Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Archives

Kandy weather update ahead of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Super Eight clash

KANDY: Pakistan’s do-or-die Super Eight clash against co-hosts Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to unfold under clear skies at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, with weather unlikely to disrupt proceedings.

As of 7 PM local time, conditions in Kandy are expected to be ideal for cricket.

The temperature will hover around 25°C, with a matching RealFeel, while a gentle north-westerly breeze at 6 km/h, gusting up to 13 km/h, should offer slight relief from the humidity.

Humidity levels stand at 62%, accompanied by a dew point of 18°C, creating a mildly muggy atmosphere.

However, cloud cover is almost non-existent at just 2%, visibility stretches to eight kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is positioned high at 9,100 metres.

With the AccuLumen Brightness Index reading zero, the encounter will be played entirely under floodlights.

While air quality has been flagged as unhealthy for sensitive individuals, playing conditions themselves appear well-suited for an uninterrupted contest.

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For Sri Lanka, the fixture carries little more than pride, having already been eliminated from the tournament. For Pakistan, however, the stakes could not be higher.

The Green Shirts sit third in Super Eight Group 2 with just one point from two matches and a net run rate (NRR) of -0.461. Their semi-final ambitions hinge not only on victory but on the scale of it.

With New Zealand currently boasting a superior NRR of 1.390, Pakistan require a commanding win to leapfrog the Black Caps in the standings.

Calculations suggest they must defeat Sri Lanka by approximately 65 runs, or chase down a target within 13 overs, to overhaul New Zealand’s net run rate.

England’s recent win over New Zealand has kept Pakistan’s hopes flickering, but their fate now rests entirely in their own hands.

Anything less than the required margin would see New Zealand advance alongside England to the semi-finals from Group 2.

READ: Shahid Afridi names Agha’s replacement for Pakistan captaincy

Tri-Series Final: Pakistan, Sri Lanka to observe silence for cyclone victims

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Sri Lanka will observe a minute of silence before the start of the T20I tri-series final today at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The gesture comes as Sri Lanka continues to reel from extreme weather conditions that have triggered widespread destruction across several regions.

According to Sri Lanka’s disaster authorities, at least 123 people have lost their lives so far, while 130 others remain missing.

Relief operations are currently underway, with nearly 44,000 affected residents shifted to government-run welfare centres after their homes were damaged or washed away.

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Both teams will stand together in remembrance just moments before the high-stakes final of the ongoing tri-series, which also featured Zimbabwe.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka booked their places in the title clash through contrasting campaigns in the group stage.

Pakistan suffered only one defeat in four matches, a loss that came against Sri Lanka, while that lone victory was enough for Sri Lanka to secure qualification for the final.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, claimed a single win in the tournament, which came against Sri Lanka.

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Pakistan’s T20I Tour of Sri Lanka Confirmed, Schedule Revealed: Reports

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to lock horns in a three-match T20I series in January, with both boards reportedly finalising the schedule as part of their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The series is expected to be played from January 8 to 12, with all three matches scheduled at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

The upcoming World Cup will be held from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan set to play all their matches on Sri Lankan soil under the Hybrid Model.

This arrangement ensures that Pakistan and India do not tour each other during ICC events and instead compete at neutral venues.

Sources close to the development have revealed that officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) were in constant discussions over the short series, which has now reportedly been confirmed.

The series will provide Pakistan crucial match practice in local conditions just weeks ahead of the global event, allowing the team to fine-tune combinations and acclimatise to pitches similar to those they will encounter during the World Cup.

The decision to stage all three matches in Dambulla has been taken due to ongoing upgradation work at both the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in preparation for the mega event.

Due to similar reasons, SLC was also forced to postpone the sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), which was originally scheduled for the November-December window.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are currently touring Pakistan for the ongoing T20I tri-series, where they are engaged in a tight qualification race for the final.

Pakistan have already secured their place in the final, while Sri Lanka must win their final group match by a big margin to stay alive in the competition.

Zimbabwe currently sit second on the points table with one win from four games and a net run rate of -0.522, while Sri Lanka remain third with a net run rate of -1.324.

Tentative schedule of Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka

1st T20I – 8 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
2nd T20I – 10 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium
3rd T20I – 12 January 2026, Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

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Pakistan and Sri Lanka Fight for Asia Cup 2025 Survival

Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the wounded Shaheens and the wounded Lions respectively, are set to lock horns today in Abu Dhabi in what is shaping up to be a virtual knockout in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four.

Both sides arrive licking fresh wounds, Pakistan from a crushing defeat to India, and Sri Lanka from being outplayed by Bangladesh.

Another loss here will all but end the loser’s journey. Yes, a mathematical chance might still linger, but realistically, survival demands nothing less than victory.

For Pakistan, the scars of Sunday’s loss to their arch-rivals are raw. Their batting order crumbled, their self-belief dipped, and the questions around their firepower grew louder.

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Sri Lanka, too, face their own crisis of confidence after faltering against a spirited Bangladesh. Both teams are not just fighting for progression; they are battling for pride.

Pakistan are likely to bring back middle-order batter Hassan Nawaz to the Playing XI, while Sri Lanka might be considering bringing spinner Maheesh Theekshana to challenge Pakistan’s already struggling batting line-up.

Notably, Pakistan have a slight edge historically, winning 13 games, while Sri Lanka managed 10 victories.

However, Sri Lanka have won the last five T20Is against Pakistan since October 2019.

Individually, the openers from both sides are in the spotlight. Pathum Nissanka and Sahibzada Farhan are the tournament’s second and third-highest run-scorers so far, while Kusal Mendis sits fifth.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga looms as Pakistan’s biggest headache. His record against them is devastating: 14 wickets in just five games at an average of 9.07. Pakistan’s well-documented struggles against quality wrist spin only magnify his threat.

Abrar Ahmed offers Pakistan their own spin option, but against Sri Lanka, a side raised on turning tracks, the real damage must come from Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf with the new ball.

Then there is the matter of Pakistan’s batting order. Against India, the constant chopping and changing backfired spectacularly. T20I is often a game of controlled chaos, but there must be a method to the madness.

Without clarity and intent at the crease, Pakistan might as well start packing their bags for an early flight home.

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Fatima Sana hopeful to “carry momentum” after Sri Lanka win

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana expressed her hope to carry on the momentum after her side’s thumping 31-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Fatima was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory as she recovered Pakistan from 84/8 to a respectable total of 116 with her quickfire 30-run cameo.

Later with the ball, she bagged two wickets including the prized scalp of her Sri Lankan counterpart Chamari Athapaththu.

For her all-round brilliance, Fatima Sana was awarded the Player of the Match in her maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match as captain.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, the Pakistan captain thanked her teammates and credited management for the important victory.

“I am excited, thanks to the team they supported well. All credit goes to management,” said Fatima.

“We need to take the momentum and carry this to next match.

“I blame myself [for the score], but I tried to back myself and be calm to hit.”

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The right-arm pacer then shared that Pakistan needed to get rid of Chamari Athapaththu early to have a good start and it set the tone to defend the modest total.

“Obviously, we all know Chamari is a good player, we needed that wicket to have a good start and we got it,” Fatima said.

“We won the toss and we wanted a lot of runs but we didn’t get. But we still achieved the target in the game,” she added.

Remember, Pakistan had suffered a major blow earlier in the run defence when their experienced pacer Diana Baig limped off the field after bowling just one delivery.

Asked to provide an update on the pacer’s injury, Fatima Sana stated that she would inquire about Baig’s injury after the game.

“Unfortunately she [Diana Baig] was injured. She is our main player. I had to calm myself as captain and carry on with the ball after that. We will ask her how she is after the game,” Fatima said.

READ: Pakistan stun Sri Lanka to kick off Women’s T20 World Cup with a win

Pakistan stun Sri Lanka to kick off Women’s T20 World Cup with a win

SHARJAH: Fatima Sana’s 30-run cameo, coupled with tight bowling propelled Pakistan to down Sri Lanka by 31 runs in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 here at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a modest 117, Sri Lanka’s strong batting lineup faltered and only managed 85/9 in the allotted 20 overs.

The Asian champions had a shaky start to the pursuit as they lost their in-form skipper Chamari Athapaththu (6) in the third over with just nine runs on the board.

Opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne then joined forces with Harshitha Samarawickrama to launch a recovery but Omaima Sohail unsettled Sri Lanka with two wickets in her successive overs.

Gunaratne lamented support from the other end before finally perishing in the 13th over, leaving Sri Lanka in tatters at 52/5. She scored 20 off 34 deliveries, hitting one boundary in the process.

Nilakshika Silva then offered some fight with her gritty 22-run knock and remained the top-scorer for Sri Lanka.

Besides Gunaratne and Silva, none of the Sri Lankan batters could make it into the double figures.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler of Pakistan, picking up three wickets, followed by Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail, who bagged two each.

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Opting to bat first, Pakistan’s batting unit struggled against a spin-laden Sri Lanka bowling attack and was unfolded on the final delivery of the innings.

The Green Shirts had a dismal start to their innings as Kumari dismissed both their openers Gull Feroza (2) and Muneeba Ali (11) inside four overs with just 17 runs on the board.

Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu added further to the misery of Pakistan as she removed experienced Sidra Amin in the sixth over of the innings. The right-handed batter managed 12 off 10 deliveries with the help of one boundary.

Youngster Omaima Sohail was then joined by seasoned all-rounder Nida Dar. The duo forged a cautious 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket until Omaima fell victim to Kavisha Dilhari in the 10th over.

Omaima scored a scratchy 18 off 19 deliveries, laced up with a four.

Dar then put on a brief partnership with Tuba Hassan (5) before both perished in quick succession. The former captain smashed a six on her way to a 22-ball 23.

Pakistan soon slipped further to 84/8 in 14.5 overs as Aliya Riaz (0) and Diana Baig (2) were dismissed cheaply.

When it seemed a difficult ask for the Green Shirts to breach the 100-run barrier, Fatima Sana stood up for her team and knitted a one-sided partnership with Nashra Sandu (6*) to give a late push to her side’s total.

The Pakistan captain top-scored with a 20-ball 30, laced up with three fours and a six, before walking back to the dugout in the final over.

For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu, Kumari and Udeshika Prabodhani claimed three wickets each, while Kavisha Dilhari made one scalp.

Earlier today, Bangladesh defended a low total to edge past Scotland in the opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

READ: Younis Khan backs two candidates for Pakistan’s white-ball captaincy

Women’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan win toss, elect to bat first against Sri Lanka

SHARJAH: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Lanka in the second match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Tuba Hassann, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Omaima Sohail.

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani.

Speaking at the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana stated that the pitch looked slow and thus her side would look to post a decent total and defend.

“Little bit nervous, but still excited because everyone has been so supportive,” said Fatima on leading Pakistan in the World Cup.

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Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, on the other hand, was unfazed by her side’s hot streak in the format and vowed not to take anything for granted. She further shared that she would have bowled first anyway, expressing confidence in her bowling department.

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Sri Lanka came face to face 20 times in Women’s T20Is with the Green Shirts boasting a slender 10-9 lead.

Matches 20, Pakistan 10, Sri Lanka 9, NR 1

FORM GUIDE:

Pakistan enter the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a dismal track record as the side recently succumbed to a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa at home. They also remained devoid of victory in two warm-up matches in the build-up to the tournament.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are in red-hot form, having won the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 by beating India in the final before playing out a 1-1 series draw against Ireland.

Pakistan: L, W, L, L, W (most recent first)
Sri Lanka: L, W, W, W, W

READ: Bowlers give Bangladesh triumphant start to Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan storm into SAFF U17 Championship semi-final

THIMPHU: Subhan Kareem’s brace helped Pakistan to a crushing 5-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their final group-stage fixture and qualify for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U17 Championship semi-final.

The Green Shirts, who had four points in two matches, needed at least a draw in their last group match against Sri Lanka, who were at the bottom of the standings.

Pakistan U17 team, however, had their sights set on the victory as they took the lead just 20 minutes into the game, courtesy of in-form Subhan Kareem.

Mohammad Talha doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later while Subhan struck again at the 36-minute mark, lifting Pakistan to a 3-0 advantage over Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s three-goal lead persisted till the half-time.

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The first-half thrashing took a toll on Sri Lanka’s defence so much that they scored an Own Goal to further increase Pakistan’s command on the game.

Abdul Ghani then added further to the misery of Sri Lanka by finding the back of the net in the 56th minute, extending the Green Shirts’ lead to 5-0.

Sri Lanka, who were struggling for the majority of the game, had a moment to cherish when they scored their lone goal in the 76th minute.

Pakistan’s opponent for the SAFF U17 Championship semi-final will be announced in due course.

Pakistan Squad for SAFF U17 Championship

Defenders: Abdul Rehman, M. Husnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Ubaid Ullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Muhammad Aabis Raza and Umar Javed.

Midfielders: Abdul Samad, Muhammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashed, Hikmat Ullah, Khobaib Khan, M. Shahab Ahmed and Muhammad Khan.

Forwards: Abdul Ghani, Subhan Karim, Shahraf Khan and Muhammad Talha Khan. Goal Keepers: Aadil Ali Khan, Ghulam Abbas and Kashif.

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PCB Chairman lauds women’s team’s “resilience” after Sri Lanka defeat

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the fighting spirit of the national women’s team following their gut-wrenching defeat against Sri Lanka in the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 semi-final.

The nerve-wracking second semi-final of the eight-team tournament went right down to the wire as Pakistan captain Nida Dar made it tough for the hosts to chase down three runs in the final over.

Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper batter Anushka Sanjeewani, however, displayed nerves of steel and steered her side to a narrow three-wicket victory that set up their Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final with defending champions India.

Meanwhile, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the national team’s effort and urged them to keep their heads high.

“Absolutely proud of the Pakistan women’s cricket team,” wrote Naqvi on X, formerly Twitter.

“You fought with heart and determination till the very last ball. Winning and losing are both part of the game, but what truly matters is the spirit and resilience you displayed.

“You have lived up to the nation’s expectations and made us all proud. Keep your heads high; you have our unwavering support. Best of luck for the future.”

Set to chase 141, Sri Lanka knocked the winning runs on the penultimate delivery of the innings when Anushka Sanjeewani held her nerves calm to hit Nida Dar for a single towards the long-on.

The home side had a dismal start to the pursuit as they were reduced to 19/2 in four overs.

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However, their captain Athapaththu retaliated against spirited Pakistan bowlers and oversaw Sri Lanka’s run chase.

She put together crucial partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari (17) and Sanjeewani before finally perishing in the 17th over.

Athapaththu smashed 10 boundaries including a six on her way to top score for Sri Lanka with a 48-ball 63.

Her dismissal caused a stir in Sri Lanka’s chase as Pakistan bowlers forced a late comeback but wicketkeeper batter Sanjeewani showcased grit and powered the hosts into their sixth Women’s Asia Cup final.

Sanjeewani remained unbeaten with a 22-ball 24.

Sadia Iqbal was the pick among the bowlers for Pakistan with her four-fer while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail shared two wickets between them.

Earlier, Pakistan registered 140/4 on the board, courtesy of a solid platform provided by openers Muneeba and Gull Feroza, after being put into bat first.

The opening pair batted sensibly on a tricky Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium surface and added 61 runs for the first wicket.

Muneeba and Feroza appeared in control until Udeshika Prabodhani forced Sri Lanka’s comeback by dismissing both the openers.

Wicketkeeper batter Muneeba Ali remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 34-ball 37, laced up with five fours while Feroza made a cautious 25 off 24 balls, hitting three fours in the process.

Later, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana bolstered Pakistan’s total by scoring 40 runs in the last five overs.

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Sri Lanka edge Pakistan in a thriller to set up Women’s Asia Cup final with India

DAMBULLA: Skipper Chamari Athapaththu scored a brilliant half-century to propel Sri Lanka to beat Pakistan by a four-wicket and qualify for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final.

Set to chase 141, Sri Lanka knocked the winning runs on the penultimate delivery of the innings when Anushka Sanjeewani held her nerves calm to hit Nida Dar for a single towards the long-on.

The home side had a dismal start to the pursuit as they were reduced to 19/2 in four overs.

However, their captain Athapaththu retaliated against spirited Pakistan bowlers and oversaw Sri Lanka’s run chase.

She put together crucial partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari (17) and Sanjeewani before finally perishing in the 17th over.

Athapaththu smashed 10 boundaries including a six on her way to top score for Sri Lanka with a 48-ball 63.

Sanjeewani remained unbeaten with a 22-ball 24.

Sadia Iqbal was the pick among the bowlers for Pakistan with her four-fer while Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail shared two wickets between them.

Put into bat first, Pakistan registered 140/4 on the board, courtesy of a solid platform provided by openers Muneeba and Gull Feroza.

The opening pair batted sensibly on a tricky Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium surface and added 61 runs for the first wicket.

Muneeba and Feroza appeared in control until Udeshika Prabodhani forced Sri Lanka’s comeback by dismissing both the openers.

Wicketkeeper batter Muneeba Ali remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 34-ball 37, laced up with five fours while Feroza made a cautious 25 off 24 balls, hitting three fours in the process.

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Sidra Ameen and skipper Nida Dar then put together an important 30-run partnership for the third wicket.

The duo, however, was dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari in the 15th over as Pakistan slipped to 99/4 against Sri Lanka.

Later, Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana bolstered Pakistan’s total by scoring 40 runs in the last five overs.

Sana was the core aggressor of the unbeaten partnership, scoring 23 off 17 while Aliya made a 15-ball 16.

For Sri Lanka, Prabodhani and Dilhari bagged two wickets each.

Hosts Sri Lanka will now face defending champions India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 final on Sunday.

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