Five of the best: Classic contests between Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Osman Samiuddin looks back into cricket's archives and selects some of the best Test matches involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the years, including; Kosala Kuruppuarachchi's debut performance to give the Island nation their first Test win against Pakistan.


Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets in Colombo, March 1986

Sri Lanka's first win over Pakistan was built on the debutant left-armer Kosala Kuruppuarachchi's five-for in the first innings, which saw Pakistan out for 132. Once Arjuna Ranatunga helped gain a hefty lead, the hosts' pace attack skittled Pakistan out again. The 32-run target was never an issue.

Pakistan won by an innings and 52 runs in Kandy, August 1994

Not a contest as much as a legendary fast-bowling display from Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram. They bowled unchanged for over 28 overs to pack off the hosts for 71. The two Ws ended with 16 of 20 wickets. 

Sri Lanka won by two wickets in Rawalpindi, March 2000

A wonderful 112 from Aravinda de Silva after Pakistan's 182 gave Sri Lanka a 171-run lead. Younis Khan, with a debut hundred, and a 145-run ninth-wicket stand with Akram set Sri Lanka 220 to win. At 177 for eight in the final session, all seemed lost. But Ranatunga made an unbeaten 29, with a broken thumb, to steal it with nine overs left.

Pakistan won by eight wickets in Kandy, April 2006

The arrival of Mohammad Asif and a seam masterclass. Pakistan conceded a 109-run lead first up. But Asif, who had taken six in the first, ghosted through the batting with another five to bowl out Sri Lanka for just 73. Younis Khan and Imran Farhat negotiated with some ease a tricky target.

Sri Lanka won by 50 runs in Galle, July 2009

A hard-fought three days saw Pakistan begin the fourth morning on 71 for two, with just 97 more needed. Within 25 overs, however, they were gone, having added just 46 more. As they had done before, they collapsed to Rangana Herath's left-arm spin and their own demons.

* Osman Samiuddin