Who: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
What: ICC 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights
Where: Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka
When: Saturday, February 28, at 7pm (13:30 GMT)
How to follow: Coverage on Al Jazeera Sport from 10:30 GMT, with live text commentary.
Pakistan face a crucial Super Eights finale at the 2026 T20 World Cup, needing a significant victory over already-eliminated Sri Lanka to secure a semifinal spot based on net run-rate. New Zealand currently holds second place in the group, but their loss to England on Friday has given Pakistan an opportunity to climb into second.
Pakistan's campaign began with a narrow win over the Netherlands, followed by victories against the USA and Namibia. However, they suffered a heavy defeat to India. In the Super Eights, their match against New Zealand was washed out, and they lost to England.
Sri Lanka stormed through the group stage with wins over Ireland, Oman, and a surprise victory against Australia. A shock loss to Zimbabwe cost them top spot. In the Super Eights, defeats to England and New Zealand ended their semifinal hopes.
Pakistan must not only beat Sri Lanka but also overcome a net run-rate deficit to surpass New Zealand. To do so, they need to win by approximately 65 runs or more, or chase the target in fewer than 13 overs.
Fast bowler Salman Mirza stated, "It's a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control. But if we advance, we have the capability to perform better. The defeat to England has put us in this position."
In their last T20I series in January, Sri Lanka tied 1-1 with Pakistan. Overall, the teams have met 31 times, with Pakistan winning 17 and Sri Lanka 12, plus one no-result. At T20 World Cups, each side has two wins.
Pakistan squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera.
Source: www.aljazeera.com