PAK vs SL Match Prediction : 2nd T20, Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, 2026

Pakistan have the advantage of playing at home and appear to have greater depth in both batting and bowling. Farhan's form, the return of Naseem Shah and the contributions from Pakistan's younger players make them favourites to close out the series.

Sri Lanka remain dangerous if Udara or Mendis produces another substantial innings, but Pakistan have shown that they can chase a competitive total.

Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long history in T20 internationals. Pakistan have generally enjoyed the stronger overall record, and they now have the immediate advantage of leading this series 1-0.

Pakistan Preview

Pakistan will be confident after winning the opening match, particularly because their new captain made an immediate impact with the bat. Farhan's 89 demonstrated that he can handle the pressure of leading the national side while continuing to play an attacking role at the top of the order.

Maaz Sadaqat was another major positive. His half-century provided excellent support to Farhan and helped Pakistan maintain a high scoring rate through the middle overs. Fakhar Zaman also contributed 21 off 13 balls in the opening partnership.

Pakistan's bowling attack has plenty of options. Naseem Shah's three wickets were important, while Muhammad Imran Randhawa impressed on T20I debut with two wickets. Razaullah also took a wicket on debut, giving Pakistan another young pace option.

Shadab Khan provides all-round value, while Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Moqim offer additional spin choices. The main priority will be reducing the extras and preventing Sri Lanka's batters from building another large partnership.

Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka Preview

Sri Lanka will need a stronger collective batting effort after their defeat in the opening match. Udara's 91 was the innings of the match for the visitors, but they lost wickets around him and finished on 182/8. That proved insufficient against Pakistan's aggressive top order.

Captain Kusal Mendis will be eager to contribute more after scoring just one run in the first T20I. His experience and ability to accelerate are important to a side that is missing several established options, including Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka showed they could contribute in the middle order, but Sri Lanka need one of them to build a bigger innings. Kamil Mishara will also want to make a greater impact after scoring six in the opener.

The bowling attack must find a way to contain Farhan and Sadaqat. Maheesh Theekshana took two wickets, while Eshan Malinga also struck twice, but Pakistan still reached the target comfortably. Better execution with the new ball and fewer loose deliveries will be essential.

Predicted Playing XI

Toss Prediction

Pakistan chased down 183 in the opening match, while Sri Lanka were unable to defend their total. That result may encourage the captain winning the toss to field first and target a chase under the lights.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has generally offered a good surface for batting, and the opening T20I produced a combined 369 runs. Sri Lanka scored 182/8 before Pakistan chased the target in 18.5 overs. Spin could become important through the middle overs, particularly if the surface begins to offer some grip.

The forecast points to warm conditions around 28 degrees Celsius with few clouds, light winds near 1.3 m/s, and modest humidity at 35%. Visibility should be good, and dew impact looks limited.

Our Prediction

Pakistan are the preferred match-winner selection after their four-wicket victory in the first T20I. They have the home advantage, a settled core of experienced players and a captain who has started the series in exceptional form.

With Pakistan's top order in good form and their pace attack making important breakthroughs, we expect the hosts to produce another strong performance.

Bet on Pakistan to win.