Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Matches

The Pakistan national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team rivalry is one of the established matchups in Asian cricket. The two teams have competed in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), producing memorable World Cup encounters, dramatic finishes, record-breaking performances, and closely contested bilateral series.

Pakistan have generally enjoyed the stronger head-to-head record, particularly in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka, however, have produced several major victories, including their famous triumph in the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final and their win in the 2014 T20 World Cup final.

Their latest bilateral T20I series took place in October 2026, when Pakistan won 2–1 at home. This article covers Pakistan vs Sri Lanka matches, head-to-head records, recent scorecards, World Cup encounters, key players, and important statistics.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in international cricket for decades. Their first Test meeting took place in 1982, while their first ODI encounter was played during the 1975 Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan have traditionally performed well against Sri Lanka across the three main formats. However, the rivalry has also featured important Sri Lankan victories, especially in major ICC tournaments.

The Test record is through July 2023, the ODI record through November 2025, and the T20I record through October 2026. The T20I total includes the three matches played in October 2026.

These records show Pakistan’s overall advantage, particularly in ODIs, where they have won considerably more matches than Sri Lanka. T20I cricket has been more competitive, although Pakistan also hold the lead in that format.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Matches

Test cricket has been an important part of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka rivalry since their first meeting in March 1982. Pakistan won that inaugural Test in Karachi by 204 runs.

Pakistan have historically benefited from their strong fast-bowling resources, experienced batters, and ability to adapt to different conditions. Sri Lanka have developed a competitive Test side of their own, with technically accomplished batters and effective spin bowling.

Test head-to-head statistics

The 19 drawn matches illustrate the importance of batting endurance, pitch conditions, and weather in Test cricket. Both sides have produced strong performances at home and away, making the longer format an important measure of their overall cricketing strength.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series, 2023

Pakistan toured Sri Lanka in July 2023 for a two-match Test series. Pakistan won both matches and completed a 2–0 series victory.

Pakistan’s victory in Colombo was especially emphatic. They dominated the match with a strong batting performance before dismissing Sri Lanka for a total that left the hosts well behind.

The series demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to combine batting depth with effective bowling and put pressure on Sri Lanka over multiple days.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Matches

The ODI rivalry is one of the most frequently contested parts of this matchup. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have met in bilateral series, Asia Cup tournaments, and Cricket World Cups.

Pakistan have won 96 of their 160 recorded ODI meetings, while Sri Lanka have won 59. The remaining matches include a tie and games that ended without a result.

ODI head-to-head statistics

Pakistan’s strong ODI record reflects decades of consistent performances. Sri Lanka have nevertheless produced memorable victories and have remained a serious opponent, particularly in major tournaments.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI series, November 2025

Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in November 2025. Pakistan won all three matches and completed a 3–0 series sweep.

The first match was a close contest, with Pakistan holding on to win by six runs. The second ODI featured a successful chase as Pakistan reached the target with eight wickets remaining. Pakistan then won the third match to complete the clean sweep.

These results reinforced Pakistan’s strong ODI record against Sri Lanka and demonstrated their ability to win both high-scoring games and matches in which the target was more modest.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Matches

T20 International cricket has produced a competitive rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Both sides have experienced players capable of changing a game quickly, and their meetings have included major tournament matches as well as bilateral series.

Pakistan have historically been strong in T20 cricket, combining aggressive batting with quality fast bowling. Sri Lanka have often relied on adaptable batting, spin bowling, and tactical flexibility.

T20I head-to-head statistics

Pakistan lead the T20I head-to-head record, but Sri Lanka have secured important victories in bilateral series and ICC competitions. The teams’ contrasting strengths make their T20 encounters particularly interesting.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series, October 2026

Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan won the series 2–1.

Pakistan secured the series after winning the first two matches. Their second victory, by 82 runs, was particularly convincing and ensured they could not lose the series.

Sri Lanka responded in the final match, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets. Pakistan scored 168/8, with captain Sahibzada Farhan making 76 and Arafat Minhas adding an unbeaten 34. Sri Lanka chased the target successfully, finishing on 172/2 in 17.1 overs. Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 87, while Kamindu Mendis contributed 40 not out.

Although Sri Lanka won the final game, Pakistan’s victories in the opening two matches secured the series.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches in ICC Tournaments

Matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have frequently carried extra significance in international tournaments. Both teams have won major ICC titles, and their meetings have sometimes influenced the outcome of an entire competition.

1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final

One of Sri Lanka’s most important victories against Pakistan came in the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final in Faisalabad.

Pakistan batted first and scored 242/9. Sri Lanka successfully chased the target, winning by nine wickets and advancing to the semi-finals. They went on to win their first men’s ODI World Cup title.

The match was a major milestone in Sri Lankan cricket history and demonstrated their growing strength in limited-overs cricket.

2009 T20 World Cup final

Pakistan and Sri Lanka met in the final of the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s.

Sri Lanka scored 138/6, but Pakistan chased the target successfully, finishing on 139/2 and winning by eight wickets. Shahid Afridi played a crucial role with an unbeaten 54 and was named Player of the Match.

The victory gave Pakistan their first men’s T20 World Cup title.

2012 T20 World Cup semi-final

Pakistan and Sri Lanka met again in a T20 World Cup knockout match in 2012, this time in the semi-final.

Sri Lanka won by 16 runs after posting 139/4 and restricting Pakistan to 123/7. Sri Lanka subsequently reached the final, although they lost to the West Indies.

The result was an important reminder that Sri Lanka could challenge Pakistan in high-pressure matches.

2025 Asia Cup

Pakistan and Sri Lanka also met during the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup. Pakistan won the match by five wickets, chasing Sri Lanka’s 133/8 with a score of 138/5.

The result was another example of Pakistan’s ability to win against Sri Lanka in a tournament setting.

Memorable Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches

Several encounters stand out because of their scorelines, historical significance, or individual performances.

Pakistan win the first Test, 1982

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 204 runs in Karachi in March 1982. The victory marked the start of the two countries’ Test rivalry.

Sri Lanka win the 1996 World Cup quarter-final

Sri Lanka chased down Pakistan’s target in Faisalabad, won by nine wickets, and advanced towards their first ODI World Cup title.

Pakistan win the 2009 T20 World Cup final

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets at Lord’s. Shahid Afridi’s unbeaten half-century helped secure the championship.

Sri Lanka win the 2012 T20 World Cup semi-final

Sri Lanka defended their total and won by 16 runs, advancing to the final on home soil.

Pakistan sweep the 2025 ODI series

Pakistan won all three ODIs against Sri Lanka in November 2025. The series included a six-run victory in the opening match and a successful chase in the second ODI.

Pakistan win the 2026 T20I series

Pakistan won the first two T20Is in October 2026 to seal a 2–1 series victory. Sri Lanka claimed the final match by eight wickets, preventing a clean sweep.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Key Players

Individual performances have frequently determined the outcome of matches between these teams. Their most influential players vary by format and series, but several names have made important contributions to the rivalry.

Pakistan players

Babar Azam: An accomplished batter known for his technique, consistency, and ability to anchor an innings.

Mohammad Rizwan: A wicketkeeper-batter recognised for building partnerships and contributing in limited-overs cricket.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: A left-arm fast bowler capable of taking early wickets with pace and swing.

Sahibzada Farhan: The Pakistan captain made a major contribution during the October 2026 T20I series, scoring 76 in the final match.

Sri Lanka players

Kusal Mendis: An attacking batter who has delivered important performances in limited-overs cricket, including an unbeaten 87 in the final T20I of October 2026.

Kamindu Mendis: A versatile batter who contributed an unbeaten 40 during Sri Lanka’s successful chase in that match.

Dasun Shanaka: An experienced all-rounder who has provided batting power and useful bowling options for Sri Lanka.

Wanindu Hasaranga: A leg-spinner and all-rounder whose wicket-taking ability can influence the middle overs in limited-overs cricket.

Player form and availability change over time, so these names represent notable contributors rather than a definitive ranking of the current squads.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Statistical Comparison

The historical record highlights Pakistan’s advantage across the major international formats, while Sri Lanka’s tournament victories show that the rivalry remains competitive.

Pakistan’s ODI advantage is particularly clear, while their T20I record also shows a lead. Sri Lanka’s World Cup victories and individual match-winning performances demonstrate that historical totals do not guarantee the result of any particular match.

Conditions, player selection, batting partnerships, and bowling execution all influence the outcome of future contests.

Conclusion

The Pakistan national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team matches represent a rivalry with a rich history across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. Pakistan have generally held the stronger head-to-head record, particularly in ODIs, while Sri Lanka have produced memorable victories in major tournaments.

From Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup quarter-final victory to Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph and their 2025 ODI series sweep, the rivalry has delivered plenty of memorable moments.

The latest bilateral T20I series, in October 2026, ended with Pakistan winning 2–1. Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket victory in the final match showed their ability to respond after two defeats, while Pakistan’s earlier wins secured the series.

With both teams continuing to develop their squads and tactical approaches, future encounters should provide more competitive cricket and new chapters in this long-running rivalry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who has won more matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?

Pakistan have the stronger historical head-to-head record across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. Their advantage is especially pronounced in ODIs, where they have won 96 matches compared with Sri Lanka’s 59.

2. What is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI head-to-head record?

The recorded ODI total is 160 matches, with Pakistan winning 96, Sri Lanka winning 59, one match ending in a tie, and four matches ending without a result.

3. Who won the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series in October 2026?

Pakistan won the three-match series 2–1. They won the first two matches before Sri Lanka secured an eight-wicket victory in the third T20I.

4. Which team won the 2009 T20 World Cup final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?

Pakistan won the final by eight wickets at Lord’s. Sri Lanka scored 138/6, and Pakistan chased the target successfully, with Shahid Afridi scoring an unbeaten 54.

5. What happened in the 1996 Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by nine wickets in the quarter-final in Faisalabad. The victory helped Sri Lanka progress towards winning their first men’s ODI World Cup title.