Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight Group 2 match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28. This match is a do or die match for Pakistan, who have to win and hope other results go in their favor.
Sri Lanka, playing in front of its home crowd, recently became the first team to be eliminated from the Super Eights after losing to New Zealand. Meanwhile, Pakistan are heading into the game under pressure after their defeat to England and the rain-affected match against the Black Caps.
This article provides details on the probable playing XI of both the teams, selection calls, tactical changes and key players to watch out for in this important encounter.
sri lanka vs pakistan playing eleven
Salman Ali Aga will lead from Pakistan. The team has world-class talent, but consistency remains a major concern. Experienced Babar Azam may be dropped due to poor form, with the management looking for more attacking options in the middle order.
Openers: Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub
Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub are expected to remain at the top in Pakistan. Farhan is the highest run-scorer in the tournament and scored 63 runs in 45 balls against England.
Ayub brings the flair, but he needs more consistency to support Farhan in the powerplay. The left-handed batsman struggled to score runs throughout the tournament, with his best performance being 24 runs off 13 balls.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Salman Aga (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafe, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf.
Fakhar Zaman is the key batsman in the middle order and will be responsible for countering Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Captain Salman Aga adds stability, while Usman Khan will keep wickets and play the role of a finisher.
All-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf will be crucial on the Pallekele surface. Faheem is expected to use his variations to control the scoring during the death overs.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Shaheen Afridi will lead the pace attack. However, the main X-factor is mystery spinner Usman Tariq, whose unique action has troubled the batsmen throughout the tournament. Abrar Ahmed, who missed the recent games, adds traditional leg-spin depth to the spin-heavy bowling unit.
Probable XI: 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 vs pakistan playing eleven
After being eliminated from the tournament, Sri Lanka will enter this match playing for pride. Despite the 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 batsman at the top of the order, while Kusal Mendis adds experience. With the new ball, the pair will have to face a tough challenge against Shaheen Afridi. Nissanka’s ability to contain the early overs will be crucial if Sri Lanka are to post competitive scores.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Velez, Dushan Hemantha.
Kamindu Mendis has been the standout performer for Sri Lanka in the middle-order, who has battled through tough times, including in the recent match against New Zealand. Captain Dasun Shanaka provides leadership and finishing ability, although he has struggled to hit boundaries consistently in recent games.
Dunith Velazquez is the team’s main all-rounder, contributing with both the bat and left-arm spin. On the Pallekele surface which favors spinners, Velazquez and Dushan Hemantha will play a key role in challenging Pakistan’s middle order.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Mahesh Theekshana’s accuracy and carrom ball makes him the biggest threat to Pakistan’s batting line-up. Dilshan Madushanka will join veteran Dushmantha Chameera to offer pace and left-arm variety.
Madushanka’s ability to swing the ball back to right-handed batsmen creates an interesting battle against the in-form Sahibzada Farhan at the top.
Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Velalej, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.