Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight Group 2 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28. The match is a do-or-die contest for Pakistan, who must win and hope other results go in their favour.
Sri Lanka, playing in front of their home crowd, became the first team to be knocked out of the Super Eights after their recent defeat to New Zealand. Pakistan, meanwhile, head into the game under pressure following a loss to England and a rain-affected washout against the Black Caps.
This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of both teams, offering insight into selection calls, tactical changes, and the key players to watch in this crucial encounter.
Pakistan Playing XI vs Sri Lanka
Salman Ali Agha will lead the Pakistan side. The team has world-class talent, but consistency remains a major concern. Veteran Babar Azam could be benched due to poor form, with the management looking for more aggressive options in the middle order.
Openers: Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub
Pakistan are expected to continue with Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub at the top. Farhan is the leading run-getter in the tournament and scored 63 runs off 45 balls against England.
Ayub brings flair, but he needs more consistency to support Farhan in the Powerplay. The left-hander has struggled to score runs throughout the tournament, with a best of 24 off 13 balls.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf
Fakhar Zaman is the key batter in the middle order and will be tasked with countering Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Captain Salman Agha adds stability, while Usman Khan will keep wickets and play the finisher’s role.
All-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf will be crucial on the Pallekele surface. Faheem is expected to use his variations to control scoring during the death overs.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Shaheen Afridi will spearhead the pace attack. The main X-factor, however, is mystery spinner Usman Tariq, whose unique action has troubled batters throughout the tournament. Abrar Ahmed, who missed recent games, adds traditional leg-spin depth to a spin-heavy bowling unit.
Probable 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 vs Pakistan
Sri Lanka will enter this contest playing for pride after being eliminated from the tournament. Despite a disappointing campaign, they will be keen to finish their home assignment with a win.
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis
Pathum Nissanka remains the key batter at the top of the order, while Kusal Mendis adds experience. The pair will face a stern challenge against Shaheen Afridi with the new ball. Nissanka’s ability to see off the early overs will be crucial if Sri Lanka are to build a competitive total.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha
Kamindu Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s standout performer in the middle order, fighting through tough phases, including in the recent match against New Zealand. Captain Dasun Shanaka offers leadership and finishing ability, although he has struggled to find boundaries consistently in recent games.
Dunith Wellalage is the side’s main all-rounder, contributing with both the bat and his left-arm spin. On a Pallekele surface that helps spinners, Wellalage and Dushan Hemantha will play a key role in challenging Pakistan’s middle order.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Maheesh Theekshana’s accuracy and carrom ball make him the biggest threat to Pakistan’s batting line-up. Dilshan Madushanka will join the experienced Dushmantha Chameera to offer pace and left-arm variety.
Madushanka’s ability to swing the ball back into right-handers sets up an intriguing battle against the in-form Sahibzada Farhan at the top.
Probable 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.
