The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match is one of the most interesting contests in Asian cricket. The two teams have played each other in Test matches, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, producing memorable performances from some of the biggest names in cricket.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have different cricketing traditions and playing styles, but both teams have regularly competed at major international tournaments and bilateral series. Pakistan have often relied on high-quality fast bowling, aggressive batting and experienced match-winners, while Sri Lanka have traditionally produced technically strong batters, talented spinners and versatile all-rounders.
The rivalry remains active in 2026. Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in October, followed later by a two-match Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Sri Lanka will also participate in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England during the same home season.
For cricket fans searching for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match information, this article covers the latest schedule, recent results, important players, formats, head-to-head context and what to watch in upcoming matches.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match 2026 Schedule
Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka during the 2026-27 men’s international season.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, Sri Lanka’s tour will begin with a three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 October 2026. The teams will then meet in a two-match Test series in November.
Upcoming Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I Matches
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 9 October 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 2nd T20I | 11 October 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 3rd T20I | 13 October 2026 | Rawalpindi |
The three T20Is are scheduled to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
These matches will provide another opportunity for both teams to test their T20 squads ahead of future international competitions.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan ODI Matches in 2026
The two teams are also scheduled to meet in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England.
The tri-series is scheduled to take place from October 18 to October 31, 2026, with matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet in the opening match on October 18 and again on October 27.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODI Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 18 October 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 2nd ODI | 27 October 2026 | Lahore |
Because England are also part of the competition, the ODI series will provide a different challenge from a normal bilateral series.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test Series 2026
The Test format adds another important chapter to the rivalry.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two Tests in November 2026 as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test is scheduled for 9-13 November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second is scheduled for 17-21 November at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Test Schedule
| Test | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 9-13 November 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 2nd Test | 17-21 November 2026 | Lahore |
Test cricket requires a very different approach from T20 cricket. Batters need patience and concentration, while bowlers have to maintain pressure for long periods.
The two-Test series will therefore be an important examination of both teams’ red-ball cricket.
Recent Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match Results
The most recent men’s meetings have included several T20I contests.
During the 2025 tri-nation T20I series in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan played multiple matches against each other. Pakistan won their November 22 league match against Sri Lanka by seven wickets.
Sri Lanka then defeated Pakistan by six runs on November 27 in another close encounter. Sri Lanka scored 184/5, while Pakistan finished short of the target.
Pakistan responded in the final on November 29, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets after bowling them out for 114. Pakistan reached 118/4 in 18.4 overs.
These results demonstrate how quickly the momentum can change between the two teams in T20 cricket.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Final: 2025
One of the recent memorable Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match encounters was the final of the 2025 tri-nation T20I series.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 runs in 19.1 overs. Kamil Mishara top-scored with 59, but Pakistan’s bowlers regularly took wickets and prevented Sri Lanka from building a large total.
Mohammad Nawaz was particularly effective, taking three wickets for 17 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi also claimed three wickets for 18 runs.
Pakistan then chased the target in 18.4 overs.
Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 37, while Saim Ayub scored 36 and Sahibzada Farhan contributed 23. Pakistan finished at 118/4 and won by six wickets. Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka: 114 all out
Pakistan: 118/4
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz
Sri Lanka’s Close Victory Over Pakistan
Before the final, Sri Lanka produced a strong performance against Pakistan on November 27, 2025.
Sri Lanka scored 184/5 in 20 overs. Kamil Mishara made 76 from 48 balls, while Kusal Mendis scored 40 from only 23 deliveries. Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka also contributed useful runs.
Pakistan fought back during the chase.
Captain Salman Ali Agha scored 63 from 44 balls, including four fours and three sixes. He built partnerships with Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz and kept Pakistan in contention.
However, Sri Lanka successfully defended their total and won by six runs. Dushmantha Chameera was named Player of the Match.
This was an excellent example of how a small difference in the final overs can decide a T20 match.
Pakistan’s 2026 T20I Win in Sri Lanka
Pakistan and Sri Lanka also met in a bilateral T20I series in January 2026.
In the first T20I at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, Pakistan won by six wickets. Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup included Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka.
Pakistan used a combination of pace, spin and all-round bowling options to restrict Sri Lanka and then completed the chase.
This match added another recent result to the long-running rivalry.
Key Players in Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Matches
Both teams have produced many players capable of changing the course of a match.
Pakistan Key Players
Babar Azam
Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most recognizable batting names. His ability to construct an innings while maintaining control makes him an important player in limited-overs cricket.
In the 2025 tri-series final against Sri Lanka, Babar scored an unbeaten 37 to guide Pakistan through the chase.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen Shah Afridi is one of Pakistan’s leading fast-bowling options.
He can create problems with the new ball and also provide wicket-taking ability in the later stages of an innings.
In the 2025 tri-series final, he took three wickets for 18 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz
Mohammad Nawaz has been particularly effective in recent Pakistan-Sri Lanka T20I meetings.
He took three wickets in the 2025 final and was named Player of the Match as Pakistan won the title.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives Pakistan additional flexibility.
Saim Ayub
Saim Ayub provides Pakistan with an aggressive option at the top of the order.
He scored 36 in the 2025 tri-series final and helped Pakistan make a controlled start to the chase.
Sri Lanka Key Players
Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka is an important part of Sri Lanka’s batting unit.
His ability to score quickly during the powerplay can give Sri Lanka a strong foundation in T20 cricket.
Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis brings experience and attacking ability to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
He scored 40 from 23 balls during Sri Lanka’s six-run victory over Pakistan in November 2025.
Kamil Mishara
Kamil Mishara was one of Sri Lanka’s most productive batters during the 2025 tri-series.
He scored 76 against Pakistan on November 27 and 59 in the final two days later.
His performances demonstrated his ability to score quickly against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga is an experienced all-rounder and an important spin option for Sri Lanka.
His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him particularly valuable in limited-overs cricket.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match: Batting Battle
The batting contest is often one of the biggest attractions when Sri Lanka play Pakistan.
Pakistan have traditionally had technically strong batters as well as aggressive stroke-makers. Sri Lanka have also developed a powerful white-ball batting lineup.
In T20 cricket, the opening partnership can have a major effect on the result.
A team scoring 50 or more during the powerplay can put pressure on the opposition. However, early wickets can quickly change the situation.
The 2025 meetings demonstrated both possibilities.
Sri Lanka scored 184/5 in their six-run victory, while Pakistan were restricted to 114 in the final. The difference showed how important partnerships and wicket preservation can be.
Bowling Battle
Fast bowling has historically been an important part of Pakistan’s cricket identity.
Pakistan can use pace during the opening overs to attack the opposition’s top order. Spin can then become important during the middle overs.
Sri Lanka also possess quality bowling resources, particularly in spin.
In T20 cricket, bowlers must balance wicket-taking with economy. One expensive over can change a match, especially when the target is around 160-190 runs.
The 2025 final demonstrated the importance of taking wickets. Pakistan’s bowling attack dismissed Sri Lanka for 114, giving the batting side a relatively manageable chase.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match in ODI Format
ODI cricket provides more time for teams to recover from early setbacks.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played numerous ODIs over the years in bilateral series and international tournaments.
In a 50-over match, the middle overs are particularly important. Teams need to rotate the strike, build partnerships and preserve wickets for the final 10 overs.
Sri Lanka can benefit from spin bowling and technically capable middle-order batters, while Pakistan can rely on pace and aggressive batting.
The upcoming 2026 ODI tri-series will add another opportunity for the two teams to compete in the format. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet on October 18 and October 27.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match in Test Cricket
Test cricket provides a completely different challenge.
A Test match can last up to five days, and players must adapt to changing pitch and weather conditions.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a long history of Test cricket against each other.
The upcoming two-Test series in November 2026 will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test is scheduled in Rawalpindi and the second in Lahore.
What to Watch in the Test Series
- Opening partnerships
- Spin bowling on later days
- Fast bowlers with the new ball
- Middle-order consistency
- Lower-order batting
- Reverse swing
- Fielding under pressure
- Ability to bat for long periods
Test cricket often rewards patience more than immediate aggression.
Why Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Matches Are Popular
There are several reasons why fans continue to follow this matchup.
1. Asian Cricket Rivalry
Both countries have strong cricket cultures and passionate supporters.
2. Different Cricketing Styles
Pakistan are known for producing high-quality fast bowlers, while Sri Lanka have traditionally developed excellent spin bowlers and technically skilled batters.
3. Match-Winning Players
Both teams regularly feature players who can change the result within a few overs.
4. Close T20 Matches
Recent encounters have included narrow victories, including Sri Lanka’s six-run win in November 2025.
5. Multiple Formats
Fans can watch Sri Lanka and Pakistan compete in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match: 2026 Men’s Tour
The upcoming 2026 Pakistan home season will give cricket fans several opportunities to watch Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to play three T20Is in Rawalpindi from October 9 to October 13. They will then take part in an ODI tri-series with Pakistan and England.
Later in November, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will play two Tests as part of the World Test Championship.
This means the teams are scheduled to meet across all three major international formats during the same broader home season.
That makes the 2026-27 fixtures particularly significant for fans searching for the latest Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match schedule and results.
Women’s Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Matches
The rivalry is not limited to men’s cricket.
Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women also played a number of important matches during 2026.
In July and August, Pakistan Women toured Sri Lanka for three ODIs and three T20Is. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-1 and also won the T20I series 2-1.
The T20I series included some excellent individual performances.
In the first T20I, Shawaal Zulfiqar scored 63 for Pakistan, but Sri Lanka successfully chased 177 and won by six wickets. Imesha Dulani scored an unbeaten century.
The second T20I also went Sri Lanka’s way, while Pakistan won the third match by four wickets.
Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women in the 2026 Asia Cup
The women’s rivalry continued in the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka Women defeated Pakistan Women by four wickets in the second semi-final in Dubai on September 11, 2026.
Pakistan scored 130/5 in 20 overs, while Sri Lanka reached the target with eight balls remaining.
Fatima Sana produced an outstanding all-round performance for Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 47 and taking four wickets for 38 runs. Despite her contribution, Sri Lanka successfully chased the target.
This was another close chapter in the women’s version of the rivalry.
Pakistan Women vs Sri Lanka Women at Asian Games 2026
The teams met again in the Women’s Asian Games 2026 semi-final.
Pakistan scored 177/4 from 20 overs, with Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar making half-centuries.
Sri Lanka then chased the target, scoring 178/2 in 17.5 overs to win by eight wickets.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu played the decisive innings, remaining unbeaten on 83.
The result sent Sri Lanka into the Gold Medal match, while Pakistan moved into the bronze-medal contest.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match: Important Stats to Follow
When watching future matches, fans should pay attention to several key statistics.
Batting Statistics
- Total runs
- Batting average
- Strike rate
- Number of boundaries
- Powerplay runs
- Partnership runs
- Highest individual score
Bowling Statistics
- Wickets
- Economy rate
- Bowling average
- Dot balls
- Powerplay wickets
- Death-over wickets
Team Statistics
- Highest team total
- Lowest team total
- Largest winning margin
- Successful run chases
- Highest partnerships
- Super overs or close finishes
These numbers help explain how a match developed rather than simply showing the final result.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match: What Fans Should Watch
The upcoming matches should provide several interesting storylines.
Pakistan’s Fast Bowling
Pakistan’s pace attack can be a major factor, especially in T20Is and Tests.
Sri Lanka’s Spin Options
Sri Lanka’s spin resources could become important on slower surfaces.
Top-Order Batting
The opening batters will be expected to provide fast starts in T20 cricket.
Middle-Order Stability
The middle order will have to rebuild innings if early wickets fall.
Death Overs
The final five overs can decide close T20 matches.
Test Match Patience
In the November Test series, batting time and bowling discipline will be much more important than quick scoring.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match remains an important fixture in Asian cricket. The two teams have competed against each other across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, creating plenty of memorable moments and close finishes.
Recent men’s matches have shown how competitive the contest can be. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by six runs in the 2025 tri-series, while Pakistan responded by winning the final by six wickets.
The rivalry will continue in 2026 with a packed schedule. Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for three T20Is in October, followed by ODI meetings in the Pakistan-England-Sri Lanka tri-series. The teams will then play two Tests in November as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Women’s cricket has also added another important dimension to the rivalry. Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women met several times in 2026, including the Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games, producing competitive matches and strong individual performances.
For cricket fans, the upcoming fixtures offer opportunities to follow different formats, players and match situations. Whether it is a fast-paced T20I, a strategic ODI or a five-day Test, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match is a matchup that continues to generate interest among cricket supporters.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Cricket Match FAQs
When is the next Sri Lanka vs Pakistan cricket match?
The next scheduled men’s T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is the first match of their three-game series on 9 October 2026 in Rawalpindi. The other T20Is are scheduled for October 11 and October 13.
Where will Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I matches be played in 2026?
The three scheduled T20Is will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan.
When will Pakistan and Sri Lanka play ODIs in 2026?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet in an ODI tri-series on 18 October in Rawalpindi and 27 October in Lahore. England are the third team in the tri-series.
When is the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series?
The two-match Test series is scheduled for November 2026. The first Test is scheduled from November 9 to 13 in Rawalpindi, followed by the second Test from November 17 to 21 in Lahore.
Who won the latest men’s Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I final?
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final of the 2025 tri-nation T20I series. Pakistan chased 115 and finished on 118/4.
Who was Player of the Match in the 2025 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka final?
Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match after taking three wickets for 17 runs. He was also named Player of the Series.
What was Sri Lanka’s score in the 2025 T20I final?
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 114 in 19.1 overs. Kamil Mishara was their top scorer with 59.
What was Pakistan’s score in the 2025 T20I final?
Pakistan scored 118/4 in 18.4 overs and won the match by six wickets. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 37 and Saim Ayub scored 36.
Have Sri Lanka and Pakistan played close T20I matches?
Yes. In November 2025, Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by six runs after defending a total of 184/5. Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha scored 63 in the chase, but Pakistan finished short.
Do Pakistan and Sri Lanka play women’s cricket matches?
Yes. Pakistan Women and Sri Lanka Women regularly meet in ODI and T20I cricket. In 2026, Sri Lanka won the bilateral ODI series 2-1 and the T20I series 2-
