You want drama? You want spin wizardry, last-ball finishes, iconic centuries, and World Cup finals that still give fans nightmares or goosebumps depending on which side you support? Then the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is exactly the cricket rivalry you need in your life.
This is not just a rivalry. It is a 40-plus-year relationship between two Asian cricketing giants who have both lifted World Cup trophies, produced some of the greatest cricketers of all time, and given us matches that still trend on social media years later. From the first Test played in March 1982 to the breathtaking Super Eight clash at Pallekele in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, this Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline has never had a dull chapter.
Let’s go through it all, format by format, era by era, record by record.
Last Updated: June 5, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All match data, statistics, and records have been compiled from publicly available and reputable cricket databases. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, readers are encouraged to verify important information with official sources, as cricket records are subject to updates and revisions.
The Beginning: How This Rivalry Started (1982)
Pakistan and Sri Lanka first met in Test cricket in March 1982. Sri Lanka had only just been granted Test status by the ICC. Pakistan, already an established force in world cricket, hosted the Lions for their maiden series. Pakistan won that series comfortably, setting the tone for a rivalry where the Men in Green would hold the upper hand in the early decades.
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team story from that point has been one of shifting momentum, where Sri Lanka gradually levelled the playing field and at times surpassed Pakistan in key ICC events.
Head-to-Head Overview: All Formats Combined
Before diving into the era-wise breakdown, here is a snapshot of where things stand across all formats as of June 2026.
| Format | Total Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | Drawn/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 59 | 23 | 17 | 19 (Drawn) |
| ODIs | 157 | 93 | 59 | 4 NR, 1 Tie |
| T20Is | 29 | 17 | 8 | 4 NR |
Pakistan lead across all three formats, but Sri Lanka have punched back hard in marquee ICC moments.
Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in Tests
Pakistan have been the dominant force in the Test format. In 59 Tests played, Pakistan lead with 23 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 17, with 19 matches ending in draws. The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Test matches have often been low-scoring, spin-heavy affairs when played on sub-continental pitches.
Key Test Records
| Category | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tests Played | 59 | 59 |
| Matches Won | 23 | 17 |
| Matches Drawn | 19 | 19 |
| Win Percentage | 38.98% | 28.81% |
| Highest Team Score | 765/6d (Karachi, 2009) | 644/7d (Colombo, 2000) |
| Lowest Team Score | 90 (Colombo, 1994) | 71 (Kandy, 1994) |
| Most Runs (Batsman) | Younis Khan (2,788) | Kumar Sangakkara (2,829) |
| Most Wickets (Bowler) | Wasim Akram (80) | Muttiah Muralitharan (110) |
| Highest Individual Score | Younis Khan 313 (Karachi, 2009) | Mahela Jayawardene 242 (SSC, 2002) |
Expert Insight: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq once noted that Sri Lanka in home conditions, with Muralitharan bowling, was one of the toughest assignments any Pakistan team faced. And the numbers back him up.
Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in ODIs
The ODI format is where Pakistan’s dominance is most pronounced. In 157 ODIs, Pakistan have won 93 to Sri Lanka’s 59, with 4 no results and 1 tie.
ODI Head-to-Head Summary
| Category | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total ODIs Played | 157 | 157 |
| Matches Won | 93 | 59 |
| No Results | 4 | 4 |
| Tied | 1 | 1 |
| Win Percentage | 60.78% | 38.56% |
| Highest Team Score | 385/7 (Dambulla, 2009) | 309/6 (Sharjah, 1995) |
| Lowest Team Score | 43 (Sharjah, 1986) | 43 (Sharjah, 1986) |
| Most Runs | Inzamam-ul-Haq (1,739) | Sanath Jayasuriya (2,317) |
| Most Wickets | Wasim Akram (94) | Muttiah Muralitharan (57) |
| Highest Individual Score | Saeed Anwar 194 (Chennai, 1997) | Sanath Jayasuriya 189 (Sharjah, 1996) |
Sanath Jayasuriya is actually the highest run-scorer between these two teams in ODIs. The man simply loved batting against Pakistan. Whether it was in Sharjah, Colombo, or anywhere else in the world, Jayasuriya turned up against Pakistan like the rivalry fuelled something special in him.
Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan Head-to-Head in T20Is
This is the most modern and most watched chapter of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline. Pakistan lead with 17 wins from 29 matches, while Sri Lanka have 8 wins and 4 no results.
T20I Head-to-Head Summary
| Category | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 29 | 29 |
| Matches Won | 17 | 8 |
| No Results | 4 | 4 |
| Win Percentage | 62.96% | 29.63% |
| Highest Team Score | 212/8 (Kandy, T20 WC 2026) | 207/6 (Kandy, T20 WC 2026) |
| Lowest Team Score | 74 (Lahore, 2017) | 87 (Dubai, 2021) |
| Most Runs | Babar Azam (790+) | Kusal Mendis (620+) |
| Most Wickets | Shaheen Shah Afridi (28) | Wanindu Hasaranga (31) |
| Highest Individual Score | Sahibzada Farhan 100 (Kandy, 2026) | Kusal Mendis 87 (Various) |
The highest combined T20I total between the two teams came in March 2026 at Pallekele, which tells you everything about how explosive modern T20 cricket has become.
ICC Matches Between the Teams
This is where the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team rivalry truly defines itself. Both teams are former ICC World Cup champions, and they have met in some of the biggest ICC moments in history.
ODI ICC World Cup Encounters
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Brisbane, Australia | Pakistan | 4 wickets | Javed Miandad’s steady hand |
| 1996 | Lahore, Pakistan | Sri Lanka | 6 wickets | Co-host Sri Lanka wins World Cup final vs Australia, not Pakistan |
| 1999 | Taunton, England | Pakistan | 8 wickets | Saeed Anwar 113, Pakistan dominate |
| 2003 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Pakistan | 6 wickets | Inzamam-ul-Haq 56* |
| 2007 | Jamaica, West Indies | Sri Lanka | 37 runs | Jayasuriya 115, Sri Lanka bounce back |
| 2011 | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 11 runs | Tight contest at SSC |
| 2015 | Adelaide, Australia | Pakistan | 7 wickets | Pakistan qualify from group stage |
| 2019 | Bristol, England | Sri Lanka | 20 runs | Sri Lanka stun Pakistan |
| 2023 | Hyderabad, India | Pakistan | 6 wickets | Fakhar Zaman 83, Naseem Shah 4 wickets |
Overall ODI World Cup Record: Pakistan 6 wins, Sri Lanka 3 wins.
ICC T20 World Cup Encounters
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline in T20 World Cups includes a final, a semi-final, group stage thrillers, and a 2026 Super Eight blockbuster that nearly sent the internet into meltdown.
| Year | Stage | Venue | Winner | Margin | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Group Stage | Johannesburg, SA | Pakistan | 33 runs | Imran Nazir 72 |
| 2009 | Final | Lord’s, England | Pakistan | 8 wickets | Shahid Afridi 54*, Abdul Razzaq 3/20 |
| 2012 | Semi-Final | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 16 runs | Mahela Jayawardene 42, Herath 3/25 |
| 2021 | Group Stage | Dubai, UAE | Pakistan | 4 wickets | Babar Azam 41*, Mohammad Rizwan 56 |
| 2026 | Super Eights | Kandy, Sri Lanka | Pakistan | 5 runs | Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 76 |
Overall T20 World Cup Record: Pakistan 4 wins, Sri Lanka 1 win.
The 2009 final at Lord’s remains the most iconic encounter. Pakistan, chasing 139, knocked it off with 8 wickets and more than an over to spare. Shahid Afridi was untouchable. The 2026 Super Eight at Pallekele was its own kind of chaos. Pakistan scored 212/8 and needed to win by 65 runs to qualify. Sri Lanka, despite being knocked out, refused to go quietly. Dasun Shanaka smashed an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls including three consecutive sixes in the final over. Sri Lanka finished on 207/6, just five runs short. Pakistan won the game but still went home. Cricket, ladies and gentlemen.
ICC Champions Trophy Encounters
| Year | Stage | Venue | Winner | Margin | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Group Stage | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Sri Lanka | 43 runs | Jayasuriya 109 |
| 2000 | Group Stage | Nairobi, Kenya | Pakistan | 7 wickets | Inzamam 71 |
| 2002 | Final | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Joint Winners | Rain | Tournament abandoned, both teams declared champions |
| 2004 | Group Stage | Birmingham, England | Pakistan | 7 wickets | Shoaib Akhtar’s pace |
| 2006 | Group Stage | Mohali, India | Sri Lanka | 2 wickets | Muralitharan restricts Pakistan |
| 2009 | Group Stage | Johannesburg, SA | Pakistan | 5 wickets | Younis Khan 55 |
| 2013 | Semi-Final | Cardiff, Wales | Sri Lanka | 27 runs | Mahela Jayawardene 90 |
| 2017 | Group Stage | Cardiff, Wales | Pakistan | 3 wickets | Sarfaraz Ahmed 61* |
| 2025 | Group Stage | Karachi, Pakistan | Pakistan | 6 wickets | Babar Azam 82, Shaheen 3/38 |
Overall Champions Trophy Record: Pakistan 5 wins, Sri Lanka 3 wins. (2002 counted as shared title for both)
Rivalry Era-Wise: Key Players and Memorable Performances
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team rivalry has evolved through distinct eras. Let’s look at who defined each phase.
Era 1: The 1980s (Pakistan’s Early Dominance)
This decade belonged to Pakistan entirely. Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, and Javed Miandad were building one of cricket’s greatest teams. Sri Lanka, only just arriving on the Test scene, were learning. Pakistan won most bilateral series and ODI contests. Imran Khan’s captaincy was a class above.
Star Performer: Imran Khan (Pakistan) dominated with bat and ball. Arjuna Ranatunga (Sri Lanka) quietly built a fighter’s spirit that would later pay off.
Era 2: The 1990s (Sri Lanka Rise, Jayasuriya’s Revolution)
This era changed everything. In the 1996 Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka won the title, and the opening pair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana rewrote how ODI cricket was played at the top of the innings. Sri Lanka beat Pakistan multiple times in Sharjah, a neutral venue where both teams played dozens of ODIs.
Key Stat: Jayasuriya scored 2,317 runs against Pakistan in ODIs, the most by any batter in this rivalry.
Era 3: 2000s (Muralitharan vs Everyone)
Muttiah Muralitharan’s 110 Test wickets against Pakistan is the highest by any bowler in this rivalry. In home conditions in Sri Lanka, Pakistan simply could not handle him. But in Pakistan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan made light of Sri Lankan bowling.
Iconic Moment: Younis Khan scoring 313 in Karachi in 2009, the highest individual score in this rivalry in Tests.
Era 4: 2010s (T20 Warfare, Babar vs Hasaranga)
The T20 format brought new stars. Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul, and later Babar Azam for Pakistan. Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka. This era was defined by close contests and series swings. The Asia Cup became the biggest stage for their rivalry, with Sri Lanka winning more Asia Cup finals involving Pakistan.
Asia Cup Record: Sri Lanka lead Pakistan 13 wins to 6 in the Asia Cup. Yes, you read that right. Sri Lanka have absolutely owned Pakistan in this tournament.
Era 5: 2020s to 2026 (New Generation)
Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sahibzada Farhan for Pakistan. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana for Sri Lanka. The January 2026 three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka ended 1-1, showing how closely matched these sides are. The T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight clash in Kandy was one for the ages.
Lowest Totals in an Innings (Head-to-Head)
| Total | Team | Venue | Year | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | Pakistan | Sharjah | 1986 | ODI |
| 43 | Sri Lanka | Sharjah | 1986 | ODI |
| 71 | Sri Lanka | Kandy | 1994 | Test |
| 74 | Sri Lanka | Lahore | 2017 | T20I |
| 87 | Sri Lanka | Dubai | 2021 | T20I |
| 90 | Pakistan | Colombo | 1994 | Test |
| 102 | Sri Lanka | Lahore | 2002 | ODI |
| 103 | Pakistan | Colombo | 1985 | ODI |
Greatest Wins in This Rivalry
| Match | Winner | Margin | Venue | Year | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 WC Final | Pakistan | 8 wickets | Lord’s, England | 2009 | T20I |
| Test Match | Pakistan | Innings & 90 runs | Lahore | 2002 | Test |
| ODI | Pakistan | 8 wickets (Chased 58) | Sharjah | 1986 | ODI |
| Asia Cup | Sri Lanka | 5 wickets (from 3/17) | Various | 2014 | ODI |
| T20 WC Semi-Final | Sri Lanka | 16 runs | Colombo | 2012 | T20I |
| Champions Trophy Final | Joint Winners | N/A | Colombo | 2002 | ODI |
| ODI | Pakistan | 243 runs | Lahore | 2004 | ODI |
Where To Watch Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team
This is a question that comes up every single time a Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match is scheduled. Here are the major platforms where you can watch, depending on your region:
| Region | Broadcaster/Platform |
|---|---|
| India | Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Geo Super, Tapmad |
| Sri Lanka | PEO TV, Dialog TV |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket |
| USA/Canada | ESPN+ |
| Australia | Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports |
| Middle East | OSN Sports, beIN Sports |
For ICC events specifically, the official ICC website (icc-cricket.com) also streams select matches and provides ball-by-ball commentary.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Standings (ICC Rankings, June 2026)
| Format | Pakistan Rank | Sri Lanka Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Test | 5th | 7th |
| ODI | 4th | 8th |
| T20I | 6th | 8th |
Pakistan hold the edge in rankings across all formats, but Sri Lanka’s home conditions continue to be the great equaliser.
Current Players to Watch in 2026
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Players to keep your eye on right now are:
Pakistan
| Player | Role | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Opening Batter | Explosive starts, T20 specialist |
| Babar Azam | Middle-order Batter | Technical brilliance in all formats |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler | Left-arm swing, death-over skills |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler | Raw pace, yorker specialist |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner | Mystery spin, tricky variations |
Sri Lanka
| Player | Role | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Opening Batter | Consistent run scorer, anchor |
| Kusal Mendis | Wicket-keeper Batter | Aggressive striker in all formats |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Leg-spin All-rounder | Wicket-taking ability, tournament performer |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Fast Bowler | Sling-arm action, Sri Lanka’s X-factor |
| Dunith Wellalage | Spinner | Left-arm orthodox, excellent control |
Expert Opinion
Our Take: The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is best understood through its unpredictability. Pakistan dominate the overall numbers. But ask any Pakistan fan about the 2013 Champions Trophy semi-final, the 2012 T20 semi-final, or any Asia Cup encounter, and you will see a nervous twitch. Sri Lanka have a gift for beating Pakistan in high-pressure ICC knockout matches. Conversely, Pakistan turned up for the biggest T20 stage of all in 2009 and produced a masterclass at Lord’s. Neither team should ever be written off in this contest.
Quick Review: Rivalry Summary
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline covers four decades of quality cricket. Pakistan lead in all three formats overall. But Sri Lanka lead in Asia Cup encounters, have beaten Pakistan in multiple ICC knockout matches, and consistently produce match-winners who can derail any Pakistani game plan. The rivalry is far from one-sided when it matters most.
Rating of the Rivalry: 8.5/10. Two World Cup-winning nations, generational talent on both sides, and a history of close matches. The only reason it does not hit 10/10 is that it lacks the political intensity of an India-Pakistan match. But in pure cricket terms? It is outstanding.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is one of the richest, most entertaining rivalries in Asian cricket. From Pakistan’s early dominance in the 1980s to Jayasuriya revolutionising Sri Lankan cricket in the 1990s, from Muralitharan torturing Pakistan’s best batters in home Tests to Shahid Afridi’s iconic 2009 T20 World Cup final knock at Lord’s, this rivalry has produced cricket for the ages.
The 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka itself added another chapter. Pakistan scored 212 at Pallekele. Sri Lanka responded with 207. Pakistan won the match and still went home. Sri Lanka bowed out as hosts but not without nearly pulling off a miracle. That is exactly the kind of drama you expect from the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team story.
The numbers say Pakistan. The highlights say it could be anyone. And that, cricket fans, is why we watch.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When did Sri Lanka and Pakistan first play a Test match?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka first faced each other in Test cricket in March 1982 in Karachi. Pakistan won that match comfortably.
Q2. Who leads the overall head-to-head in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline?
Pakistan lead in all three formats. They lead 23-17 in Tests, 93-59 in ODIs, and 17-8 in T20Is.
Q3. What is the most memorable match in the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan rivalry?
Most cricket experts point to the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup Final at Lord’s as the defining match. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets, with Shahid Afridi playing a match-winning knock of 54*.
Q4. Where can I watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan matches?
Depending on your region, matches are available on Star Sports/Hotstar (India), PTV Sports/Geo Super (Pakistan), Sky Sports (UK), ESPN+ (USA), and Fox Cricket (Australia).
Q5. What is Sri Lanka’s best result against Pakistan in an ICC tournament?
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final in Colombo by 16 runs, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
Q6. Who has scored the most runs in the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan rivalry in Tests?
Kumar Sangakkara scored 2,829 Test runs against Pakistan, making him the highest run-scorer in Tests between these two nations.
Q7. Which bowler has the most wickets in the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test rivalry?
Muttiah Muralitharan took 110 Test wickets against Pakistan, the highest by any bowler in this head-to-head.
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