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

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 XIs

Pakistan and Sri Lanka begin a two-match Test series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9, with both teams eager to strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle. The opening match offers Pakistan a chance to reset after a difficult run in red-ball cricket, while Sri Lanka will look to turn recent competitive performances into valuable away points.

Pakistan arrive with some confidence from their recent white-ball success against Sri Lanka, having chased a target of more than 300 to win by three wickets. But Test cricket presents a different challenge. Pakistan’s results in the format have been disappointing, and their home advantage will count for little unless their batting and bowling units deliver across all five days.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test: 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)

Match Preview: Pakistan Seek a Red-Ball Revival

Pakistan’s recent Test record has put the team under pressure. They have lost 16 of their last 21 matches and sit near the bottom of the WTC standings, having already fallen out of contention for the final in this cycle. The team will want to use the Sri Lanka series to restore confidence, build combinations and show greater consistency at home.

Their struggles have been especially evident overseas. Pakistan were swept 3-0 by England, finding it difficult to counter the movement and seam offered by English conditions. Their only away success in the recent period came against West Indies, where the series ended in a 1-1 draw. That uneven form makes the Rawalpindi Tests important not only for points, but also for the team’s broader red-ball direction.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, occupy seventh place in the WTC table and have shown encouraging signs in Test cricket. Although they lost their home series against India 1-0, they made the visitors work hard for their wickets. Sonal Dinusha emerged as a notable performer during that contest, adding depth to a side that will be keen to exploit Pakistan’s recent vulnerabilities.

The visitors will also be aware that Pakistan recently lost a home series to Bangladesh. That result could encourage Sri Lanka to approach the opening Test with ambition, particularly if their bowlers can put pressure on Pakistan’s top order early.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Prediction

Rawalpindi’s history suggests that the first innings could be important, with batters often able to score freely before the surface begins to offer more assistance to bowlers. Pakistan’s familiarity with local conditions gives them a potential advantage, but Sri Lanka’s recent resilience and pace options could keep the contest close.

Prediction: Pakistan may start as slight favourites at home, especially if their batters build a substantial first-innings total. However, Sri Lanka have a realistic chance of securing a result if their quicks make early use of the surface and the middle order converts starts into big scores. A draw also remains possible if the pitch stays batting-friendly for longer than expected.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The Rawalpindi surface has traditionally offered good value for batters, particularly during the opening two days. The ball can come on nicely, making stroke play easier once players settle in. As the match progresses, however, seam movement and spin may become more influential, creating opportunities for both pace attacks and frontline spinners.

Reports suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board may prepare a more pace-friendly surface for this series. If the pitch offers movement from the start, the contest could be shaped by how well each side’s top order handles the new ball. Sri Lanka are reportedly considering a pace-heavy combination, potentially selecting four fast bowlers alongside a specialist spinner. Their warm-up preparations should help them assess the conditions before the first Test.

Test records at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Rawalpindi has hosted 17 Test matches. Teams batting first have won eight, while five victories have gone to sides chasing. Three matches have ended in a draw or without a result. The average first-innings score is approximately 336, while the average second-innings score is around 399.

The venue’s highest team total is 657 all out in 101 overs, while the lowest is 112 all out. The highest successful chase stands at 220/8. Rahul Dravid holds the highest individual score at the ground, with 270, while Mohammad Zahid recorded the best innings figures of 7/66 and match figures of 11/130.

Weather Forecast: Low Rain Risk

Conditions in Rawalpindi are expected to be mostly clear, with only a small chance of rain during the first Test. Temperatures are forecast to sit between 22°C and 25°C, with humidity around 63% to 69%. Some cloud cover may appear early, but the current outlook suggests weather interruptions are unlikely to have a major impact.

Team News and Squad Updates

Pakistan have adjusted their squad ahead of the opening match. 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 among the selected players. Former captain Shan Masood has been managing a calf injury, but he was not included in the squad.

Sri Lanka will be without opener Pathum Nissanka, who has not recovered from a left hamstring injury. He also missed the series against India, leaving the visitors to reorganise their top order for the Pakistan tour.

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.

Key Player Battles to Watch

Pasindu Sooriyabandara vs Razaullah

Sooriyabandara’s recent contribution against India makes him one to watch in Sri Lanka’s batting order. Razaullah, who has shown promise in Test cricket, will be tasked with testing the batter’s technique and patience. Their contest could influence how quickly Sri Lanka settle into their first innings.

Babar Azam vs Asitha Fernando

Babar will be keen to produce a substantial score and give Pakistan’s innings a dependable foundation. Asitha Fernando’s ability to challenge batters with pace and movement makes him a major threat. An early breakthrough against Pakistan’s captain could shift momentum towards the visitors.

Sonal Dinusha vs Saqib Khan

Dinusha has impressed with his ability to handle both pace and spin, making him a valuable option in Sri Lanka’s middle order. Saqib Khan will aim to disrupt that rhythm and remove a batter who could otherwise help the visitors build a competitive total.

Players to Watch

Pakistan: Azan Awais, Saud Shakeel and Razaullah could play important roles. Awais and Shakeel will be expected to provide stability with the bat, while Razaullah’s bowling may prove crucial if the pitch offers early assistance.

Sri Lanka: Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis and Asitha Fernando are among the key names. Mendis will lead from behind the stumps and with the bat, Dinusha could anchor the middle order, and Fernando will be central to Sri Lanka’s plans with the new ball.

Where to Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live

Broadcast and streaming information may vary by region. Tapmad is listed as the broadcaster in Pakistan, while PEO Sports 1 and PEO Mobile may carry coverage in Sri Lanka. No confirmed Indian broadcast or streaming partner has been announced, so viewers should check local listings and official broadcaster updates closer to the start of play.

With Pakistan seeking a much-needed Test turnaround and Sri Lanka aiming to climb the WTC standings, the Rawalpindi opener promises a compelling contest. The pitch, the performance of the top orders and the visitors’ pace attack are likely to shape the match—and could determine whether Pakistan make home advantage count or Sri Lanka produce an early series statement.

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