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The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team matches have produced decades of exciting international cricket, featuring dramatic finishes, memorable tournament clashes, outstanding batting performances, and impressive bowling displays. Both teams have established themselves as major forces in Asian cricket, with Pakistan traditionally known for its fast bowlers and unpredictable match-winning performances, while Sri Lanka has developed a reputation for technically skilled batters and quality spin bowling.
Their rivalry spans Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Pakistan has the stronger overall record, particularly in ODIs and T20Is, but Sri Lanka has achieved several important victories in major tournaments.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan has historically performed better across the three major men’s international formats, although Test cricket has been more closely contested than white-ball cricket.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan wins | Sri Lanka wins | Other results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | 59 | 23 | 17 | 19 draws |
| ODI cricket | 160 | 96 | 59 | 1 tie, 4 no-results |
| T20I cricket | 32 | 20 | 12 | No-result matches included in the historical record |
| Total | 251 | 139 | 88 | 24 other results |
Note: The figures reflect the men’s international record through October 2026. The T20I totals include the October 2026 series results; match totals and no-results can vary slightly between statistical databases when abandoned fixtures are recorded differently.
The numbers show Pakistan’s considerable advantage in ODIs. Its 96 victories demonstrate long-term consistency against Sri Lanka in the 50-over format.
Test cricket has been more balanced, with Sri Lanka winning 17 matches compared with Pakistan’s 23. Both sides have also produced important T20I performances, although Pakistan has maintained the advantage in that format.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test Match History
Test cricket has been an important part of this rivalry since Pakistan and Sri Lanka began playing regular Test matches in 1982. Their encounters have included competitive series in both countries, with home conditions often influencing the results.
Test head-to-head statistics
| Test statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 59 |
| Pakistan wins | 23 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 17 |
| Draws | 19 |
| First Test meeting | 1982 |
| Most recent completed Test series | 2025 |
Pakistan has generally been successful through its combination of fast bowling, spin options, and experienced batters. Sri Lanka has relied on its strong home record, batting technique, and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions.
Important Test series results
Several series have shaped the history of this contest.
- 1982: Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka for its first Test series against the country and established an early advantage.
- 2000–01: Sri Lanka recorded important Test victories during a period of strong home performances.
- 2009: The teams played competitive cricket during a difficult period for international cricket in Pakistan.
- 2021: Pakistan defeated South Africa? No. The important bilateral result was Pakistan’s 2–0 Test-series victory over Sri Lanka in 2021.
- July 2023: Pakistan won both Tests in Sri Lanka, completing a 2–0 series sweep.
- 2025: Pakistan and Sri Lanka shared their two-Test series 1–1.
Pakistan’s 2023 tour was especially significant. It won the first Test in Galle by four wickets before delivering a dominant performance in Colombo, winning the second Test by an innings and 222 runs.
The 2025 series provided a different outcome. Pakistan won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, but Sri Lanka responded with an eight-wicket victory in Rawalpindi, leaving the series level.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan ODI Match Results
The ODI format has produced many of the rivalry’s most exciting encounters. Pakistan has a strong historical record, but Sri Lanka has secured important victories in the Asia Cup, World Cup matches, and bilateral series.
ODI head-to-head statistics
| ODI statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 160 |
| Pakistan wins | 96 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 59 |
| Ties | 1 |
| No-results | 4 |
Pakistan’s ODI advantage reflects its consistent performance over several decades. The team has frequently combined strong top-order batting with a varied bowling attack to control matches.
Sri Lanka, however, has demonstrated its ability to win against Pakistan in high-pressure tournament situations. Its 1996 World Cup triumph and subsequent success in Asian cricket helped establish the team as a formidable limited-overs opponent.
Pakistan’s ODI series sweep in 2025
One of the important recent developments came during Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan in November 2025. Pakistan won all three ODIs, completing a 3–0 series sweep.
| Match date | Result |
|---|---|
| 11 November 2025 | Pakistan won by 6 runs |
| 14 November 2025 | Pakistan won by 8 wickets |
| 16 November 2025 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
The first match was particularly close, with Pakistan successfully defending its total despite a determined Sri Lankan chase. Pakistan then produced more comfortable victories in the second and third matches.
The sweep strengthened Pakistan’s position in the ODI head-to-head record and highlighted its ability to adapt to different match situations.
High-scoring ODI encounters
Both teams have produced memorable batting performances in ODI cricket. Pakistan has frequently relied on strong partnerships and attacking middle-order contributions, while Sri Lanka has also demonstrated its ability to build competitive totals.
A notable example came during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, when Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s 344/9 by reaching 345/4. The six-wicket victory showcased Pakistan’s batting depth and ability to maintain a high scoring rate during a demanding chase.
Such matches demonstrate why the ODI rivalry remains competitive despite Pakistan’s overall advantage.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan T20I Match Results
T20I cricket has added a fast-paced dimension to the rivalry. Both teams have produced powerful batters, skilled spinners, and fast bowlers capable of changing a match within a few overs.
T20I head-to-head statistics
| T20I statistic | Record through October 2026 |
|---|---|
| Pakistan wins | 20 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 12 |
| Overall leader | Pakistan |
Pakistan’s T20I success has been supported by aggressive batting and varied bowling options. Sri Lanka has also enjoyed notable wins, particularly when its spinners control the middle overs and its batters accelerate during the final overs.
The 2009 T20 World Cup final
One of the most important matches in the rivalry took place in the final of the 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s in London.
Sri Lanka batted first and scored 138/6. Pakistan chased the target successfully, reaching 139/2 in 18.4 overs to win by eight wickets.
Shahid Afridi played a decisive role, scoring an unbeaten 54 and earning the Player of the Match award. Pakistan’s victory secured its first men’s T20 World Cup title and remains a landmark moment in the country’s cricket history.
Sri Lanka’s 2022 Asia Cup victory
Sri Lanka produced another memorable performance against Pakistan in the 2022 Asia Cup final in Dubai.
After recovering from a difficult start, Sri Lanka scored 170/6. Bhanuka Rajapaksa led the recovery with an unbeaten 71 from 45 balls, helping Sri Lanka establish a competitive total.
Pakistan were dismissed for 147, giving Sri Lanka a 23-run victory and their sixth Asia Cup title. The match highlighted Sri Lanka’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Pakistan’s five-run victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup
Pakistan and Sri Lanka met again in the Super Eight stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on 28 February 2026.
Pakistan scored 212/8, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target. Sri Lanka responded with 207/6, falling five runs short.
The close finish reinforced the competitive nature of the rivalry. Pakistan’s ability to defend a high total proved decisive, while Sri Lanka’s late batting effort kept the contest alive until the final overs.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Recent Match Timeline
The following results highlight important meetings from recent years.
| Date or season | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | Asia Cup final | Sri Lanka won by 23 runs |
| July 2023 | Test series | Pakistan won 2–0 |
| October 2023 | ODI World Cup | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2024–25 | Test series | South Africa? The relevant Pakistan–Sri Lanka Test series was played in October 2025 and ended 1–1 |
| September 2025 | Asia Cup Super Four | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| November 2025 | ODI series | Pakistan won 3–0 |
| November 2025 | T20I tri-series | Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the final |
| January 2026 | T20I series | Pakistan won one match, Sri Lanka won one, and one match had no result |
| February 2026 | T20 World Cup Super Eight | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
| October 2026 | T20I series | Pakistan won the first two matches |
The recent timeline shows Pakistan’s strong results in bilateral white-ball cricket. Sri Lanka has still recorded important tournament victories, proving that individual matches can differ significantly from the overall historical trend.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series in October 2026
Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in October 2026. The first two games produced convincing results for the home side.
First T20I: Pakistan won by four wickets
On 9 October 2026, Sri Lanka scored 182/8 in 20 overs. Pakistan chased the target, reaching 187/6 in 18.5 overs to win by four wickets.
Sahibzada Farhan scored 89 from 53 balls and was named Player of the Match. Maaz Sadaqat contributed 50 from 29 deliveries, helping Pakistan maintain a high scoring rate.
Second T20I: Pakistan won by 82 runs
Pakistan produced an even stronger performance in the second match on 11 October 2026. The team scored 215/3, its highest men’s T20I total on home soil at that point, before restricting Sri Lanka to 133/7.
Pakistan won by 82 runs and secured the series with a 2–0 lead. Maaz Sadaqat was the standout performer, scoring 96 runs and helping Pakistan establish a formidable total.
These victories highlighted Pakistan’s batting depth and effective bowling. They also strengthened its recent record in the shortest format against Sri Lanka.
Famous Players in the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Rivalry
Several legendary cricketers have contributed to the history of these encounters.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram was one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers. His ability to swing the ball in both directions, deliver accurate yorkers, and perform under pressure made him a major threat in all formats.
His contributions helped Pakistan remain competitive against Sri Lanka during the 1980s and 1990s.
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq was one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters. His calm approach and ability to handle pressure made him valuable in both Test and ODI cricket.
His performances against Sri Lanka contributed to Pakistan’s success during several important bilateral series and tournaments.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara was one of Sri Lanka’s finest batters and wicketkeepers. His technique, consistency, and ability to build long innings made him a central figure in the team’s international success.
Sangakkara’s contributions were particularly important in Test and ODI cricket, where his batting helped Sri Lanka compete against strong bowling attacks.
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene was known for his elegant stroke play and tactical intelligence. His ability to accelerate without losing control made him a key player in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
He played an important role in Sri Lanka’s successful period in international cricket, including major tournament campaigns.
Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi became one of Pakistan’s most recognisable all-rounders through his aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling. His match-winning innings in the 2009 T20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka remains one of the defining performances in this rivalry.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam has been one of Pakistan’s leading modern batters. His timing, consistency, and ability to build innings have made him influential in ODI and T20I cricket.
His performances against Sri Lanka have contributed to Pakistan’s strong recent white-ball record.
What Makes Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Matches Competitive?
Several factors help explain the results of this long-running rivalry.
- Bowling variety: Pakistan has traditionally relied on fast bowling and quality spin, while Sri Lanka has produced several outstanding spinners and technically skilled seamers.
- Batting partnerships: Both teams have won matches by building partnerships that allow their middle orders to accelerate.
- Home conditions: Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly surfaces and Pakistan’s varied pitches can influence team selection and match strategy.
- Tournament pressure: Their Asia Cup and World Cup meetings have often produced dramatic results.
- Changing team combinations: Injuries, emerging players, and leadership changes influence results from one series to the next.
The head-to-head record provides useful historical context, but current form and conditions are also important when evaluating an upcoming match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times have Pakistan and Sri Lanka played each other?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played more than 250 men’s international matches across Test cricket, ODIs, and T20Is. The exact total depends on how abandoned matches and the latest fixtures are recorded in statistical databases.
2. Which team has won more matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan has the stronger overall record. It leads in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket, although Sri Lanka has recorded several important tournament victories.
3. Who won the 2009 T20 World Cup final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan won by eight wickets after chasing Sri Lanka’s 138/6. Shahid Afridi scored an unbeaten 54 and was named Player of the Match.
4. Who won the latest Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match?
Pakistan won by five runs on 28 February 2026. Pakistan scored 212/8, while Sri Lanka finished on 207/6.
5. What was the result of the October 2026 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I series?
Pakistan won the first T20I by four wickets on 9 October and the second by 82 runs on 11 October, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team matches have created a rich history of memorable performances across all three international formats. Pakistan leads the overall record, particularly in ODI and T20I cricket, while Sri Lanka has delivered important victories in major tournaments, including the 2009 T20 World Cup era and the 2022 Asia Cup.
Recent results have strengthened Pakistan’s position in the rivalry, with the team winning the 2025 ODI series, defeating Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup, and taking a 2–0 lead in the October 2026 T20I series.
Despite Pakistan’s historical advantage, Sri Lanka remains a competitive opponent capable of producing match-winning performances. Their future encounters will continue to provide opportunities for new players to make their mark and add another chapter to this long-standing Asian cricket rivalry.
