Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I Highlights: Match Called Off Due To Rain

As the persistent rain has the final say in the second T20I without a ball being bowled, Pakistan cannot lose this series, maintaining their crucial 1-0 lead. This washout piles the pressure on the hosts, Sri Lanka, who now face a must-win scenario in the final encounter to level the series. All eyes now turn to Sunday, January 11, 2026, when the decisive third T20I is scheduled to commence at 1.30 PM GMT. Join us an hour earlier for the match build-up and all the latest updates. Cheers for now.

In a damp and dreary conclusion to what promised to be an electrifying evening at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan has officially been CALLED OFF due to relentless rainfall. It is deeply disappointing for the fans and players alike that the persistent weather refused to relent, ultimately preventing even the toss from taking place and leaving the umpires with no choice but to abandon the fixture. For Pakistan, this washout means they maintain their 1-0 lead in the three-match series following their victory in the opener, but it robs both sides of invaluable competitive preparation just ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, in particular, will feel the sting of this lost opportunity, as they were desperate to bounce back and find answers for their batting struggles.

UPDATE - 2.38 pm GMT - Hopes for a continuation of play hinge precariously on the weather, as commentator Russel Arnold stated on air that 4.46 pm GMT is the absolute latest a 5-over per-side contest can commence. Arnold adds that a crucial half-hour window now looms, with the possibility of any further action dependent entirely on the skies clearing sufficiently to allow the ground staff adequate time to prepare the field for a potential abbreviated match.

UPDATE - 2.14 pm GMT - It is looking like a long wait folks. First, the light drizzles have turned their pace on and currently, it's completely pouring in Dambulla. Second, the ground is entirely covered with thick blue covers, so if and only if the rain stops, the groundsmen will need some time to clear the water logged on the covers. So let's talk about the 16th edition of this 2026 ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup, which is set to kick off from 15 January 2026 and run through to 6 February 2026, with matches being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament officially opens with defending champion India taking on the USA on the first day, but each team will get the time to tune their preparations with warm-up fixtures from 9 to 14 January. 

UPDATE - 1.23 pm GMT - Some positive hopes! The heavy blue covers have been pulled back from one section of the field, revealing the playing surface underneath. The head of the ground staff and one of the umpires are discussing in that region. The umpire is carrying his umbrella, but it is not open. After that brief conversation, the thick covers are back on and now the drizzles have got a bit heavier as the umpire has opened his umbrella and is walking back to his shed. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 1.05 pm GMT - Not the news we wanted to give, but THE TOSS HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO RAIN. It's currently drizzling in Dambulla and the ground has been covered to avoid waterlogging on the green turf. The weather forecast is not looking any encoraging as it is showing that this light drizzle will continue the whole night. Stay tuned for further updates. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back after their recent defeat in the first game, where their batting faltered on a tricky Dambulla surface. The hosts have several match-winners in their ranks, with Pathum Nissanka opening the batting lineup and the experienced Wanindu Hasaranga posing a constant threat with his leg-spin. Dushmantha Chameera has also been among their leading bowlers in recent times and will be crucial if Sri Lanka are to turn the tide and level the series today. With pride on the line and home support behind them, Sri Lanka will be keen to produce a strong response in this second T20I. So, which team are you supporting? Stay tuned for toss and further updates. 

The Pakistan side came out on top in the 1st T20I, securing a commanding victory by six wickets thanks to a solid all-round performance, with Shadab Khan being named Player of the Match and key contributions from Sahibzada Farhan at the top of the order. Pakistan's bowling attack, spearheaded by rising star Salman Mirza and seasoned spinner Abrar Ahmed, also impressed in the series opener, picking three wickets each. With confidence high, Pakistan will look to maintain their winning rhythm and take a firm grip on the short T20 series.

Hello and a very warm welcome to the cricket fans joining us for the 2nd match of the 3 T20I series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. After a competitive first match, the visitors will look to build on their winning momentum and seize the series winner, on the other hand, the Lankans will seek revenge. 

... MATCHDAY ...

The second T20I of the three-match series comes after a one-day breather, time enough for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to look in the mirror. Pakistan will like what they see after a clinical first outing, while Sri Lanka might need a longer glance. Batting, bowling, fielding, energy, the hosts were short in every department, something skipper Dasun Shanaka openly admitted as well. Home comfort is not guaranteed either. Dambulla has been a mixed bag for Sri Lanka in T20Is with five wins and five losses, but the recent trend is worrying. They are on a three-match losing streak here, managing scores of 103 vs New Zealand, 94 vs Bangladesh and 128 vs Pakistan. That brings the spotlight firmly on their scoring rate. In the last one year of T20I cricket, Sri Lanka sit last among Test-playing nations in runs per over (RPO), with 7.73, a stat they would rather not carry with a T20 World Cup around the corner. The squad boasts batting firepower and bowlers well-suited to local conditions, but talent alone does not guarantee victory. This match could tell whether the opening loss was a one-off stumble or a sign of deeper issues. Either way, Sri Lanka need answers quickly, and preferably before Pakistan run away with an unassailable series lead. The visiting side will be brimming with confidence after a spotless display. Every move clicked, every plan landed, and it was a textbook day at the office for Pakistan. That said, fielding remains an area needing constant polish, a point Salman Agha, the captain, also underlined. They put Janith Liyanage down twice in the last game, and had those chances been taken, the chase would have been even shorter. It did not hurt them then, but in a tight contest, such lapses can bite hard. Do not expect a lot of changes in a short series, though Pakistan do have Usman Tariq and Naseem Shah waiting in the wings. On paper, the visitors look to have all bases covered, and Sri Lanka will need a big lift to square the series.