Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be looking to put their recent struggles behind them when the two teams meet in a two-match Test series beginning November 9 in Rawalpindi. With both sides searching for consistency, the contest offers an opportunity to regain confidence and return to winning ways.
Neither team has enjoyed much success in Test cricket recently. Pakistan are coming off a disappointing 3-0 series defeat in England, while Sri Lanka are still searching for their first Test victory of 2026.
Although the series may have limited influence on the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, there is plenty at stake for both teams.
Pakistan are hoping that changes to their squad and coaching setup will bring better results. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, arrive with a new Test captain and a batting lineup determined to turn promising performances into victories.
Pakistan look to turn things around
Pakistan’s recent Test performances have raised questions about the team’s direction.
Their defeat in England exposed problems with the batting lineup, while an inconsistent bowling attack struggled to maintain pressure throughout matches.
The hosts have won just two of their nine Tests in the current WTC cycle, leaving them near the bottom of the standings.
Babar Azam has returned to the Test captaincy following Shan Masood’s departure, while Mike Hesson and Shaun Tait have taken on key coaching responsibilities.
Pakistan have also made late changes to their squad, releasing Abdullah Fazal and Ali Usman while adding Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Muhammad Tayyab Arif.
Three of the newcomers are uncapped, giving Pakistan an opportunity to introduce fresh talent into a side looking for stability.
Pakistan’s pace-heavy selection raises questions
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the series is Pakistan’s decision to leave out specialist spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
With Arafat Minhas the main spin-bowling option, the hosts appear ready to place greater responsibility on their fast bowlers.
Mohammad Abbas brings experience, while Razaullah offers raw pace. The additions of Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan provide further depth to the seam attack.
Aamir Jamal could also prove valuable with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
The squad suggests Pakistan may prefer surfaces that offer assistance to fast bowlers rather than the turning tracks seen in some recent home Tests.
However, that strategy carries risks.
A seam-friendly surface could also give Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers an opportunity to exploit Pakistan’s batting weaknesses.
Sri Lanka determined to end difficult run
Sri Lanka have endured their own frustrating period in Test cricket, but recent performances have offered reasons for encouragement.
Their hard-fought draw against India highlighted the resilience of a batting lineup featuring Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva.
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in Test cricket for the first time, taking over at an important stage for the team.
The visitors also have a bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions.
Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has previously enjoyed success against Pakistan, while Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka provide pace options.
Sri Lanka will be hoping their experienced players can deliver when it matters most, particularly against a Pakistan side that has struggled for consistency.
Key players to watch
Babar Azam
Pakistan’s captain will be under the spotlight as he looks to rediscover his best form in Test cricket.
Babar has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores in recent years, and Pakistan will need him to provide stability in a relatively inexperienced batting lineup.
His ability to build partnerships and lead from the front could be crucial to the hosts’ chances.
Razaullah
The young Pakistan fast bowler attracted attention during the England tour with his pace and aggressive approach.
His performance at Edgbaston showed his potential, but maintaining that standard across a full Test series will be the next challenge.
If conditions favour fast bowling, Razaullah could become an important weapon for Pakistan.
Sonal Dinusha
Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha arrives in Pakistan following an impressive run of performances.
The 25-year-old has scored three centuries in his last four Test innings, including two hundreds against India in his previous appearance.
His unbeaten 133 in the second innings helped Sri Lanka secure a hard-fought draw.
Another strong series would further strengthen his growing reputation in international cricket.
Pakistan’s probable playing XI
Azan Awais, Sameer Minhas, Muhammad Tayyab Arif, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori/Saad Baig (wicketkeeper), Arafat Minhas/Aamir Jamal, Razaullah, Mohammad Abbas, Saqib Khan/Ali Shabbir.
Pakistan’s final combination will likely depend on the pitch, particularly whether the selectors prefer an additional all-rounder or another specialist fast bowler.
Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI
Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara (wicketkeeper), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (captain), Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka are expected to rely on their experienced middle order while maintaining a balanced bowling attack.
Rawalpindi pitch and conditions
The Rawalpindi surface could have a major influence on the opening Test.
Pakistan’s squad selection suggests the hosts may favour a pitch offering assistance to fast bowlers rather than one that turns sharply.
However, if the surface remains flat during the opening days, building a substantial first-innings total could be essential.
Both teams will need to assess conditions carefully before settling on their final playing XIs.
The weather is expected to remain mostly dry, although rain could interrupt play later in the match.
Conditions for the second Test in Lahore will become clearer closer to the game.
Key statistics ahead of the series
- Pakistan have won two of their nine Tests in the current WTC cycle.
- Sri Lanka have recorded one victory in six Tests during the same period.
- Pakistan enter the series following three consecutive Test defeats in England.
- Pakistan have won just one of their last six Tests at Rawalpindi since beating South Africa in 2021.
- Sonal Dinusha became the third Sri Lankan batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test against India, joining Duleep Mendis and Aravinda de Silva.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule
First Test — November 9–13, 2026
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Second Test — November 17–21, 2026
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
A chance to rebuild
For Pakistan, this series is about restoring confidence, finding the right team combination and making home advantage count.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are hoping to end their difficult run and begin a new chapter under Kusal Mendis.
Both teams have players capable of changing a match, but consistency has remained a major concern.
Pakistan will want to show that their recent changes are beginning to make a difference. Sri Lanka will be determined to prove they can compete and win away from home.
With both sides looking for answers, the two-match series could provide an important turning point in their Test campaigns.
