Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, PAK vs SL 2026, Today Match Prediction

PAK vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis

Host Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, starting from 9th November (Monday).

The Men in Green will be keen to turn their fortunes around, considering their recent results where they’ve won only once in their last six outings in red-ball cricket. The team management will be hoping that the players can learn from their mistakes made in England series and put on a better show against Sri Lanka.  On the other hand, Kusal Mendis-led Sri Lanka will be looking to adjust to the conditions and push Pakistan close in this two-match Test series.

Both teams have competed in 59 matches in the history of Test cricket where Pakistan have a clear edge with 23 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 17 victories. While playing in home condition, the Green Shirts have a decent record as they’ve won nine times and lost six times in 23 outings. Eight matches have ended in a draw.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

PAK

L L W L L

ENG

453/10 in 89.0 5.09

ENG vs PAK

England won by 8 wickets 09 Sep 2026

PAK

133/10 in 33.5 3.93

ENG

409/10 in 89.5 4.55

ENG vs PAK

England won by an innings and 103 runs 19 Aug 2026

PAK

171/10 in 48.1 3.55

WI

344/10 in 105.4 3.26

WI vs PAK 2026

Pakistan beat West Indies by 8 wickets 02 Aug 2026

PAK

387/10 in 115.0 3.37

WI

311/10 in 98.5 3.15

WI vs PAK 2026

West Indies beat Pakistan by 90 runs 25 Jul 2026

PAK

282/10 in 80.1 3.52

BAN

278/10 in 77.0 3.61

BAN vs PAK 2026

Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 78 runs 16 May 2026

PAK

232/10 in 57.4 4.02

SL

L L W L L

WI

626/9 in 160.5 3.89

WI vs SL 2026

West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 217 runs 25 Jun 2026

SL

308/10 in 71.5 4.29

WIXI

205/10 in 61.4 3.32

WIXI vs SL 2026

West Indies Select XI won by 15 runs

18 Jun 2026

SL

281/10 in 70.4 3.98

SL

458/10 in 116.5 3.92

BAN vs SL 2025

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by an innings and 78 runs 25 Jun 2025

BAN

0/0 in 0.0 0

SL

257/10 in 97.4 2.63

SL vs AUS 2025

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets 06 Feb 2025

AUS

75/1 in 17.4 4.24

RSA

358/10 in 103.4 3.45

SL vs SA 2024

South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 109 runs 05 Dec 2024

SL

238/10 in 69.1 3.44

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Pakistan Preview

Mohammad Taha, Sameer Minhas, Muhammad Suleman, Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas are four uncapped players included in Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Despite his noticeable struggles in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam will lead Pakistan for the Test series.

After his excellent showing in the tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka, Saad Baig could make his Test debut for Pakistan in this series opener.

In the batting department, the hosts will be relying on the likes of captain Babar Azam, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha and Arafat Minhas to deliver the bulk of the runs.

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah along with spin duo of Ali Usman and Arafat Minhas to produce timely breakthroughs.

Interesting Facts

• Despite not scoring a century in the last three years, Babar Azam will take heart from the fact that he has an excellent record in Test matches played at Rawalpindi. In eight matches played, Babar Azam has accumulated 636 runs at an average of 53.00 with three centuries and two half-centuries.

• Since his comeback to the Test side, medium-pacer Mohammad Abbas has shown exceptional form with the ball in hand. In eight matches played, Abbas has picked up 41 wickets at an average of 21.92 with four five-fors to his name.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:

Babar Azam (c), Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Baig, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Abbas, Ali Usman and Razaullah.

Sri Lanka Preview

The visitors have picked their full-strength squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan. New-captain Kusal Mendis will be hoping that the side can start the series on a positive note.

In the batting department, the visitors will be relying on the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis to score the bulk of the runs. 

On the bowling front, the onus will be on the likes of pacers Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando along with the spin duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha to produce timely breakthroughs.

Interesting Facts

• Prabath Jayasuriya has been premier spinner for Sri Lanka in red-ball cricket for past couple of years. He will take heart from the fact that he has a decent record against Pakistan in Test cricket. In four Tests played, Prabath Jayasuriya has claimed 26 wickets at an average of 31.11 with two five-wicket hauls to his name.

• Middle-order batter Dhananjaya de Silva has an excellent record against Pakistan in the five-day format. In just six Tests played, de Silva has accumulated 581 runs at an average of 58.1 with three centuries and two half-centuries to his name.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Kusal Mendis (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Lahiru Udara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando.

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for the game is going to be sunny with light winds. The humidity for the game will between 40 to 75%.

PAK vs SL Pitch Report

The average first innings score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Test cricket is around 336 runs. Pakistan have lost three Test matches out of last four played at Rawalpindi.

Toss: To Bowl

With weather predicted as fair, both the captains will be looking to win the toss, bowl first on this surface. There might be lateral movement on offer for the seamers in the first half of the morning session.