is expected to take responsibility at the top of the order. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay could be crucial against Pakistan's pace attack.

Probable Best Bowler: Akeal Hosein

Maheesh Theekshana can be the biggest threat with the ball. The off-spinner has the ability to control the run rate during the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets. The Rawalpindi surface could also offer him enough assistance to trouble Pakistan's batters.

Today's Match Prediction: Team batting second to win the match