Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, are in a do-or-die situation during the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They will take on Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, in their final Super Eight clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28.
The Men in Green must win to keep their semi-final dreams alive after a loss to England and a washout against New Zealand. Sri Lanka became the first team to be knocked out of the Super Eights after their loss to New Zealand. However, the hosts will play for pride in front of their home fans.
This article provides the PAK vs SL match prediction, toss prediction, score prediction, best batter prediction, and best bowler prediction for this crucial encounter.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Who Will Win Match No. 50?
Match Details:
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Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match No. 50
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Date: February 28, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM LOCAL
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Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
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Live streaming: JioHotstar
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Live broadcast: Star Sports Network
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other 29 times in T20 Internationals. Pakistan hold the edge with 17 wins, while Sri Lanka have won 12 matches. In T20 World Cups, the rivalry is evenly balanced at 2-2 from four meetings.
In their last five encounters, Pakistan have won three matches, while Sri Lanka have won two. The most recent clash took place on January 11, 2026, when Sri Lanka secured a 14-run victory in Dambulla.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is usually good for batting early on but offers increasing assistance to spinners as the match progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 175. Under lights, the ball is expected to come onto the bat better in the second innings.
PAK vs SL Weather Report Pallekele
The forecast suggests clear weather, ensuring a full 40-over contest with no rain interruptions. Heavy dew is expected in the second innings, which could make the ball greasy and make it difficult for spinners to grip and turn the ball.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Probable XIs
Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Toss Impact
The toss will be crucial due to heavy dew expected in the second innings. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first, as the wet ball will make it difficult for bowlers to defend totals under lights. However, the team batting first can apply pressure by posting a big score.
Form and Fitness
Sahibzada Farhan is in the form of his life. On the other hand, Babar Azam is struggling for runs and could be dropped for this match. Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq remains a major threat.
Score Prediction
On this surface, a first-innings score of 170–175 should be competitive. However, a total above 185 could put the batting side in a strong winning position.
PAK vs SL: Players to Perform Prediction
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for Pakistan? Sahibzada Farhan or Fakhar Zaman
Who will score the most runs for Sri Lanka? Pathum Nissanka or Kamindu Mendis
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for Pakistan? Usman Tariq or Shaheen Afridi
Who will pick the most wickets for Sri Lanka? Maheesh Theekshana or Dunith Wellalage
Conclusion: Who will win the PAK vs SL Match?
Pakistan will enter the contest as favourites. Sri Lanka will have the advantage of playing at home, but their batting has lacked consistency throughout the tournament.
If Pakistan manage the pressure of a must-win situation and execute their plans calmly, they can secure victory in their final Super Eight match.
Also read: Shadab Khan to be named new Pakistan captain despite poor performances
