Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to begin their two-match Test series on November 9, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The opening match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, with both teams looking to collect valuable points.
Babar Azam will lead Pakistan, while Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka. Pakistan will aim to make the most of home conditions, while Sri Lanka will look to challenge the hosts with their experienced batting and bowling combinations.
Match Preview
Pakistan enter the series looking to improve their position in the World Test Championship standings. Babar Azam returns to lead the side, with a combination of experienced players and emerging domestic talent in the squad.
Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Babar Azam will be important to Pakistan's batting plans, while Aamer Jamal, Mohammad Abbas and Saqib Khan provide options in the bowling department.
Sri Lanka will be led by Kusal Mendis, with Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva strengthening their batting lineup.
The visitors will also depend on Prabath Jayasuriya and their pace attack to challenge Pakistan on home soil.
Both teams have an important opportunity to make a positive start to their World Test Championship campaign.
Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Series: Sri Lanka Tour of Pakistan, 2026 Match Day: Day 1 Date: Monday, November 9, 2026 Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium City: Rawalpindi, Pakistan Start Time: 9:30 AM PKT India Time: 10:00 AM IST GMT: 4:30 AM Format: Test Cricket Tournament: ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 Pakistan Captain: Babar Azam Sri Lanka Captain: Kusal Mendis
Series Schedule: 1st Test: November 9–13, Rawalpindi 2nd Test: November 17–21, Lahore
Live Streaming
Cricket fans can follow the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series through the following television and digital platforms.
Pakistan: PTV Sports, A Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha and PCB Live. Sri Lanka: Peo TV and Dialog. India: No live television broadcast has been announced. United Kingdom: PCB Live. USA and Canada: Willow TV. Bangladesh: Tapmad.
Broadcast availability may vary by region.
Pitch Report – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium traditionally offers a batting-friendly surface, particularly during the opening stages of a Test match.
Batters can expect good conditions for stroke-making, while fast bowlers may find some movement with the new ball, especially during the morning session.
As the match progresses, the surface could become more favourable for spin bowling. Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya and Pakistan's spin options may become increasingly important during the later stages.
The ability to build substantial first-innings totals could prove decisive in the opening Test.
Pitch Nature: Batting-friendly Pace Bowling: Potential assistance with the new ball Spin Bowling: May become influential as the match progresses Expected Conditions: Good batting conditions in the opening sessions.
Head-to-Head Record in Test Cricket
Pakistan have historically held the advantage over Sri Lanka in Test cricket.
Total Matches: 59 Pakistan Won: 23 Sri Lanka Won: 17 Drawn: 19
Pakistan will look to extend their advantage in the overall record, while Sri Lanka will aim to improve their results against the hosts.
Predicted Playing XI
The following are predicted combinations based on the announced squads. Official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
Pakistan Predicted XI:
Sameer Minhas
Azan Awais
Babar Azam (C)
Saud Shakeel
Salman Ali Agha
Mohammad Taha
Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (WK)
Aamer Jamal
Mohammad Abbas
Saqib Khan
Razaullah
Sri Lanka Predicted XI:
Pathum Nissanka
Pasindu Sooriyabandara
Dinesh Chandimal
Kusal Mendis (C)
Kamindu Mendis
Dhananjaya de Silva
Anjala Bandara (WK)
Milan Rathnayake
Prabath Jayasuriya
Lahiru Kumara
Asitha Fernando
Note: These are predicted playing XIs, not confirmed team selections.
Players to Watch
Pakistan
Babar Azam
Pakistan's captain will be one of the key players in the opening Test. His experience and ability to build long innings will be important against Sri Lanka's bowling attack.
Saud Shakeel
Saud Shakeel has established himself as an important member of Pakistan's Test batting lineup. His ability to handle pressure and build partnerships could prove valuable.
Aamer Jamal
Aamer Jamal offers Pakistan an important pace-bowling option and the ability to contribute with the bat. His performance could influence the balance of the contest.
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis
The Sri Lankan captain will carry significant responsibility with the bat. His performance against Pakistan's bowling attack could play an important role in determining the visitors' chances.
Pathum Nissanka
Nissanka strengthens Sri Lanka's top order following his return to the Test squad. His ability to provide a solid start will be important.
Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu Mendis is an important part of Sri Lanka's middle order. His batting ability and all-round contributions make him a player to watch.
Prabath Jayasuriya
The left-arm spinner could become a major threat if the Rawalpindi surface begins to assist spin bowling. His control and ability to build pressure will be important.
Match Prediction
Pakistan will enter the opening Test with the advantage of home conditions and familiarity with the Rawalpindi surface. Their batting lineup has experienced players capable of building a substantial first-innings total.
However, Sri Lanka possess a competitive squad with several players capable of influencing the match. Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis will be central to their batting plans, while Prabath Jayasuriya could become influential with the ball.
The batting-friendly nature of the Rawalpindi surface could make the contest competitive, particularly if both teams produce strong first-innings performances.
CricRadar Prediction: Pakistan start as slight favourites because of home advantage, but Sri Lanka have the quality to challenge the hosts. A draw also remains a possibility.
