Sri Lanka are all set to host Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
As the two teams gear up to play their first match of 2026, all eyes turn to the conditions and records at the venue. Here's a look at the pitch report, key stats, and highest T20I scores ahead of the crucial second match.
Ahead of the game at the Rangiri Dambulla stadium, here's all you need to know about the T20I records and pitch report of the venue.
How many T20I matches has Rangiri Dambulla Stadium hosted?
The Rangiri Dambulla Stadium has hosted 9 T20I international matches as of January 7, 2026.
How many spectators can Rangiri Dambulla Stadium hold?
The Rangiri Dambulla Stadium has a seating capacity of about 16,800 spectators.
Rangiri Dambulla Stadium: Pitch Report
The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium offers a balanced contest between bat and ball, making it an intriguing venue for the first T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Early in the innings, batters can capitalise on the hardness and dryness of the surface, especially with the new ball coming on nicely to the bat. However, the tropical climate and proximity to Ibbankatuwa Lake mean that morning moisture often aids seam movement, giving fast bowlers some early assistance.
As the match progresses, the pitch begins to dry out and can start to deteriorate slightly, creating ideal conditions for spinners to come into play. This progression ensures all types of bowlers remain in the game, making tactical use of bowling resources crucial.
Teams may look to bat first and put up a strong total before letting their spinners take charge in the second innings.
Rangiri Dambulla Stadium: Average scores and toss results in T20Is
- Total Matches: 9
- Matches won batting first: 3
- Matches won bowling first: 6
- Average 1st innings Score: 164
- Average 2nd innings Score: 155
- Tie: 0
What happened in the previous T20I match at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium?
In the previous T20I match at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, played on July 13, 20245, Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 83 runs. The visitors thoroughly dominated the game and dismissed Sri Lanka for less than 100 runs to level the series 1-1.
What is the highest score by a team at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
The highest team score in T20Is at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium was set by Afghanistan, who scored 209 runs against Sri Lanka on February 21, 2024. Afghanistan’s innings was powered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 70 off 43 balls and Hazratullah Zazai’s 45 off 22.
In reply, Sri Lanka made a strong attempt with Pathum Nissanka scoring 60 and Kamindu Mendis scoring 65*, but they fell short by just three runs, finishing at 206 for 5.
What is the lowest score by a team at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
The lowest score by a team at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is was set by the West Indies, who were bowled out for just 89 runs against Sri Lanka on October 15, 2024. In response to Sri Lanka's total of 162 for 5, the West Indies struggled against Sri Lanka's spinners, particularly debutant Dunith Wellalage, who took 3 wickets for 9 runs.
Despite a strong start from their batters, including a 20-run knock from Powell, the West Indies' innings collapsed under the spin attack, and they were all out for just 89, losing by 73 runs.
What is the highest individual score at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
The highest individual score in a T20I at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium was made by Litton Das of Bangladesh. He scored 76 runs against Sri Lanka on July 13, 2025, in the second T20I of the three-match series.
What is the best bowling figure at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
The best bowling figure at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is is 4 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs by Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka against New Zealand on November 10, 2024.
Which batter has the most runs at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
Pathum Nissanka is the leading run-scorer at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20 Internationals. Representing Sri Lanka, he has scored 278 runs in 9 matches at an impressive average of 38.00 and a strike rate of 139.26.
His highest score at the venue is an unbeaten 60,* and he has registered three fifties. Nissanka’s consistency at the top of the order, along with his ability to find boundaries (40 fours and 5 sixes) makes him the most successful batter at this ground in T20Is to date.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20Is?
Matheesha Pathirana holds the record for the most wickets at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium in T20 Internationals. Playing for Sri Lanka, Pathirana has taken 17 wickets in 8 matches, showcasing his effectiveness in both the powerplay and death overs.
He has bowled 151 deliveries (25.1 overs), conceding 178 runs at an average of 10.47, which is an outstanding figure in T20 cricket.
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