Pakistan will host Sri Lanka in the first Test of their two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from Monday, November 9, 2026. The opening match will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, with both teams looking to collect valuable points.
Pakistan enter the series after winning the ODI tri-series final against Sri Lanka by three wickets. However, the red-ball format presents a different challenge, and the hosts will need to adapt to the demands of Test cricket. Sri Lanka will also be eager to start strongly and take an early advantage in the series.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test |
| Series | Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026 |
| Date | November 9–13, 2026 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
| Start Time | 9:30 AM PKT |
| Sri Lanka Time | 10:00 AM |
| India Time | 10:00 AM IST |
| Format | Test |
| Pakistan Captain | Babar Azam |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Series Preview
Pakistan will begin the Test series with a refreshed squad featuring several young players who have earned maiden Test call-ups. Babar Azam will lead the side, while Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas provide experience.
The selectors have included Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman after their impressive performances in domestic first-class cricket. Their inclusion reflects Pakistan’s focus on developing new batting options for the longest format.
Sri Lanka will be led by Kusal Mendis and will rely on experienced players such as Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal. Their bowling attack also features several experienced options, including Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara.
The two-match series carries important World Test Championship points, making the opening encounter particularly significant for both sides.
Pakistan Team Preview
Pakistan have announced an updated 16-member squad for the series, adding Aamer Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Muhammad Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan. Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman have been released from the initial squad.
Babar Azam will captain the side, with Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha expected to play important roles in the middle order. The inclusion of young batters Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha and Mohammad Suleman adds fresh talent to the batting lineup.
Pakistan’s bowling attack will feature Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal, Razaullah and the newly selected fast bowlers. The Rawalpindi surface is expected to offer some assistance to seamers, making the pace department particularly important.
Sri Lanka Team Preview
Sri Lanka will be led by Kusal Mendis, who takes charge of the Test team for the first time on this Pakistan tour. The visitors have a balanced squad featuring experienced batters Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the series because of a hamstring injury, with Lahiru Udara named as his replacement. Udara’s inclusion provides another opening option for the visitors.
Sri Lanka will rely on Prabath Jayasuriya to lead their spin attack, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga provide pace-bowling options.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Razaullah.
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Sahan Arachchige, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is traditionally known for offering good batting conditions, although the surface can provide assistance to fast bowlers, particularly early in the match.
A greenish pitch is expected for the opening Test, which could give Pakistan’s seamers an opportunity to exploit movement with the new ball. Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah will be important players in these conditions.
As the match progresses, the surface could become more favourable for batting, with spinners also expected to play a role. Both teams will want to make the most of the first innings and avoid losing early wickets.
Head-to-Head Record in Test Cricket
Pakistan have historically enjoyed an advantage over Sri Lanka in Test cricket. The two sides have faced each other 59 times, producing several competitive encounters.
| Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 23 | 17 | 19 |
Pakistan will look to extend their advantage at home, while Sri Lanka will aim to improve their record during this two-match series.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (Pakistan): The Pakistan captain will be one of the biggest players to watch. His ability to build long innings and handle pressure will be crucial against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Saud Shakeel (Pakistan): Shakeel’s consistency in Test cricket makes him an important part of Pakistan’s middle order. He will be expected to provide stability and build partnerships.
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): The newly appointed Test captain will have additional responsibility with both the bat and as a leader. His performance could influence Sri Lanka’s chances.
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka): Kamindu has established himself as an important all-rounder in Test cricket. His batting ability and useful left-arm spin make him a valuable player for the visitors.
Prabath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka): The left-arm spinner could become a major threat as the Rawalpindi surface wears. His ability to control the middle sessions will be important.
PAK vs SL 1st Test Live Streaming: Where to Watch
Cricket fans can follow the opening Test through the following broadcast and streaming platforms:
-
Pakistan: PTV Sports and A Sports (TV), Tapmad (live streaming).
-
Sri Lanka: Dialog TV and Peo TV (TV), Dialog Play (live streaming).
-
USA and Canada: Willow TV (TV), Willow by Cricbuzz (live streaming).
Match Prediction
Pakistan will start the opening Test with the advantage of home conditions, but Sri Lanka have enough experience to challenge the hosts. Both teams have made changes to their squads, making the opening match an interesting test of their red-ball combinations.
Pakistan’s pace attack could be particularly effective if the Rawalpindi surface offers early movement. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel will also be expected to lead the batting effort.
Sri Lanka’s chances will depend heavily on their experienced middle order and the performance of Prabath Jayasuriya. If their batters can handle Pakistan’s fast bowlers, the visitors have the quality to compete throughout the five days.
Pakistan are slight favourites to win the first Test, with their home advantage and pace-bowling options potentially making the difference.
