Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: First Test Starts Tomorrow in Rawalpindi

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka begins on Monday, November 9, 2026. The first Test of the two-match series gets under way at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match starts at 9:30 am PKT. It runs until Friday, November 13. The match is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in the series opener. The squad includes three uncapped players. It also includes the recalled all-rounder Aamer Jamal.

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series is an important one for both teams. Pakistan are playing their second home Test series of the current World Test Championship cycle. A win in Rawalpindi would set the tone for the rest of the home season. Sri Lanka arrive after a long stay in Pakistan. They played a T20I series and an ODI tri-series with England. They will be without their opener Pathum Nissanka. He has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Match Details and Schedule

The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13. Play starts at 9:30 am PKT each day. The second Test follows at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Both Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests count towards the World Test Championship. Every point matters for the final standings. Before the Tests, Sri Lanka played a three-day warm-up match against a PCB Patron's XI at the Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. It gave both sides a final chance to prepare for the longer format.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Squad News

The PCB announced four changes to the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test squad on Saturday, November 7. Pace-bowling all-rounder Aamer Jamal returns to the side. Fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan and batter Muhammad Tayyab Arif have earned places. Three of the four additions are uncapped at Test level. This shows the selectors are willing to give new players a chance in the home series. The 16-member squad will be captained by Babar Azam. He leads a side that has already enjoyed success against Sri Lanka this season.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Without Nissanka

Sri Lanka will be without Pathum Nissanka for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series. Their opener was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Nissanka's absence is a blow for the visitors. He is one of their most reliable batters at the top of the order. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the injury before the series. The tourists will need others to step up in Rawalpindi. The Sri Lankan squad was announced on October 13. The team has been in Pakistan since October 4. They are well settled after more than a month in the country.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Recent Form and Context

Pakistan go into the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series with confidence. They beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in the ODI tri-series final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 31. The tri-series also featured England. The final win gave Pakistan a trophy to end the white-ball part of the home season. The two teams also played a three-match T20I series in Rawalpindi in October. The tri-series began on October 18. The Tests are a different challenge. The longer format will test the patience and fitness of both sides over five days in Rawalpindi and then five more in Lahore.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: What to Watch on Day One

The first morning in Rawalpindi will set the tone for the series. The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka contest begins at 9:30 am. The toss will be important. The Rawalpindi pitch has often helped the side that bats first.

Pakistan will look to their senior players to lead the way. The three uncapped players in the squad will be hoping for a debut. Sri Lanka, without Nissanka, will need their middle order to stand up. They face a Pakistan attack that has been in good form at home.

The first day will also show how the pitch behaves. It will show whether the bowlers or the batters have the upper hand. With five days ahead, neither side needs to rush. A strong start in the first session can shape the whole match. Both captains will know that the team which settles first usually controls the Test.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka first Test start? Monday, November 9, 2026, at 9:30 am PKT at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Where is the second Test played? The second Test will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, from November 17 to 21, 2026.

Who is the Pakistan captain for the series? Babar Azam will captain Pakistan in the two-Test series.

Why is Pathum Nissanka not playing? Sri Lanka's opener Pathum Nissanka was ruled out of the Test series with a hamstring injury.

Is the series part of the World Test Championship? Yes, the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Tests both count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.