PAK vs SL 2nd T20I, AS IT HAPPENED: Rain washed out the second T20I in Dambulla, preventing even the toss from taking place as persistent showers and worsening conditions kept the covers on throughout the evening.
Despite brief attempts by the ground staff to prepare the field, heavy rain returned multiple times, forcing officials to abandon the match at 20:40 local time. With no play possible, Pakistan retain their 1-0 lead heading into the series decider on January 11.

Sorry, we cannot have a 5-over game by 10:15 PM, so the match had to be called-off. The 3rd and the final T20I will be on 11th Jan. Sri Lanka will have a chance to draw the series even though Pakistan will have the upper-hand!
It's OFFICIAL! The second T20I in Dambulla has been abandoned due to relentless rain and poor conditions. With the match washed out without a ball bowled, Pakistan will carry their 1-0 advantage into the series finale.
News coming in that the match has been called off. We will give you the official update very soon. Stay tuned!
The fans are not giving up yet!
Rain please go away, let us have a match!!
— Arsalan (@arsalanyousuf) January 9, 2026
Drizzle gets slower, gives hope and then gains pace again! Some fans are still hopeful though!#PakvsSL #PakvSL #Srilanka #dambulla #t20 pic.twitter.com/FP1lFupJi7
Will we get to see even a 5-over match?
No positive update yet. The rain and the wait continue in Dambulla.🥺#PAKvSL #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/6VWk231rqu
— Mir Za⁵⁶ (LQ) (@Mirza143146) January 9, 2026
So, it's not 10:05 PM but 10:15 PM will be the cut-off. In Pakistan time, it will be 9:45 PM.
News coming in that 10:02 Sri Lanka time (same as IST) is the cut-off time for a 5-over game.
Latest Update: A sharp downpour has returned in Dambulla, leaving the ground staff with no choice but to roll out the heavy blue covers once again.
Fans are not happy...!
World Cup ka Junoon toh Wr Gaya 😢#PAKvsSL #PakistanCricket #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/UaAd12CxyZ
— Talha GCN (@Talha_GCN) January 9, 2026
No change, drizzle keeps on picking up...
Update from Dambulla
— Farhan Nisar (@farhanwrites) January 9, 2026
Drizzle starts, covers on. 🌧️#SLvsPAK #Dambulla #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/xeRrZ2bS3Y
As we wait for the start of the game, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have so far faced 25 times in T20Is. The Men in Green have won 15 times, while the Lankan Lions have 10 wins under their belt.
The fan has a point though...
If rain delay match start, why dont they toss and prepare in the meantime? Doing Toss after rain stops adds minimum 30 min to game start. @MazherArshad @SajSadiqCricket
— Danish Naeem (@dnaeem) January 9, 2026
More visuals from the venue. It's all covered...
It's drizzling at RDICS #sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #SLvsPAK #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/EJrYkgTx41
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) January 9, 2026
The light rain in Dambulla has picked up again, undoing the ground staff's earlier efforts. With the drizzle turning heavier, the large covers have been brought back on, pushing the toss back even further.
Well, that is not a good sign if it happens! Let's hope for the best as we wait for further development.
Today pak vs Sl match can be postponed🥲
— Time Unlocked (@timeunlocked_01) January 9, 2026
As per latest news coming from Sri Lanka, the ground staff are grinding hard as the drizzle begins to ease, clearing water off the covers and working to get the square ready for play.
PAK vs SL, 2nd T20I update: Persistent rain at the venue has delayed the toss, with ground staff covering the whole playing area. pic.twitter.com/67EHfbOpxy
— Cricket Pakistan (@crickethub_pk) January 9, 2026
Unfortunate news is coming in from Dambulla, where rain has halted proceedings. Showers have hit the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, forcing the grounds crew to bring on the covers. As a result, the toss has been pushed back. The staff remains ready for action, but for the moment, everything depends on the weather easing.
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha(c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Abdul Samad
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, Traveen Mathew, Matheesha Pathirana, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera
Pakistan, meanwhile, delivered a clinical performance in the opening match, with contributions across departments setting the tone for a strong start. Their disciplined chase of 129, completed with more than three overs remaining, gave them a valuable early edge in the series. With momentum firmly on their side, the Men in Green will now aim to extend their winning run and wrap up the series with another victory in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka endured a disappointing start to the series, with their batting unit unable to turn early momentum into substantial totals. Janith Liyanage appeared the most assured among the lineup in the first T20I, but his effort alone couldn't lift the team to a competitive score. With the T20 World Cup approaching on home soil, the hosts must approach the second match with renewed belief and urgency if they hope to stay alive in the series.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2nd T20I match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka!
Janith Liyanage stood out as the most composed batter on the night, but his effort alone couldn't lift the total to a competitive level. With the T20 World Cup approaching quickly - an event they will host - Sri Lanka must find answers soon. The second T20I offers them a valuable chance not only to level the series but also to strengthen their preparations for the global tournament.
The home side will need greater intent from its top order, more stability through the middle overs, and a sharper finish at the death. Their bowling attack performed reasonably well in patches but lacked the sustained pressure required to defend a moderate target. Sri Lanka will hope the familiarity of home conditions can spark a stronger all-round show in Dambulla.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will step onto the field brimming with confidence. Their performance in the opener showcased a balanced effort across departments. The bowlers were disciplined, restricting Sri Lanka to a manageable score, and the batters capitalised with a calm, calculated chase. Finishing the job with more than three overs to spare underlined their control throughout the game.
With a series win now within reach, Pakistan will aim to maintain the same level of efficiency. A victory on Friday would not only seal the series but also build crucial momentum as they shape their squad for future assignments.
As the two sides prepare for another clash under the lights, Sri Lanka seek redemption while Pakistan look to continue their dominance. A competitive contest awaits in Dambulla, and the stakes are high for both teams as the series moves toward its decisive phase.