That Sri Lanka is experiencing an especially nasty north-east monsoon over the past several months is clear. It washed out many of the Womes World Cup matches slated for October. In December, Cyclone Ditwah delivered some of the most devastating weather to ever hit the island. Now, deep into January, which is generally one of Sri Lanka’s driest months, Friday’s match was washed out without a ball bowled. The forecast looks slightly better for Sunday, but forecasts don’t tend to mean much in this part of the country.

Whatever happens in terms of the weather, it is clear that as Sri Lanka arrive on the doorstep of another T20 World Cup, there is the usual attendant instability. The captain has been switched out but the team is still losing against good opposition. The top order is being rejigged frequently, and consistent scores are not forthcoming. There are strong elements in the attack – such as the bowling of Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga – but there is fragility elsewhere. It might not take much to turn things around, though. The raw materials of a decent T20 side are there.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will have mostly cooled their heels since Wednesday. Head coach Mike Hesson described their big win in the first T20I as “very clinical”, praising not only the bowling that decked Sri Lanka for 128 but the top-order batters who aced the chase as well. Their only big work-on was the fielding, he thought.

That they are putting up such performances while key players, such as Babar Azam, are away at the Big Bash League is especially impressive. If they are to put together a good campaign in the forthcoming World Cup, Wednesday’s win might have been the day they planted their flag in Sri Lanka. So far, and notwithstanding the weather, these conditions seem to suit them.

In the T20I tri-series in Pakistan last month, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan had topped the run list, hitting 191 runs at a strike rate of 146.92. He has now made a bright start in Sri Lanka, hitting 51 off 36 in his first innings on the island. Farhan was especially good at taking down Nuwan Thushara, which caused significant problems for Sri Lanka, who require early wickets from the round-arm seamer. Farhan’s dominance will make Sri Lanka think twice about playing Thushara in this match.

Second on the run chart from the tri-series last month was Kamil Mishara with 169 runs at a strike rate of 138.52. He couldn’t get going on Wednesday, registering a three-ball duck after spooning a catch to mid off. But he has shown glimpses of serious talent at the top level. Impactful innings in this series and the one to come against England will likely seal his spot at the top of the order.

The Dambulla surface for the first ODI was conducive to spin. As it is increasingly difficult to predict weather patterns on this tropical island (thanks, climate change), the rains may roll through again.

Pakistan may see no need to change their XI but, Sri Lanka may consider bringing in Matheesha Pathirana for Thushara, which will mean Dasun Shanaka is required to bowl with the new ball.

Pakistan (probable): Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt),  Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz,  Shadab Khan,  Faheem Ashraf,  Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza,  Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka (probable):  Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara,  Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka,  Dasun Shanaka (capt),  Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga,  Dushmantha Chameera,  Maheesh Theekshana,  Matheesha Pathirana/Nuwan Thushara.

[Cricinfo]

Warning for depression to the East of Sri Lanka 
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, Department of Meteorology 
at 11.30 p.m. on 10 January 2026 for the period until 11.30 p.m. on 11 January 2026

The depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal off the northeast coast of Sri Lanka moved across the northeast coast near Mullaitivu between 3.30 and 4.30 pm today and was centred about 70 km southeast of Jaffna by 5.30 pm. It is likely to move towards the west and gradually weaken into a low-pressure area.

Cloudy skies can be expected over the Northern half of the island.

Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern province and in Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Trincomalee districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern province.

DAMAGE EXPECTED: [For the Land area]
• Damage to huts, temporary shelters and light structures
• Destroy the roof tops/ sheets etc.
• Damage to power and communication lines.
• Breaking of tree branches and uprooting of large avenue trees.
• Damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards.
• Damage to harbor yachts
• Flash flood
• Sea water inundation in low lying areas in the near coast.

Action suggested for the Land area:
• Coastal dwellers are advised to move to safer places. Other people in the affected areas to remain indoors.
• People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low-lying areas in river basins are requested to be vigilant.
• Drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• General public is requested to be vigilant regarding impending extreme weather situation.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
• Requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.

It isn’t often that India get a 22-day break from international cricket. Rarer still for the most commercially lucrative team and players to be missing in action at the height of holiday season. Everybody will want to make up for the lost time when India return to action with the three-ODI series against New Zealand.

This might be the least relevant of the three formats at the moment, but it is also the only one that the two biggest Indian stars of the last decade now play. The format India the country is most in sync with.