Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Matches
Table of Contents
The cricket rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team is one of the most exciting and balanced contests in international cricket. Both teams share a rich history filled with thrilling matches, iconic performances, and dramatic finishes. Known for their unpredictability and resilience, these teams often produce high-quality cricket across all formats. From ICC tournaments to bilateral series, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan matches consistently captivate fans with their competitive spirit and memorable moments.
Recent Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Sri Lanka Score
Pakistan Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
Feb 28, 2026
Sri Lanka (field)
207/6 (20 overs)
212/8 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 5 runs
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sahibzada Farhan (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Jan 11, 2026
Pakistan (field)
160/6 (12 overs)
146/8 (12 overs)
Sri Lanka won by 14 runs
Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka T20I 2025/26
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla
Jan 7, 2026
Pakistan (field)
128 (19.2 overs)
129/4 (16.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka T20I 2025/26
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26 (Final)
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Nov 29, 2025
Pakistan (field)
114 (19.1 overs)
118/4 (18.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26
Mohammad Nawaz (PAK)
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26 (6th Match)
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Nov 27, 2025
Sri Lanka (bat)
184/5 (20 overs)
178/7 (20 overs)
Sri Lanka won by 6 runs
Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025/26
Dushmantha Chameera (SL)
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI (3rd ODI)
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Nov 16, 2025
Pakistan (field)
211 (45.2 overs)
215/4 (44.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI 2025/26
Mohammad Wasim Jr (PAK)
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI (2nd ODI)
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Nov 14, 2025
Pakistan (field)
288/8 (50 overs)
289/2 (48.2 overs)
Pakistan won by 8 wickets
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI 2025/26
Babar Azam (PAK)
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI (1st ODI)
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Nov 11, 2025
Sri Lanka (field)
293/9 (50 overs)
299/5 (50 overs)
Pakistan won by 6 runs
Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan ODI 2025/26
Salman Ali Agha (PAK)
DP World Asia Cup 2025 (Super Four)
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sep 23, 2025
–
133/8 (20 overs)
138/5 (18 overs)
Pakistan won by 5 wickets
DP World Asia Cup 2025
Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK)
Head-to-Head Summary
Format
Matches Played
Pakistan Won
Sri Lanka Won
Draws / NR / Tied
Pakistan Win %
Sri Lanka Win %
Test
58
21
17
20
36%
29%
ODI
157
93
59
5
59%
38%
T20I
30
18
12
0
60%
40%
Overall
245
132
88
25
54%
36%
Most Memorable Matches
Match Details
Date / Event
Key Highlight
Result
Why It’s Memorable
2011 Cricket World Cup Group Stage
March 2011, Colombo
Sri Lanka chased 278 with 8 wickets in hand
Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
Classic sub-continent thriller with fluent batting
1996 World Cup Quarter-Final
March 1996, Lahore
Aravinda de Silva’s all-round masterclass
Sri Lanka won
Turned the match and boosted SL’s World Cup run
2000 ODI in Karachi
Oct 2000, Karachi
Marvan Atapattu’s glorious century
Sri Lanka won
One of SL’s finest away victories in Pakistan
2017 Champions Trophy Final
June 2017, London
Pakistan’s stunning bowling attack
Pakistan won
Dramatic final that lifted the trophy
2022 Asia Cup Super Four
Sep 2022, Dubai
Pakistan’s chase under pressure
Pakistan won by 5 wickets
High-scoring entertainer with big sixes
2011 World Cup Group Stage Thriller
Feb/March 2011
18 needed off last over
Sri Lanka won
Heart-stopping finish that had fans on edge
Best Player Analysis
Player Name
Country
Format Focus
Key Stats (vs Opponent)
Notable Achievement
Mohammad Rizwan
PAK
T20I/ODI
400+ runs, high strike rate
Consistent anchor & finisher
Babar Azam
PAK
All Formats
Multiple centuries, 500+ runs in ODIs
Elegant batting master
Shaheen Shah Afridi
PAK
All Formats
30+ wickets, deadly new-ball spells
Pace spearhead
Kumar Sangakkara
SL
Test/ODI
Highest runs in Tests vs PAK
Legendary accumulator
Wanindu Hasaranga
SL
T20I
20+ wickets, big impact with bat
Spin wizard & game-changer
Rangana Herath
SL
Test
Most wickets in Tests vs PAK
Left-arm spin legend
History and Growth of the Rivalry
The cricketing relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan dates back to the early years of Sri Lanka’s Test status in 1982. Initially, Pakistan had a stronger presence due to its experienced squad, but Sri Lanka quickly developed into a formidable team, especially during the 1990s. The rivalry gained momentum with frequent encounters in Asia Cup tournaments and ICC events. Both teams have experienced phases of dominance, making the rivalry dynamic and ever-evolving. Over the years, the contests have become more competitive, with each team pushing the other to perform at its best. This long-standing rivalry reflects the growth of cricket in Asia and continues to be a significant part of international cricket.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
Highlight
1982
Test
Karachi
Pakistan
Early clash
1996
WC
Lahore
Sri Lanka
Semi-final win
2009
Test
Galle
Sri Lanka
Strong comeback
2014
T20 WC
Dhaka
Sri Lanka
Final victory
2022
Asia Cup
Dubai
Sri Lanka
Title win
Memorable Matches and Iconic Moments
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan matches have produced numerous unforgettable moments. One of the most iconic clashes was the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup final, where Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan to lift the trophy. Another memorable encounter was the 2022 Asia Cup final, where Sri Lanka showcased exceptional performance to secure the title. Pakistan has also had its share of dominant wins, especially in Test matches and ODI series. These matches highlight the intense competition and the ability of both teams to rise to the occasion. The rivalry continues to deliver exciting contests that remain etched in cricket history.
Match
Year
Format
Winner
Key Moment
T20 WC Final
2014
T20
Sri Lanka
Title win
Asia Cup Final
2022
T20
Sri Lanka
Dominance
Test Series
2015
Test
Pakistan
Away win
ODI Series
2019
ODI
Pakistan
Clean sweep
Asia Cup
2010
ODI
Sri Lanka
Close finish
Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The head-to-head statistics between Sri Lanka and Pakistan reflect a closely contested rivalry. Pakistan has a slight edge in overall wins, particularly in Tests and ODIs, while Sri Lanka has performed strongly in T20Is and ICC tournaments. These numbers show how evenly matched the teams are, with both sides capable of dominating under the right conditions. The rivalry’s balance adds excitement and unpredictability to every encounter.
Format
Matches
Sri Lanka Wins
Pakistan Wins
Draw/Tie
Test
60
17
23
20
ODI
155
57
92
6
T20I
23
10
13
0
ICC Events
25
12
13
0
Overall
238
96
128
26
Legendary Players in Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Matches
This rivalry has featured some of the greatest cricketers in history. Sri Lanka has produced legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan, who have delivered match-winning performances. Pakistan, on the other hand, has seen icons like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq dominate the field. These players have shaped the rivalry with their exceptional skills and consistency, leaving a lasting legacy in cricket.
Player
Team
Role
Matches vs Rival
Impact
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka
Batsman
40+
Consistency
Muttiah Muralitharan
Sri Lanka
Bowler
35+
Wicket taker
Wasim Akram
Pakistan
Bowler
30+
Swing king
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Pakistan
Batsman
25+
Stability
Mahela Jayawardene
Sri Lanka
Batsman
40+
Match winner
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in ICC Tournaments
ICC tournaments have provided a grand stage for this rivalry. Both teams have faced each other in crucial matches, including finals and knockout games. Sri Lanka’s victory in the 2014 T20 World Cup final is a standout moment, while Pakistan has also secured important wins in various ICC events. These matches carry high stakes and often produce thrilling finishes, making them a highlight for cricket fans worldwide.
Tournament
Matches
Sri Lanka Wins
Pakistan Wins
Notable Result
ODI World Cup
8
3
5
Pakistan edge
T20 World Cup
6
3
3
Balanced
Champions Trophy
5
2
3
Close contests
Asia Cup
20
9
11
Competitive
ICC Total
19
8
11
Pakistan leads
Playing Styles and Team Strength Comparison
Sri Lanka and Pakistan bring unique playing styles to the field. Sri Lanka is known for its strong spin attack and technically sound batting, while Pakistan relies on pace bowling and unpredictable gameplay. This contrast creates fascinating tactical battles that keep fans engaged. Both teams have improved their fielding and adaptability, making their matches more competitive and entertaining.
Aspect
Sri Lanka
Pakistan
Advantage
Notes
Batting
Technical
Aggressive
Equal
Balanced
Bowling
Spin-heavy
Pace-heavy
Pakistan
Variety
Fielding
Good
Good
Equal
Competitive
Experience
High
High
Equal
Big matches
Adaptability
Strong
Strong
Equal
Conditions
Recent Trends and Future Outlook
In recent years, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan matches have become increasingly competitive, with both teams showing flashes of brilliance. Sri Lanka’s young players have brought new energy, while Pakistan continues to rely on its strong bowling attack. The rivalry is expected to grow further as both teams rebuild and introduce new talent. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters in the coming years as these two teams continue to evolve.
Year
Event
Winner
Key Player
Trend
2019
ODI Series
Pakistan
Babar
Dominance
2021
Series
Pakistan
Rizwan
Consistency
2022
Asia Cup
Sri Lanka
Rajapaksa
Comeback
2023
Series
Pakistan
Shaheen
Pace attack
2024
Future
TBD
TBD
Growth
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches represent a balanced and thrilling rivalry in international cricket. With both teams showcasing talent, resilience, and passion, their encounters continue to entertain fans worldwide. As new players emerge and strategies evolve, this rivalry will remain a key highlight in the cricketing world, offering unforgettable moments and intense competition for years to come.
