Pakistan, led by Salman Aga, will look to keep their semi-final hopes alive in Group 2 during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Men in Green will take on hosts Sri Lanka, captained by Dasun Shanaka, in their final Super 8 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28.
Pakistan is in a difficult situation after losing the recent match against England. After the first match of Super Eight against New Zealand was washed out due to rain, Pakistan is left with only one point and net run rate of -0.461. They desperately need to win by a big margin to reach three points and remain in the race for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are 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 Eights opener, followed by a 61-run defeat against New Zealand. The co-hosts became the first team in Group 2 to be eliminated from the Super 8 stage.
This article covers PAK vs SL Match 50, including match preview, live streaming details, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics and key players.
PAK vs SL Match 50 Preview:
Date and Place:
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele will host the Super 8 Group 2 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Saturday, February 28.
Squad:
Pakistan: Salman Aga (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe, 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 (wk), Pawan Rathnayake, Dunith Velalej, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Zenith Liyanage, Pramod Madushan, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera.
PAK vs SL Probable XI
It is expected that Pakistan will field a spin-heavy attack to suit the conditions. Sahibzada Farhan is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, while mystery spinner Usman Tariq remains their X-factor in the middle overs. Amidst Babar Azam’s poor form, Pakistan may also consider dropping him.
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 will rely heavily on its core group of all-rounders and spinners to contain the Pakistani batsmen on home soil.
Sri Lanka Playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Velez, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
PAK vs SL Key Battles:
Sahibzada Farhan vs Dilshan Madushanka
Sahibzada Farhan has become Pakistan’s most reliable batsman at the top. He scored 63 runs against England, although the team lost the match. Since Pakistan’s confidence is fragile, its start will be important.
However, Farhan has shown some discomfort against balls that turn towards him. Dilshan Madushanka is a big threat, as the left-handed batsman’s natural angle and ability to swing the new ball can trouble Farhan early on and put Pakistan straight on the backfoot.
Kamindu Mendis vs Usman Tariq
This is one of the most strategic battles of the match. Kamindu Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s most reliable batsman, often batting in difficult times after the fall of 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 match Tariq well to control the middle overs.
Dasun Shanaka vs Shaheen Afridi
This contest could dictate the pace towards the end of 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 big mistakes. If Shanaka can successfully attack Shaheen, Sri Lanka may get a crucial late blow. The Pakistan fast bowler took four wickets in the recent match against England.
Fakhar Zaman vs Mahesh Theekshana
Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan’s main attacking option in the middle order. The left-handed batsman looks to be in good form and has the best chance of countering Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.
His biggest test will come from Mahesh Theekshana, whose carrom ball and variations are designed to trouble aggressive batsmen. Fakhar is likely to use sweeps and slog shots to trouble the spinners in the middle overs.
PAK vs SL Key Players:
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Salman Ali Aga.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Welles.
PAK vs SL Free Live Streaming, Live Streaming in India:
TV rights in India: The PAK vs SL encounter will be telecast live on Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can live stream the match on JioHotstar app and website.
When will the match happen? The Super 8 Group 2 match will be played on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Where will the match be played? The competition is scheduled to be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
How to watch live telecast of PAK vs SL match on television? Viewers can watch the match live by tuning in to Star Sports channels.
How to live stream the match between India and Pakistan online on mobile? The match can be live streamed on JioHotstar app and website with a valid subscription.
PAK vs SL Weather Report Pallekele:
The weather is expected to be clear in Pallekele on February 28, with some clouds at night. There is minimal chance of rain, due to which the entire match will be played.
While the track will remain dry during the first innings, high humidity at night will bring heavy dew. This will make the ball sticky, making it very difficult for the spinners to catch and rotate the ball in the second half.
PAK vs SL Pitch Report Pallekele International Cricket Stadium:
The surface at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium traditionally favors spinners as the match moves into the middle overs.
The seamers may get some early movement with the new ball, and with the possibility of dew under the lights, the captain who wins 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
| statistics | Matchbox | pak won | won sl | N.R. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 29 | 17 | 12 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cup | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| in sri lanka | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
PAK vs SL head-to-head records: key stats
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 29 T20 international matches against each other so far. Pakistan has won 17 matches, while Sri Lanka has registered 12 wins.
In ICC tournaments, both the teams are evenly matched, with a record of 2-2 in four matches in the T20 World Cup. While Pakistan holds the overall lead, Sri Lanka remains a tough opponent, especially on home soil. Pakistan has won four out of the seven T20 matches played against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.
PAK vs SL head-to-head record: last five matches
In the last five T20Is between the two sides, Pakistan has won three matches and Sri Lanka has won two. The most recent clash took place on January 11, 2026, when Sri Lanka claimed a 14-run win in Dambulla.
In the same series, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in Dambulla on 7 January. The teams also faced each other in a three-match series in Rawalpindi in November 2025, where Pakistan won two matches and Sri Lanka won the second game closely by six runs.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Records – Last 5 Matches Results:
Sri Lanka won by 14 runs in Dambulla on 11 January 2026
Pakistan won by 6 wickets in Dambulla on 7 January 2026
Pakistan won by 6 wickets in Rawalpindi on 29 November 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 be under immense pressure in the match against Sri Lanka, because victory is very important to keep the semi-final hopes alive. They will take confidence from the form of opener Sahibzada Farhan.
The team will also rely on its spin attack including Usman Tariq. If New Zealand beats England in their Super 8 encounter, Pakistan will be eliminated.
Sri Lanka will play this match for pride after being eliminated from the tournament after a heavy defeat to New Zealand. Their batting has been struggling, so a lot 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 contain Pakistan’s middle order and end their campaign on a positive note.
Also read: Despite poor performance, Shadab Khan will be the new captain of Pakistan