Introduction
The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka spans decades, enriched with thrilling matches, nail-biting finishes, and iconic performances. Both teams, known for their passionate fanbases and talented players, have created unforgettable moments in cricket history. This article delves into the timeline of Pakistan A Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka A Timeline encounters, highlighting key matches, player contributions, and historical significance.
Early Encounters: The Beginning of a Rivalry
1950s and 1960s: The Initial Spark
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka rivalry traces back to Sri Lanka’s early days in cricket. Although Sri Lanka attained Test status in 1982, their matches against Pakistan began in the 1950s during unofficial tours.
- 1950: Pakistan played its first-ever international tour in Sri Lanka.
- 1964: Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for an unofficial Test series.
Key Highlights:
Year | Match Type | Winner | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|
1950 | Friendly Match | Pakistan | Dominated with strong batting performance. |
1964 | Unofficial Test | Pakistan | Comprehensive win showcasing bowling depth. |

1970s to 1980s: Establishing Test Cricket
1982: Sri Lanka Gains Test Status
Sri Lanka’s inclusion as a Test-playing nation in 1982 marked a new chapter. Pakistan was one of the first nations to play a Test series against Sri Lanka, signaling a budding rivalry.
- 1982: First Test series between the two nations.
- Pakistan won the series 2-0.
Memorable Moments:
- Javed Miandad and Imran Khan emerged as standout performers, cementing Pakistan’s dominance.
1990s: The Era of Intense Rivalry
The 1990s saw the rivalry intensify with both teams becoming cricketing powerhouses. Notable tournaments and matches included the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
Key Matches:
- 1996 Cricket World Cup:
- Venue: Lahore, Pakistan.
- Result: Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in the quarter-finals.
- Highlight: Aravinda de Silva’s match-winning knock.
- 1994 Asia Cup Final:
- Venue: Sharjah.
- Result: Pakistan triumphed in a nail-biting finish.
Statistical Comparison (1990s):
Year | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draws |
1990-1999 | 25 | 12 | 11 | 2 |

2000s: Emerging Stars and Memorable Series
2002: The Colombo Thriller
- Pakistan chased down 316 runs, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.
2009 Lahore Attack:
A dark chapter in cricket history, the Lahore attack during Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan halted bilateral series for years.
2010s: Resumption of Cricketing Ties
Key Matches:
- 2014 Asia Cup Final:
- Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets.
Resumption of Tours:
- Sri Lanka became the first team to tour Pakistan post-attack in 2019, marking the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
Modern Era: Continued Rivalry
The rivalry remains strong, with Pakistan and Sri Lanka facing off in multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup and ICC events.
Recent Stats (2020-2024):
Year | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draws |
2020-2024 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
Key Players in the Rivalry
Pakistan:
- Wasim Akram
- Shahid Afridi
- Babar Azam
Sri Lanka:
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Muttiah Muralitharan
- Lasith Malinga
Conclusion
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka cricketing rivalry is a testament to the passion and skill both nations bring to the sport. From historic victories to modern-day thrillers, this timeline captures the essence of their encounters. As cricket evolves, fans can anticipate more memorable moments in this storied rivalry.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available records and sources. The author does not guarantee absolute accuracy of match statistics or historical events. For official records, please consult governing cricket bodies.