PAK vs SL Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan 2026, 1st Test

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: Preview, Prediction, Pitch Report and Playing XI

Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin a two-match Test series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The opening match offers Pakistan a chance to rebuild confidence at home, while Sri Lanka will be aiming to turn recent promise into valuable championship points.

The teams arrive with contrasting Test records. Pakistan have struggled to find consistency in the longest format and sit near the foot of the WTC standings. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are seventh and will see the tour as an opportunity to climb the table. With Rawalpindi’s conditions and the teams’ pace resources likely to shape the contest, the first Test could be a compelling test of patience as much as skill.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Match Details

Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test
Series: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, 2026
Date: November 9, 2026
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start time: 10:00 AM IST (9:30 AM local time)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Preview and Recent Form

Pakistan’s recent success in white-ball cricket has not yet translated into a strong run in Tests. The team recently beat Sri Lanka in a tri-series final after chasing a target of more than 300, winning by three wickets. That result should provide a confidence boost, but the demands of Test cricket are different—and Pakistan’s record in the format remains a concern.

The Men in Green have lost 16 of their last 21 Test matches and have already been eliminated from contention for the current WTC final. Their 3–0 defeat in England exposed difficulties against swing and seam, while their only away series win in the period came against the West Indies. Pakistan also lost their most recent home series to Bangladesh, increasing the pressure to deliver a more convincing performance in Rawalpindi.

For captain Babar Azam, the series is an opportunity to help steady the side and set a stronger tone at home. Pakistan will need contributions from across the batting order, especially if the surface offers early movement to Sri Lanka’s seamers. Their bowling attack, meanwhile, must make the most of home conditions rather than rely solely on the pitch to create chances.

Sri Lanka have shown encouraging resilience in Test cricket. Although they lost their home series against India 1–0, they competed hard and made the visitors work for their wickets. Sonal Dinusha emerged as a notable performer during that stretch, offering the side a fresh option in the middle order. Sri Lanka will hope that form carries over to Pakistan, where a series win could help them put pressure on teams higher in the WTC standings.

PAK vs SL Live Streaming: Where to Watch

The first Test is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM IST, which is 9:30 AM local time in Pakistan. At the time of writing, a confirmed Indian broadcaster or streaming platform has not been announced. Viewers in Pakistan can follow the series on Tapmad, while PEO Sports 1 or PEO Mobile may provide coverage in Sri Lanka. Fans should check local listings and official broadcaster updates closer to the match.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Rawalpindi has traditionally offered a good surface for batting during the early stages of a Test. The first two days can provide an opportunity for batters to build substantial innings, with the pitch often becoming more helpful to seamers as the match progresses. Spinners may also find greater assistance later, particularly if the surface begins to wear.

There is added interest around the pitch for this series. Reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering a more pace-friendly surface, potentially giving fast bowlers a greater role from the outset. Sri Lanka are also understood to be preparing for that possibility, with a pace-heavy combination under consideration alongside a frontline spinner. The toss could therefore matter: batting first may be attractive if the pitch is at its best early, but teams will also weigh the advantage of bowling while conditions are fresh.

Test Records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi has hosted 17 Test matches. Teams batting first have won eight, while sides chasing have won five; three matches ended in a draw or no result. The average first-innings score is approximately 336, and the average second-innings score is around 399. The highest team total at the venue is 657, while the lowest is 112. Rahul Dravid holds the highest individual score listed at the ground, with 270, and Mohammad Zahid recorded the best innings figures of 7 for 66 and match figures of 11 for 130.

Weather Forecast and Rain Threat

Conditions are expected to be mostly clear during the opening Test, with only a small chance of rain—around 2% in the forecast provided. Temperatures are projected to sit between 22°C and 25°C, while humidity may range from 63% to 69%. Some cloud cover is possible early in the match, but the outlook suggests limited interruption from weather. As the season turns cooler, the conditions should remain comfortable for players and spectators.

Team News and Squad Updates

Pakistan have adjusted their squad ahead of the first Test. Ali Usman and Abdullah Fazal have been released, while Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Tayyab Arif and Saqib Khan have been added. No new injury concerns have been reported. Shan Masood has been managing a calf problem, but he was not included in the original squad.

Sri Lanka will be without opener Pathum Nissanka, who has not recovered from a left hamstring injury. He also missed the team’s series against India, so his absence is a significant setback at the top of the order. The visitors may look to their middle-order experience and flexible batting options to compensate.

PAK vs SL Predicted Playing XIs

Pakistan

Azan Awais, Sameer Minhas, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Aamer Jamal, Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas, Saqib Khan.

Sri Lanka

Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.

Note: These are predicted line-ups and may change after the toss, depending on the final pitch assessment and team selections.

Key Player Battles to Watch

Pasindu Sooriyabandara vs Razaullah

Sooriyabandara impressed against India and could be important in Sri Lanka’s batting plans. Razaullah, who has shown promise in Test cricket, will look to challenge him with pace and movement. Their contest may influence whether Sri Lanka can build a stable start or Pakistan can strike early.

Babar Azam vs Asitha Fernando

Babar will be eager to make a substantial contribution after a difficult period in the format. Asitha Fernando’s ability to find movement could make him a dangerous opponent, particularly with a new ball. If Fernando can trouble the Pakistan captain early, Sri Lanka could put pressure on the hosts’ middle order.

Sonal Dinusha vs Saqib Khan

Dinusha has established himself as a player to watch, with the ability to handle both pace and spin. Saqib Khan will aim to break his rhythm and claim a key wicket. This matchup could become especially important if Dinusha arrives at the crease with Sri Lanka looking to recover from early losses.

PAK vs SL Prediction: What to Expect

Pakistan have home advantage, but recent Test results make them difficult to back without reservation. Sri Lanka’s resilience and bowling options could keep the contest close, particularly if the Rawalpindi surface offers early assistance to seamers. The opening innings may prove decisive: a large first-innings total could put either side in control, while a pace-friendly pitch may make the match more even than Rawalpindi’s traditional batting reputation suggests.

Overall, the prediction is for a competitive Test in which conditions, discipline with the new ball and the performance of the top order will be central. Pakistan will be under pressure to show improvement, while Sri Lanka have a valuable opportunity to secure WTC points and make a statement on tour.