SL vs PAK is the commonly used abbreviation for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in international cricket.
The two teams compete in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with a long history of matches across bilateral series and major ICC and Asian tournaments.
In 2026, they have already met in T20Is and are scheduled for additional T20I and Test matches in Pakistan later in the year.
Key Takeaways
- SL means Sri Lanka, while PAK means Pakistan.
- Sri Lanka and Pakistan regularly meet in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
- Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in their February 28, 2026 T20 World Cup meeting.
- The teams are scheduled to play three T20Is in Rawalpindi in October 2026.
- They are also scheduled to play two Tests in November as part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship.
What Does SL vs PAK Mean?
SL vs PAK is cricket shorthand for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan.
The abbreviation is commonly used on cricket scorecards, schedules, live-score pages, sports websites, and social media. “SL” represents Sri Lanka and “PAK” represents Pakistan.
The matchup can refer to any international game between the two men’s teams, including a Test, ODI, or T20I. It can also appear in tournament fixtures such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup or an Asia Cup.
Because the teams play in several formats, the meaning of “SL vs PAK” depends on the competition and date attached to the fixture.
SL vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have played each other extensively in international cricket. Their records differ by format because Tests, ODIs, and T20Is have different histories and numbers of meetings.
Available records show Pakistan ahead in the completed senior men’s head-to-head totals across the three major international formats. The latest completed meetings used for these totals are different by format: Tests through 2023, ODIs through 2025, and T20Is through February 2026.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Other Results |
| Tests | 59 | 23 | 17 | 19 draws |
| ODIs | 160 | 96 | 59 | 1 tie, 4 no-results |
| T20Is | 30 | 18 | 12 | None |
The table covers senior men’s internationals and excludes unofficial games and age-group cricket.
Test Cricket
The Test rivalry goes back decades and has produced 59 completed matches through their most recent Test meeting in 2023. Sri Lanka have won 17, Pakistan 23, while 19 matches ended in draws.
The next Test meetings are particularly significant because they are part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Pakistan is scheduled to host Sri Lanka for two Tests in November 2026.
ODI Cricket
The teams have also met frequently in One-Day Internationals. Through the latest completed ODI meetings in 2025, Pakistan had 96 wins compared with Sri Lanka’s 59, with one tie and four no-results in 160 matches.
ODI meetings can also occur outside a bilateral series. In October 2026, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and England are scheduled to play an ODI tri-series in Pakistan.
T20I Cricket
T20Is have produced a more compact history, with 30 completed matches through February 2026. Pakistan have won 18 and Sri Lanka 12.
The format can produce very different results from Tests or ODIs because matches are shorter and momentum can change quickly.
SL vs PAK Results in 2026
The rivalry has already produced several important meetings in 2026.
January 2026 T20I Series
Pakistan toured Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in January.
In the first match at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on January 7, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 128. Pakistan reached 129 for four in 16.4 overs.
The second scheduled T20I on January 9 was abandoned, while Sri Lanka won the third match on January 11 by 14 runs in a rain-shortened contest.
That left the three-match series with one win apiece and one abandoned match.
February 2026 T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka and Pakistan met again on February 28 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight stage.
Pakistan scored 212 for eight, while Sri Lanka replied with 207 for six. Pakistan therefore won by five runs.
The result had wider tournament consequences. Pakistan won the match but still failed to qualify for the semifinals because the required run-rate scenario depended on restricting Sri Lanka below a particular score. New Zealand ultimately progressed instead.
Upcoming SL vs PAK Matches in 2026
As of September 27, 2026, another substantial chapter of the rivalry is scheduled to take place in Pakistan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced Sri Lanka’s tour from October through November, including T20Is, a three-day match, and two Tests.
October T20I Series
The teams are scheduled to play three T20Is at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
| Match | Date | Venue |
| 1st T20I | October 9, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 2nd T20I | October 11, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
| 3rd T20I | October 13, 2026 | Rawalpindi |
The Pakistan Cricket Board lists these fixtures as part of Sri Lanka’s 2026–27 tour of Pakistan.
October ODI Tri-Series
Sri Lanka will also participate in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are scheduled to meet twice during the competition:
- October 18: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi
- October 27: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka in Lahore
The tri-series final is scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
November Test Series
The longest-format meetings are scheduled for November.
The first Test is scheduled for November 9–13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test from November 17–21 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both matches form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
This makes the 2026 SL vs PAK schedule unusual in its breadth, because the teams are scheduled to meet across T20Is, ODIs, and Tests within the same tour period.
Why SL vs PAK Matches Attract Attention
Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both established Asian cricket nations with long international histories.
Their matches can have different levels of importance depending on the competition. A bilateral T20I may be focused on short-format form and team combinations, while an ICC tournament meeting can carry consequences for qualification.
The 2026 T20 World Cup match is a good example. Pakistan won by five runs, but the margin was also important to the tournament qualification scenario.
The upcoming Test series has a different purpose because World Test Championship points are involved. That means the same two teams can meet in several formats while playing for very different objectives.
SL vs PAK Formats Explained
If you see SL vs PAK without additional information, check the format before interpreting the fixture.
T20I: Each team has a maximum of 20 overs. These matches are short and often emphasize quick scoring, flexible bowling plans, and rapid changes in momentum.
ODI: Each side generally has 50 overs. This format allows more time for batting partnerships, bowling changes, and strategic shifts than T20 cricket.
Test: Test matches can last up to five days, subject to the required overs and match conditions. They place greater emphasis on sustained batting, bowling depth, patience, and long-term tactics.
The same players or teams can therefore produce very different performances from one format to another.
FAQs:
What does SL vs PAK stand for?
SL vs PAK stands for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in cricket. “SL” is the common abbreviation for Sri Lanka, while “PAK” represents Pakistan. The phrase can refer to a Test, ODI, T20I, or tournament match between the two teams.
Who won the latest SL vs PAK T20I?
Pakistan won the most recent completed SL vs PAK T20I currently recorded, defeating Sri Lanka by five runs on February 28, 2026, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight stage. Pakistan made 212 for eight and Sri Lanka finished on 207 for six.
When is the next SL vs PAK match?
As of September 27, 2026, the next scheduled senior men’s SL vs PAK meeting is the first T20I on October 9, 2026, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Two more T20Is are scheduled for October 11 and 13.
How many T20Is have Sri Lanka and Pakistan played?
Sri Lanka and Pakistan have completed 30 men’s T20Is through February 28, 2026. Pakistan have won 18 and Sri Lanka 12, according to the available head-to-head record.
Are Sri Lanka and Pakistan playing Tests in 2026?
Yes. Two Tests are scheduled in November 2026 as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. The first is scheduled in Rawalpindi from November 9–13, followed by a Lahore Test from November 17–21.
Conclusion
SL vs PAK is the familiar cricket abbreviation for Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, a matchup that spans Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and major international tournaments.
In 2026, the rivalry has already included T20I meetings in January and a five-run Pakistan victory at the T20 World Cup in February.
The schedule then continues with T20Is, an ODI tri-series, and two World Test Championship Tests in Pakistan later in the year.
For anyone searching SL vs PAK, the key is to check the format, date, competition, and venue because each meeting can have a different context.
