Persistent rain in Dambulla had the final say as the much-anticipated second T20 International between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was officially abandoned on Friday, January 9, 2026. Cricket fans who had been eagerly awaiting a tight contest instead witnessed a frustrating evening of weather delays and, ultimately, disappointment as not a single ball was bowled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
The series, now poised at 1-0 in favor of Pakistan, moves into a decisive final game with all to play for. The three-match T20I series was seen as a crucial tune-up for both sides ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, but the washout has left both teams with fewer opportunities to test their combinations and strategies on the field.
Heading into this match, Pakistan had looked to continue their dominance after thrashing the hosts in the series opener. In the first T20I, Pakistan’s bowlers were ruthless, with Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed each claiming three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece. Sri Lanka managed just 128 runs, with Janith Liyanage top-scoring with 40. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target with ease, reaching 129 in just 16.4 overs. Sahibzada Farhan anchored the chase with a composed 51, and Saim Ayub added a brisk 24. Shadab Khan’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his 2/25 with the ball and handy 18-run cameo with the bat.
With Pakistan holding a 1-0 lead, the pressure was squarely on Sri Lanka to bounce back and keep the series alive. The home side, led by Dasun Shanaka, had named a strong squad, including the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushmantha Chameera. Pakistan, captained by Salman Agha, fielded a lineup featuring Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jr, among others.
But as the clock ticked toward the scheduled start at 7 PM IST, ominous clouds gathered over Dambulla. Rain began to fall around 19:18 local time, just as ground staff were making progress with the covers. Hopes briefly flickered when the drizzle eased and the staff worked tirelessly to prepare the pitch. However, the weather refused to cooperate. The possibility of a shortened five-over game was floated, with a cut-off time set for 10:16 PM IST. Yet, the rain returned with greater intensity, forcing the covers back on and all but extinguishing hopes of play.
By 20:40 local time, match officials had seen enough. The announcement came through: the second T20I was officially called off due to persistent rain and unplayable conditions. The toss, which had been delayed for hours, never took place. No play was possible, and both teams were left to rue a lost opportunity to fine-tune their lineups ahead of the marquee event next month.
Fans and players alike voiced their frustration. As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, a concerned supporter named Rauf remarked, “Just now came to know that match is delayed by rain. I am not much bothered about today’s match but really worried about the coming World Cup matches due to expected rain intervention in the region. The things have been advanced so there must be some solution for the big matches with regard to rain. I mean to say that there should be indoor stadiums as well.” The sentiment echoed throughout the cricketing community, with many pointing out that the T20 World Cup—jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and set to begin on February 7—could face similar weather-related disruptions.
For both teams, the series serves as a final dress rehearsal before the global tournament. Pakistan, who will play all their World Cup matches in Sri Lanka, are scheduled to host Australia for a three-match T20 series before the big event. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will welcome England for a white-ball series later this month. The lack of game time due to rain is a setback for both sides, as they look to iron out any remaining issues in their squads.
The washout also means that Sri Lanka can no longer win the series outright. The best the hosts can hope for is to level the series in the third and final T20I, set for Sunday, January 11, again in Dambulla. Pakistan, on the other hand, have the chance to seal a series whitewash and carry momentum into the World Cup.
Broadcasting arrangements for the match varied by region. While live telecast was not available in India, fans could catch live streaming action through the FanCode app and website. The scheduled playing elevens for both sides included familiar faces, though the final lineups were never confirmed due to the abandoned toss.
The heavy downpour and the eventual abandonment have also sparked broader discussions about the impact of weather on cricket, especially in regions prone to seasonal rains. With the T20 World Cup looming, concerns are mounting about potential washouts and their influence on team qualification hopes and tournament fairness. As one live update noted, “With the rain still going away, this could also affect the T20 World Cup games in the future which could have a bad effect to team’s qualification hopes as well.”
Despite the anticlimax, the ground staff in Dambulla earned praise for their tireless efforts to make play possible. Unfortunately, the elements proved too powerful, and the cricketing action was left for another day. The abandoned match means all eyes are now fixed on Sunday’s series finale, where Sri Lanka will be desperate to salvage pride and Pakistan will aim to assert their dominance.
With both teams eager to get back on the field, fans can only hope that the weather gods will relent and allow for a fitting conclusion to what has been an eventful—if rain-affected—series. The final T20I promises high stakes, as Sri Lanka fights to level the series and Pakistan looks to fine-tune their squad ahead of a crucial World Cup campaign.
As the dust—or rather, the rain—settles in Dambulla, anticipation builds for Sunday’s decider. The series remains alive, and so too does the hope for clear skies and thrilling cricket action to come.
