Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, will look to keep their semifinal hopes alive in Group 2 during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Green will lock horns with hosts Sri Lanka, captained by Dasun Shanaka, in their final Super 8 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28.
Pakistan are in a tricky spot after losing their recent match against England. With their opening Super Eight match against New Zealand washed out, Pakistan have just one point and a net run rate of -0.461. They desperately need a big-margin victory to reach three points and stay in the hunt for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are at the bottom of the group with zero points and a net run rate of -2.800. They suffered a 51-run defeat to England in their Super Eight opener, followed by a 61-run loss against New Zealand. The co-hosts became the first team to be eliminated from the Super 8 stage in Group 2.
This article covers the PAK vs SL Match 50, including the match preview, live streaming details, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics, and key players.
PAK vs SL Match 50 Preview:
Date and Venue:
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele will host the Super 8 Group 2 encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Saturday, February 28.
Squads:
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Janith Liyanage, Pramod Madushan, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera
PAK vs SL Probable XIs
Pakistan are expected to field a spin-heavy attack suited to the conditions. Sahibzada Farhan is the leading run-getter in the tournament, while mystery spinner Usman Tariq remains their X-factor in the middle overs. Pakistan may also consider dropping Babar Azam amid his poor form.
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 will rely heavily on their core group of all-rounders and spinners to contain the Pakistani batters on home turf.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
PAK vs SL Key Battles:
Sahibzada Farhan vs Dilshan Madushanka
Sahibzada Farhan has become Pakistan’s most dependable batter at the top. He scored 63 runs against England, although the team lost the match. With Pakistan’s confidence fragile, his start will be crucial.
However, Farhan has shown some discomfort against balls that angle back into him. Dilshan Madushanka poses a major threat, as the left-armer’s natural angle and ability to swing the new ball could trouble Farhan early and put Pakistan on the back foot straight away.
Kamindu Mendis vs Usman Tariq
This is one of the most tactical battles of the match. Kamindu Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s most reliable batter, often batting through difficult phases after early wickets.
He will face Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who has impressed throughout the tournament. Kamindu’s footwork and ability to play spin straight will be tested against Tariq’s unusual release. Sri Lanka will have to counter Tariq well to control the middle overs.
Dasun Shanaka vs Shaheen Afridi
This contest could decide the momentum late in the innings. Dasun Shanaka has struggled to finish games consistently, especially on slow surfaces.
He will be challenged by Shaheen Afridi, who will look to use angles and variations to force a big mistake. If Shanaka can attack Shaheen successfully, Sri Lanka could gain a vital late push. The Pakistan pacer picked up four wickets in the recent match against England.
Fakhar Zaman vs Maheesh Theekshana
Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s main attacking option in the middle order. The left-handed batter has looked in better touch and remains their best chance to counter Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.
His biggest test will come from Maheesh Theekshana, whose carrom ball and variations are designed to cramp aggressive batters. Fakhar is likely to use sweeps and slog shots to unsettle the spinners in the middle overs.
PAK vs SL Key Players:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Salman Ali Agha.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage.
PAK vs SL Free Live Streaming in India, Live Telecast:
TV Rights in India: The PAK vs SL clash will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can stream the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.
When will the match take place? The Super 8 Group 2 encounter will be played on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Where will the match be played? The contest is scheduled to take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
How to watch the live telecast of the PAK vs SL match on television? Viewers can watch the match live by tuning in to the Star Sports channels.
How to live stream the match between India and Pakistan on mobile online? The match can be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website with a valid subscription.
PAK vs SL Weather Report Pallekele:
The weather in Pallekele on February 28 is expected to be clear, with some cloud cover at night. There is a minimal chance of rain, which should allow a full match to take place.
While the track will stay dry during the first innings, the high humidity at night will bring in heavy dew. This will make the ball greasy, making it very tough for spinners to grip and turn the ball in the second half.
PAK vs SL Pitch Report Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
The surface at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium traditionally assists spinners as the match moves into the middle overs.
Seamers can get some early movement with the new ball, and with the possibility of dew under lights, the captain winning the toss may prefer to chase. The average first-innings score in T20 matches at this venue is around 175.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record
| Stats | Matches | PAK Won | SL Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 29 | 17 | 12 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cups | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| In Sri Lanka | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 29 T20 Internationals against each other so far. Pakistan have won 17 matches, while Sri Lanka have recorded 12 victories.
In ICC tournaments, both teams are evenly matched, with a 2-2 record from four meetings in T20 World Cups. While Pakistan hold the overall edge, Sri Lanka remain tough opponents, especially at home. Pakistan have won four of the seven T20Is played against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Last Five Matches
In the last five T20Is between the sides, Pakistan have won three matches and Sri Lanka have won two. The most recent clash was on January 11, 2026, when Sri Lanka claimed a 14-run win in Dambulla.
In the same series, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Dambulla on January 7. The teams also faced each other in a three-match series in Rawalpindi in November 2025, where Pakistan won two matches and Sri Lanka secured a narrow six-run win in the second game.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Records – Result of the last 5 games:
Sri Lanka won by 14 runs in Dambulla on January 11, 2026
Pakistan won by 6 wickets in Dambulla on January 7, 2026
Pakistan won by 6 wickets in Rawalpindi on November 29, 2025
Sri Lanka won by 6 runs in Rawalpindi on November 27, 2025
Pakistan won by 7 wickets in Rawalpindi on November 22, 2025
PAK vs SL – Conclusion
Pakistan will enter the clash against Sri Lanka under heavy pressure, as a win is crucial to keep their semifinal hopes alive. They will take confidence from the form of opener Sahibzada Farhan.
The team will also rely on their spin attack, including Usman Tariq. If New Zealand beat England in their Super 8 clash, Pakistan will be eliminated.
Sri Lanka will play the match for pride after being knocked out of the tournament following a heavy loss to New Zealand. Their batting has struggled, so much will depend on how their top order handles the new ball from Shaheen Afridi.
Sri Lanka will also need match-winning spells from their spinners if they are to control Pakistan’s middle order and end their campaign on a positive note.
Also read: Shadab Khan to be named new Pakistan captain despite poor performances
