Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Matches: History, Results & Records
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Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches have produced a long and competitive rivalry across Test cricket, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. The two South Asian teams have faced each other for decades, with Pakistan holding a clear historical advantage in Tests and ODIs while Sri Lanka have also produced several memorable victories in major tournaments.
The rivalry began in international cricket in the 1970s, with the teams developing a particularly strong competitive relationship after Sri Lanka became a regular Test nation. Since then, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have met in bilateral series, Asia Cups, World Cups, T20 World Cups and other international competitions.
Pakistan have historically been the stronger side in the overall head-to-head record. In Tests, Pakistan have won 23 of 59 completed matches compared with Sri Lanka’s 17, while 19 Tests have been drawn. In ODIs, Pakistan have won 96 of 160 matches, compared with 59 victories for Sri Lanka. The T20I record is closer, with Pakistan leading 18-12 after 30 matches.
Recent meetings have continued to produce competitive cricket. Pakistan won both Tests during their 2023 tour of Sri Lanka, swept the three-match ODI series in Pakistan in November 2025, and won the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup meeting by five runs.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head record shows Pakistan’s dominance, particularly in ODI cricket.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 23 | 17 | 19 draws |
| ODIs | 160 | 96 | 59 | 1 tie, 4 no-results, 3 abandoned |
| T20Is | 30 | 18 | 12 | 1 abandoned |
| Total | 249 | 137 | 88 | Other results |
The Test figures cover matches through July 2023 in the ACS progressive record, while the ODI record runs through November 2025 and the T20I record through February 2026.
Pakistan’s advantage in ODIs is particularly large, but Sri Lanka have often been a dangerous opponent in ICC tournaments and on turning Asian pitches.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Match History
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a rich Test rivalry dating back to 1982. The teams have played 59 Tests in the historical record, with Pakistan winning 23, Sri Lanka winning 17 and 19 matches ending in draws.
The rivalry has featured several high-scoring Tests. Pakistan’s highest team total against Sri Lanka is 765/6 declared, while Sri Lanka’s highest is 644/7 declared. Both figures came in Karachi during the 2008-09 period.
Pakistan’s batting has traditionally been one of its biggest strengths against Sri Lanka, with players such as Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and more recently Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel contributing major innings.
Sri Lanka have countered with world-class spinners and technically accomplished batters. Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya all played important roles in different periods of the rivalry.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Series in 2023
The most recent completed Test series between the teams came in Sri Lanka in July 2023.
Pakistan won both Tests and completed a 2-0 series victory.
The first Test at Galle saw Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s target and win by four wickets. Saud Shakeel was named Player of the Match after producing a major batting performance.
Pakistan then won the second Test at Colombo by an innings and 222 runs. Pakistan’s enormous first-innings total of 576/5 declared put them in complete control.
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test, 2023 | Galle | Pakistan won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd Test, 2023 | Colombo | Pakistan won by an innings and 222 runs |
| Series | Sri Lanka | Pakistan won 2-0 |
The 2-0 result gave Pakistan an important series victory away from home and strengthened their historical Test advantage.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI History
The ODI rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is one of the most frequently played matchups in international cricket.
The teams have played 160 men’s ODIs in the ACS record. Pakistan have won 96, Sri Lanka have won 59, four matches have ended without a result and one has been tied. Three additional matches are listed as abandoned.
Pakistan’s ODI advantage has been built over several decades. The teams have met regularly in bilateral series as well as the Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka have nevertheless produced important ODI victories against Pakistan, particularly in major tournaments. Their 2023 Asia Cup Super Four victory over Pakistan was one such example.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Series in 2025
Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in November 2025.
Pakistan won all three matches.
The opening ODI at Rawalpindi was a close contest. Pakistan scored 299/5, with Salman Ali Agha making 105 not out, while Sri Lanka responded with 293/9. Pakistan won by six runs.
Pakistan then won the second ODI by eight wickets after chasing Sri Lanka’s 288/8. In the third ODI, Pakistan successfully chased 212 and won by six wickets.
| ODI | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Pakistan won by 6 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Pakistan won by 8 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| Series | Pakistan won 3-0 |
The clean sweep demonstrated Pakistan’s strong ODI form against Sri Lanka and extended their recent dominance in bilateral white-ball cricket.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I History
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 30 T20Is according to the latest ACS record. Pakistan have won 18, Sri Lanka have won 12 and one match was abandoned.
The T20I rivalry is much closer than the Test and ODI records.
Sri Lanka have produced several important T20 victories over Pakistan, particularly through their strong spin bowling and experienced middle order.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have traditionally benefited from explosive batters and a deep fast-bowling attack.
Shoaib Malik is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer against Sri Lanka in T20Is, with 397 runs in 16 matches. Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi share the highest number of Pakistan wickets against Sri Lanka in the format, with 14 each in the ACS record.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series in January 2026
Pakistan toured Sri Lanka in January 2026 for a three-match T20I series before the Men’s T20 World Cup.
The series ended 1-1, with the second match abandoned because of rain.
Pakistan won the opening T20I by six wickets after restricting Sri Lanka to 128. Sri Lanka responded by winning the third match by 14 runs in a rain-reduced 12-over contest.
| T20I | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Abandoned |
| 3rd T20I | Sri Lanka won by 14 runs |
| Series | Drawn 1-1 |
The series gave both teams useful preparation ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup
One of the most recent major Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches came at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in a thrilling Super Eight match at Pallekele on February 28, 2026.
Pakistan scored 212/8 from 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan produced an outstanding century, scoring 100 from 60 balls, while Fakhar Zaman made 84. Their partnership helped Pakistan post a challenging total.
Sri Lanka responded strongly and scored 207/6. They required 19 runs from the final over but could not complete the chase.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 212/8 | — |
| Sri Lanka | 207/6 | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
Despite the victory, Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament because they needed a larger margin of victory to improve their net run rate and qualify for the semifinals. New Zealand progressed instead.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup
Pakistan and Sri Lanka also met in the 2025 Asia Cup Super Four stage.
Pakistan scored 138/5 from 18 overs and defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi was named Player of the Match.
The match was important because both teams were competing for a place in the final stages of the tournament.
Pakistan’s ability to chase the target comfortably demonstrated their strong white-ball batting depth.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup
The 2023 Asia Cup produced a dramatic Pakistan vs Sri Lanka encounter.
The Super Four match at Colombo was reduced by rain, with both teams eventually facing 42 overs.
Pakistan scored 252/7. Sri Lanka successfully chased the revised target, reaching 252/8 and winning on the final ball by two wickets.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 252/7 | — |
| Sri Lanka | 252/8 | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
The victory was particularly significant because Sri Lanka advanced to the Asia Cup final at Pakistan’s expense.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 2023 Cricket World Cup
Pakistan and Sri Lanka produced another high-scoring contest at the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Hyderabad.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 344/9. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama made important contributions.
Pakistan responded with 345/4 and won by six wickets. Mohammad Rizwan scored a century and Abdullah Shafique also produced a major innings.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 344/9 | — |
| Pakistan | 345/4 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
The match was one of the highest-scoring games of the 2023 World Cup and demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to chase a huge total under pressure.
Famous Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket Matches
The rivalry has produced many memorable contests.
The 2009 Test in Karachi was notable for enormous scores from both sides. Pakistan reached 765/6 declared, while Sri Lanka responded with 644/7 declared.
The 2014 T20 World Cup semifinal was another important encounter, with Sri Lanka defeating Pakistan to reach the final.
The 2023 Asia Cup Super Four match was one of the closest modern ODI contests, with Sri Lanka winning by two wickets on the final ball.
The 2023 World Cup match in Hyderabad then produced a contrasting result, with Pakistan chasing Sri Lanka’s 344 successfully.
The 2026 T20 World Cup encounter was another thriller, with Pakistan winning by only five runs.
Key Players in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches
Many legendary cricketers have shaped this rivalry.
Pakistan have featured players such as Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Sri Lanka have produced stars including Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis.
The rivalry has therefore featured several generations of elite international players.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Batting Records
The teams have produced numerous major batting performances.
Pakistan’s highest Test total against Sri Lanka is 765/6 declared. Sri Lanka’s highest is 644/7 declared.
In T20Is, Pakistan’s highest team total against Sri Lanka is 212/8, achieved in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sahibzada Farhan’s 100 in that match is also one of Pakistan’s latest standout individual performances against Sri Lanka.
| Format | Pakistan Notable Record | Sri Lanka Notable Record |
|---|---|---|
| Test highest team total | 765/6 declared | 644/7 declared |
| T20I highest Pakistan total | 212/8 | — |
| T20I Pakistan leading run-scorer | Shoaib Malik – 397 | — |
| Recent T20I century | Sahibzada Farhan – 100 | — |
The rivalry has consistently provided opportunities for batsmen to produce major scores because of the quality and variety of batting on both sides.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Bowling Records
Bowling has always been central to this matchup.
Pakistan have traditionally produced outstanding fast bowlers, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Sri Lanka’s greatest bowling strength has often come through spin and variations. Muttiah Muralitharan remains one of the most famous bowlers associated with the rivalry, while Lasith Malinga and Wanindu Hasaranga have been particularly important in limited-overs cricket.
In T20Is, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi have each taken 14 wickets against Sri Lanka for Pakistan.
The different bowling styles make Pakistan vs Sri Lanka matches particularly interesting on Asian pitches.
Home Advantage in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches
Home conditions have played an important role in the rivalry.
Pakistan’s pitches can offer assistance to spinners and reverse swing, while Sri Lanka is known for slower surfaces and conditions that can help spin bowling.
However, both teams have frequently demonstrated the ability to win away from home.
Pakistan’s 2023 Test series victory in Sri Lanka was a strong example. Pakistan won the first Test at Galle by four wickets before winning the second Test in Colombo by an innings and 222 runs.
Sri Lanka have also produced important victories in Pakistan and at neutral venues, especially in T20 and Asia Cup cricket.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Recent Results
Recent meetings have generally favored Pakistan.
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Test series | Pakistan won 2-0 |
| 2023 | Asia Cup | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2025 | Asia Cup | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | ODI series | Pakistan won 3-0 |
| 2025 | T20I tri-series | Pakistan won final by 6 wickets |
| 2026 | T20I series | Drawn 1-1 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
The sequence shows Pakistan’s recent strength in bilateral cricket, while Sri Lanka have continued to produce important victories in individual tournament matches.
Upcoming Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches in 2026
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet again in October and November 2026.
The first three matches will be T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 9, 11 and 13. Pakistan will then participate in an ODI tri-series featuring Sri Lanka and England. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet on October 18 in Rawalpindi and October 27 in Lahore.
Two Tests are also scheduled for November 2026, with the first in Rawalpindi beginning November 9 and the second in Lahore beginning November 17.
| Date | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2026 | 1st T20I | Rawalpindi |
| October 11, 2026 | 2nd T20I | Rawalpindi |
| October 13, 2026 | 3rd T20I | Rawalpindi |
| October 18, 2026 | ODI Tri-Series | Rawalpindi |
| October 27, 2026 | ODI Tri-Series | Lahore |
| November 9, 2026 | 1st Test | Rawalpindi |
| November 17, 2026 | 2nd Test | Lahore |
Pakistan’s T20I squad for the October series will be led by Sahibzada Farhan, while Shaheen Shah Afridi continues as ODI captain.
Why Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches Are Important
Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches are important because the rivalry combines a long history with frequent encounters in major competitions.
Both nations have strong cricketing traditions and have produced some of Asia’s greatest players.
The rivalry is also significant because Pakistan and Sri Lanka frequently meet in the Asia Cup, Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. These tournament matches often carry much greater pressure than bilateral fixtures.
Pakistan’s historical advantage gives them confidence, but Sri Lanka’s ability to win individual high-pressure matches makes the rivalry unpredictable.
The 2023 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup are excellent examples. Sri Lanka won the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four match by two wickets, while Pakistan won the 2026 World Cup encounter by five runs.
Overall Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry
Pakistan have the stronger overall record, especially in ODIs.
| Category | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 23 | 17 |
| ODI wins | 96 | 59 |
| T20I wins | 18 | 12 |
| Test draws | 19 | — |
| ODI ties | 1 | 1 |
| ODI no-results | 4 | 4 |
| T20I abandoned | 1 | 1 |
The numbers demonstrate Pakistan’s long-term advantage, but the rivalry remains competitive because Sri Lanka have consistently produced match-winning performances.
Future of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry should remain an important fixture in international cricket.
Both teams are developing new generations of players while retaining experienced stars. Pakistan’s pace bowling remains one of their major strengths, while Sri Lanka continue to rely heavily on spin, all-rounders and technically capable batters.
The scheduled 2026 T20I, ODI and Test matches will provide another opportunity for both teams to improve their records.
The upcoming series are especially interesting because Pakistan will host the matches, giving them home advantage. Sri Lanka, however, have demonstrated repeatedly that they can perform well in Pakistan and at neutral venues.
Conclusion
Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches have produced a rich history filled with major performances, close finishes and memorable tournament encounters.
Pakistan have the stronger overall record. They have won 23 of the 59 Tests compared with Sri Lanka’s 17, while 19 Tests have been drawn. In ODIs, Pakistan lead 96-59 after 160 matches, and in T20Is they lead 18-12 after 30 matches.
Recent results have also favored Pakistan. Pakistan won the 2023 Test series in Sri Lanka 2-0, swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in the 2025 ODI series and defeated them by five runs in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
However, Sri Lanka remain a dangerous opponent, particularly in tournament cricket. Their two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four match demonstrated how quickly the balance can change in a high-pressure contest.
With more T20Is, ODIs and Tests scheduled between the sides in late 2026, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry is set for another important chapter.
How many times have Pakistan and Sri Lanka played each other?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 59 Tests, 160 ODIs and 30 T20Is in the latest available historical records. That represents 249 matches across the three major men’s international formats.
Who has won more Pakistan vs Sri Lanka cricket matches?
Pakistan have won more matches overall. They lead the Test, ODI and T20I head-to-head records, although Sri Lanka have produced several important tournament victories.
Who won the 2023 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series?
Pakistan won the two-match Test series 2-0 in Sri Lanka. Pakistan won the first Test at Galle by four wickets and the second Test in Colombo by an innings and 222 runs.
Who won the latest Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match?
Pakistan won the latest T20 World Cup meeting by five runs on February 28, 2026. Pakistan scored 212/8 and Sri Lanka finished on 207/6. Sahibzada Farhan scored 100 from 60 balls for Pakistan.
When will Pakistan and Sri Lanka play next?
The next scheduled Pakistan vs Sri Lanka matches are three T20Is in Rawalpindi on October 9, 11 and 13, 2026. They are also scheduled to meet in an ODI tri-series on October 18 and October 27, followed by two Tests in November.
