ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in a three-match Twenty20 international series starting on Wednesday in Dambulla, as the visitors step up preparations for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The series, with matches scheduled for Jan. 7, 9 and 11, is expected to play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s final 15-member squad for the World Cup, which begins on Feb. 7. Pakistan will play all of their World Cup fixtures in Sri Lanka, making the bilateral series an important chance to adjust to local conditions and finalize combinations.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the team would use the series to assess players and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.

“The series provides a great opportunity for everyone to perform,” Salman said at a pre-series news conference.

“Playing here ahead of the World Cup is a significant advantage for us, and we will look to acclimatize to the conditions as quickly as possible,” he continued.

Salman will continue to lead a T20 side that enjoyed a strong 2025, winning two tri-series tournaments and bilateral series against Bangladesh, West Indies and South Africa. The captain said the management was keen to test emerging players alongside established names.

“We have good players in our squad who are future prospects,” he added. “We want to give them opportunities, and I am hopeful they will deliver strong performances in the series.”

Pakistan have had the edge in recent T20 meetings with Sri Lanka, winning three of their last five encounters, including a knockout match at the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Dubai and the final of a tri-series in Rawalpindi.

Wednesday’s opening match will begin at 7 p.m. local time in Dambulla.