Pakistan and Sri Lanka have developed a fascinating Test cricket rivalry since their first meeting in the early 1980s. Unlike some of the traditional Test rivalries, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka has often produced closely contested series, high-scoring matches and memorable performances from some of Asia’s greatest cricketers. Pakistan vs sri lanka head to head in test
As of September 2026, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 59 Test matches. Pakistan have won 23, Sri Lanka have won 17, while 19 matches have ended in draws. Pakistan therefore hold a six-match advantage in the overall Test head-to-head record.
Their most recent Test meetings came during Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka in July 2023, when Pakistan won both matches and completed a 2-0 series victory.One of the most extraordinary Pakistan-Sri Lanka Tests took place at the National Stadium in Karachi in February 2009.
Pakistan produced an enormous first-innings score of 765/6 declared, with Younis Khan scoring 313, one of the greatest individual innings in Pakistan’s Test history.
Sri Lanka responded with 644/7 declared, creating one of the highest-scoring matches between the two sides. The match eventually ended in a draw.
The match remains an excellent example of how Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests have sometimes developed into extraordinary batting contests.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the UAE
During the period when Pakistan played many of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates, the two sides met several times in Test cricket. Pakistan vs sri lanka head to head in test
The 2011-12 series in the UAE ended 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour, with two matches drawn.
The 2013-14 series was more evenly balanced, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka each winning one Test and the other match ending in a draw.
The UAE period was significant because Pakistan’s spin bowling and experienced batting often benefited from slow, turning pitches.
Sri Lanka’s Success in 2017
Sri Lanka enjoyed a particularly strong period against Pakistan in 2017.
During the UAE series, Sri Lanka won both Tests. They won the first Test in Abu Dhabi by 21 runs and the second in Dubai by 68 runs, completing a 2-0 series victory.
These results were significant because Pakistan had traditionally performed strongly in the UAE.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, combined with disciplined batting, allowed them to produce two close victories.
Pakistan’s 2019 Comeback
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Pakistan | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 59 | 59 |
| Wins | 23 | 17 |
| Losses | 17 | 23 |
| Draws | 19 | 19 |
| First Test meeting | 1982 | 1982 |
| Most recent Test | 2023 | 2023 |
Pakistan’s 23 victories give them the overall advantage, although Sri Lanka have enjoyed successful periods against Pakistan, particularly during the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.
Beginning of the Rivalry
Pakistan and Sri Lanka first met in Test cricket in March 1982. Pakistan won the first Test by 204 runs, immediately establishing an early advantage in the rivalry.
During the 1980s, Pakistan generally had the upper hand. Their fast bowling resources and experienced batting lineup made them a difficult opponent, particularly on Pakistani pitches.
However, Sri Lanka gradually became a stronger Test nation. As players such as Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan emerged, Sri Lanka became increasingly competitive against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Overall Advantage
Pakistan have won 23 of the 59 Tests between the teams, compared with Sri Lanka’s 17 victories. The remaining 19 matches were drawn.
One notable feature of the rivalry is the relatively high number of drawn Tests. Out of 59 matches, nearly one-third have produced no winner.
Pakistan’s advantage has been particularly noticeable in several series played on home soil or at neutral venues in the UAE. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have often been difficult to defeat in their own conditions.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the 1990s
The 1990s were an important period in the development of this rivalry.
Pakistan had a formidable side featuring players such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq. Sri Lanka were also building a powerful team around players such as Ranatunga and de Silva.
Pakistan won both Tests during their 1994 tour of Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka responded strongly in the following years and began producing competitive results against Pakistan.
The 1995-96 series in Pakistan ended with Sri Lanka winning two of the three Tests, demonstrating that the balance between the teams was becoming more competitive.
Memorable 2009 Test in Karachi
One of the most extraordinary Pakistan-Sri Lanka Tests took place at the National Stadium in Karachi in February 2009.
Pakistan produced an enormous first-innings score of 765/6 declared, with Younis Khan scoring 313, one of the greatest individual innings in Pakistan’s Test history.
Sri Lanka responded with 644/7 declared, creating one of the highest-scoring matches between the two sides. The match eventually ended in a draw.
The match remains an excellent example of how Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests have sometimes developed into extraordinary batting contests.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in the UAE
During the period when Pakistan played many of their home matches in the United Arab Emirates, the two sides met several times in Test cricket.
The 2011-12 series in the UAE ended 1-0 in Pakistan’s favour, with two matches drawn.
The 2013-14 series was more evenly balanced, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka each winning one Test and the other match ending in a draw.
The UAE period was significant because Pakistan’s spin bowling and experienced batting often benefited from slow, turning pitches.
Sri Lanka’s Success in 2017
Sri Lanka enjoyed a particularly strong period against Pakistan in 2017.
During the UAE series, Sri Lanka won both Tests. They won the first Test in Abu Dhabi by 21 runs and the second in Dubai by 68 runs, completing a 2-0 series victory.
These results were significant because Pakistan had traditionally performed strongly in the UAE.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, combined with disciplined batting, allowed them to produce two close victories.
Pakistan’s 2019 Comeback
Pakistan returned to winning ways against Sri Lanka during their 2019-20 home Test series.
The first Test at Rawalpindi ended in a draw. Pakistan then produced a dominant performance in the second Test at Karachi, winning by 263 runs.
The series was historically significant because it marked the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a long period in which the country had hosted many of its home matches overseas.
The 2022 Test Series
Pakistan and Sri Lanka met again in Sri Lanka in July 2022.
The two-Test series was shared 1-1.
Pakistan won the first Test at Galle by four wickets, while Sri Lanka responded by winning the second Test at the same venue by 246 runs.
The series demonstrated the importance of spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka. Galle traditionally offers assistance to spinners as Tests progress, making batting increasingly challenging.
Pakistan’s Dominance in 2023
The latest completed Test series between the teams took place in Sri Lanka in July 2023.
Pakistan won the opening Test in Galle by four wickets. They then produced an even more dominant performance in the second Test at Colombo, winning by an innings and 222 runs.
Pakistan’s batting was particularly impressive during the second Test. They scored 576/5 declared, putting Sri Lanka under enormous pressure.
The 2-0 result gave Pakistan another series victory in Sri Lankan conditions and extended their overall head-to-head advantage.
Recent Test Results
The most recent meetings between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are:
| Year | Series Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2-0 | Sri Lanka |
| 2019 | 1-0 | Pakistan |
| 2022 | 1-1 | Drawn series |
| 2023 | 2-0 | Pakistan |
The two sides have not played a Test against each other since July 2023. Current records therefore remain based on those 59 completed Tests.
Pakistan’s upcoming home Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled for November 2026, according to Reuters’ September 2026 report.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Home and Away Factors
Conditions have played a major role throughout this rivalry.
Pakistan conditions
Pakistan has traditionally provided pitches where fast bowlers can be effective early in a Test, while established batters can score heavily when conditions become easier.
Pakistan’s record at home has therefore been important in building their overall advantage.
Sri Lankan conditions
Sri Lankan pitches, particularly at venues such as Galle, can increasingly assist spin bowling as a Test progresses.
This has allowed Sri Lanka’s specialist spinners to play a major role in several home victories.
Neutral venues
Pakistan’s matches in the UAE created another interesting chapter. The slow pitches frequently brought spinners into the contest, and several matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka were closely fought.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Over the decades, some of Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s greatest players have contributed to this head-to-head contest.
For Pakistan, names such as Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Saeed Anwar have played important roles across different eras.
Sri Lanka have featured legends including Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Muttiah Muralitharan.
Younis Khan’s 313 in Karachi in 2009 remains one of the most memorable individual performances in the rivalry.
Why Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests Are Important
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are two of Asia’s established Test nations, and their matches often involve contrasting approaches.
Pakistan have historically produced outstanding fast bowlers, while Sri Lanka have developed some of the world’s finest spin bowlers.
The rivalry has also produced a large number of drawn Tests, meaning that patience and sustained performance have often been just as important as individual brilliance.
The 59-match history includes dominant victories, narrow wins, high-scoring draws and series that went down to the final Test.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test head-to-head is one of the notable rivalries in Asian Test cricket. Across 59 Tests, Pakistan have won 23, Sri Lanka have won 17, and 19 matches have ended in draws.
Pakistan’s strongest recent period came in 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka 2-0 away from home. Sri Lanka’s most recent series victory came in 2017, when they won both Tests in the UAE.
The rivalry has also produced memorable performances such as Younis Khan’s 313 and Pakistan’s huge 765/6 declared in Karachi in 2009.
With another Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series scheduled for Pakistan in November 2026, the long-running rivalry is set for another chapter.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Tests have Pakistan and Sri Lanka played?
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 59 Test matches against each other.
2. Who has won more Tests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Pakistan have the better overall record, with 23 Test victories compared with Sri Lanka’s 17.
3. How many Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests have been drawn?
19 Tests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have ended in draws.
4. Who won the last Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series?
Pakistan won the most recent series, defeating Sri Lanka 2-0 in 2023.
5. When will Pakistan and Sri Lanka next play a Test series?
Pakistan are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in November 2026, according to a September 2026 Reuters report.