Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Ali Aga, is in a do-or-die situation during the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They will take on Sri Lanka under the leadership of Dasun Shanaka in their final Super Eight encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28.
The Men in Green need a win to keep their semi-final dreams alive after the defeat against England and New Zealand. Sri Lanka became the first team to be eliminated from the Super Eights after losing to New Zealand. However, the host team will be playing for pride in front of their home fans.
This article provides PAK vs SL match prediction, toss prediction, score prediction, best batsman prediction and best bowler prediction for this important encounter.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win match number 50?
Match Details:
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match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match No. 50
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date: 28 February 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 International. Pakistan leads with 17 wins, while Sri Lanka has won 12 matches. In the T20 World Cup, the rivalry is evenly balanced at 2-2 across four meetings.
In their last five matches, Pakistan has won three matches, while Sri Lanka has won two matches. The most recent clash took place on January 11, 2026, when Sri Lanka won by 14 runs in Dambulla.
Pitch Report and Terms
The pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is generally good for batting initially but favors spinners as the match progresses. The average first innings score at this venue is around 175. Under the lights, the ball is expected to come to the bat better in the second innings.
PAK vs SL Weather Report Pallekele
The forecast suggests clear weather, which will ensure a full 40-over contest without rain interruptions. There is a possibility of heavy dew in the second innings, which may make the ball sticky and make it difficult for the spinners to grip and turn the ball.
PAK vs SL Match Prediction: Probable XI
Pakistan playing eleven: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafe, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Velalej, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
toss effect
The toss will be important due to the possibility of heavy dew in the second innings. The captain who wins the toss is likely to bowl first, as the wet ball will make it difficult for the bowlers to defend the total in the light. However, the team batting first can create pressure by making a big score.
form and fitness
Sahabzada Farhan is in the form of his life. On the other hand, Babar Azam is struggling for runs and may be ruled out of this match. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq remains a big threat for Pakistan.
score prediction
On this surface, a score of 170-175 in the first innings should be competitive. However, a total score above 185 can put the batting side in a strong winning position.
PAK vs SL: Players performance predictions
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Mahesh Theekshana, Dunith Welles.
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 take the most wickets for Pakistan? Usman Tariq or Shaheen Afridi
Who will take the most wickets for Sri Lanka? Mahesh Theekshana or Dunith Welles
Conclusion: Who will win the PAK vs SL match?
Pakistan will enter the contest as a strong contender. Sri Lanka will have the advantage of playing on home ground, but their batting has lacked consistency throughout the tournament.
If Pakistan manages the pressure of must-win situations and executes their plans calmly, they can win their final Super Eight match.
Also read: Despite poor performance, Shadab Khan will be the new captain of Pakistan
