The Sri Lanka national cricket team has competed against the Pakistan national cricket team. This is one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in Asian cricket. The two have played unforgettable matches against each other, starting from 1982 when their first official meeting took place, and since then they have produced memorable moments for Test cricket, One-Day Internationals ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Pakistan has historically dominated this rivalry, yet Sri Lanka has given the cricketing world many classic victories such as their triumph of the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup final, and a number of memorable bilateral series triumphs over Pakistan. Cricketing icons Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Younis Khan all took part in their contests, as well as Babar Azam and Angelo Mathews.
Here is an elaborate timeline of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline, with significant milestones, head-to-head record, iconic match results, and stats comparison.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record (All Formats)
Before exploring the timeline, here’s a quick look at the overall rivalry.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw/Tie/NR |
| Test | 60 | 23 | 17 | 20 Draws |
| ODI | 162 | 92 | 65 | 5 No Result |
| T20I | 26 | 15 | 11 | 0 |
| Total | 248 | 130 | 93 | 25 |
Head-to-Head Highlights
- Pakistan leads in all three formats.
- Sri Lanka has recorded several famous ICC tournament victories.
- Both teams have consistently challenged each other in Asia Cup competitions.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline and All Rivalries
1982 – First ODI Between Sri Lanka and Pakistan
Sri Lanka and Pakistan met for the first time in an ODI shortly after Sri Lanka gained Test status. Pakistan won the encounter comfortably, beginning a rivalry that would continue for decades.
| Year | Event | Winner |
| 1982 | First ODI | Pakistan |
1982 – First Test Series
The two teams played their maiden Test series in 1982.
Although Pakistan had greater experience, Sri Lanka showed promising performances against one of Asia’s strongest sides.
| Series | Result |
| First Test Series | Pakistan won |
1986 – Sri Lanka Registers Historic Success
It was in the mid-1980s that Sri Lanka started giving Pakistan a run for their money on the cricket field, registering some significant wins in bilateral encounters.
Sri Lankan legends like Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva saw themselves arriving up on the international stage during this time frame.
1992 – Pakistan Cricket World Cup Victory
Imran Khan led his nation to its first Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka did not go deep into this tournament, but both these nations became superpowers in Asian cricket.
1996 – Sri Lanka World Cup Champions
Sri Lankan cricket changed forever in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka, then led by Arjuna Ranatunga, lifted its first World Cup and carved a niche as one of cricket’s superpowers.
1996 Milestone
| Achievement | Team |
| ICC Cricket World Cup Champions | Sri Lanka |
1999–2002 – Competitive Bilateral Series
The rivalry became increasingly balanced during this period.
Players such as:
- Sanath Jayasuriya
- Marvan Atapattu
- Saeed Anwar
- Inzamam-ul-Haq
produced several memorable performances.
2004 – 2006 – Murali vs Pakistan
Muttiah Muralitharan dominated Pakistan with his extraordinary spin bowling.
During these years:
- Murali crossed several bowling milestones.
- Sri Lanka won important home Tests.
- Pakistan remained competitive through Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.
2006 – Highest Successful ODI Chase by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
Several thrilling ODI contests during this period highlighted the batting strength of both teams.
High-scoring matches became common thanks to aggressive batting line-ups.
2009 – Lahore Terror Attack
One of the darkest days in cricket history occurred on 3 March 2009.
The Sri Lankan team bus was attacked by terrorists near Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Impact
- International cricket stopped in Pakistan for several years.
- Pakistan played home series in the UAE.
- The event changed international cricket scheduling.
| Date | Event |
| 3 March 2009 | Lahore Terror Attack |
2009 – Pakistan Win ICC T20 World Cup
Pakistan captured its first T20 World Cup title under Younis Khan.
Several Pakistan players later became regular opponents of Sri Lanka in bilateral series.
2011 – Cricket World Cup Final
Although Sri Lanka and Pakistan did not face each other in the final, both teams reached the knockout stage.
Sri Lanka eventually finished runners-up after losing to India.
2012 – ICC World T20 Final
Sri Lanka reached another ICC final, demonstrating its consistency in limited-overs cricket.
2014 – Sri Lanka Win ICC T20 World Cup
One of the greatest moments in Sri Lankan cricket came when they defeated India in the final.
Veterans Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene finished their T20I careers as world champions.
| Tournament | Winner |
| ICC T20 World Cup 2014 | Sri Lanka |
2015 – Pakistan’s Strong Test Performances
Pakistan enjoyed success against Sri Lanka in Test cricket with outstanding performances from:
- Younis Khan
- Misbah-ul-Haq
- Yasir Shah
Pakistan strengthened its lead in the Test head-to-head record.
2017 – Pakistan Win ICC Champions Trophy
Pakistan shocked India in the final to win its maiden Champions Trophy.
Several key players from that squad later starred against Sri Lanka.
2019 -Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan
A historic moment arrived when Sri Lanka became one of the first major teams to return to Pakistan after the 2009 attack.
The successful tour helped restore international cricket in Pakistan.
| Year | Event |
| 2019 | Sri Lanka returned to Pakistan |
2022 – Galle Test Thriller
Sri Lanka and Pakistan played an exciting Test series in Galle.
Highlights
- Pakistan successfully chased over 340 runs in the first Test.
- Sri Lanka bounced back to level the series.
- Abdullah Shafique played one of the finest innings of his career.
2023 – Pakistan Win Test Series in Sri Lanka
Pakistan continued its excellent overseas record with another Test series victory.
Key performers included:
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Abrar Ahmed
2025 – 2026: New Generation Rivalry
The rivalry now features several exciting young cricketers.
Pakistan Stars
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
Sri Lanka Stars
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Prabath Jayasuriya
Both teams continue to compete regularly in ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup.
Overall Head-to-Head Statistics
Test Cricket
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches | 60 |
| Pakistan Wins | 23 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 17 |
| Draws | 20 |
ODI Cricket
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches | 162 |
| Pakistan Wins | 92 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 65 |
| No Result | 5 |
T20 Internationals
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches | 26 |
| Pakistan Wins | 15 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 11 |
Most Memorable Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Matches
| Year | Match | Winner |
| 1982 | First ODI | Pakistan |
| 1996 | World Cup Era Clash | Sri Lanka |
| 2009 | Lahore Tour | — |
| 2014 | Asia Cup Final | Sri Lanka |
| 2022 | Galle Test | Pakistan |
| 2023 | Test Series | Pakistan |
Greatest Players in the Rivalry
Sri Lanka
| Player | Specialty |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Batter |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Batter |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Spinner |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | All-rounder |
| Arjuna Ranatunga | Captain |
Pakistan
| Player | Specialty |
| Wasim Akram | Fast Bowler |
| Waqar Younis | Fast Bowler |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Batter |
| Younis Khan | Batter |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
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Highest Team Scores
| Format | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |
| Test | 644 | 765/6d |
| ODI | 368/4 | 371/9 |
| T20I | 170+ | 203+ |
Key Records
| Record | Team |
| Most Test Wins | Pakistan |
| Most ODI Wins | Pakistan |
| Most T20I Wins | Pakistan |
| First World Cup Winner | Sri Lanka (1996) |
| First T20 World Cup Winner | Pakistan (2009) |
Interesting Facts
- Internationally, Pakistan and Sri Lanka shared their first cricket match in 1982.
- This goes down as one of the darkest days in cricket history, among events including the 2009 Lahore attack.
- Sri Lanka was one of the first full sides to return for a tour of Pakistan in 2019.
- And both countries have claimed ICC trophies and created some of one of the best cricketers in Asia too.
- Legendary battles between Muttiah Muralitharan and Pakistan’s world-class batting lineup have defined the rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1/ When did Sri Lanka and Pakistan first play each other?
Ans: They first met in international cricket in 1982, shortly after Sri Lanka gained Test status.
Q-2/ Which team has won more matches between Sri Lanka and Pakistan?
Ans: Pakistan leads the overall head-to-head record in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q-3/ What is the most famous event in this rivalry?
Ans: The 2009 Lahore terror attack is the most significant off-field event, while numerous Asia Cup and ICC matches have defined the on-field rivalry.
Q-4/ Who has scored the most runs in Sri Lanka vs Pakistan matches?
Ans: Several legendary batters, including Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam, have amassed substantial runs in this rivalry across formats.
Q-5/ Which bowlers have dominated this rivalry?
Ans: Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Rangana Herath, Yasir Shah, and Saqlain Mushtaq are among the leading wicket-takers in Sri Lanka–Pakistan contests.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is one characterized by mutual admiration and fierce competition sprinkled with sitcom-like moments. Both have had a series of verbatim discussions starting from their first meeting in 1982 until modern-day clashes, be it the ICC World Test Championship or an Asia Cup or any bilateral series. Overall, Pakistan has the historical upper hand in terms of victories, but Sri Lanka’s classic successes, such as its 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph and notable series victories, have made it one for the ages. With both countries featuring an impressive number of exciting young players coming through, this age-old Asian rivalry has plenty more classic chapters left to write in the years to come.
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