The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 heads to a high-stakes encounter in Pallekele. For Pakistan, this is a do-or-die mission. After a washout against New Zealand and a bruising defeat to England, Salman Ali Agha’s men are clinging to semi-final hopes by a thread. They need a convincing win here and a favourable result in the group’s final fixtures to stay alive.
Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, find themselves in a different boat. Having already been eliminated after back-to-back losses to England and New Zealand in the Super 8s, Dasun Shanaka’s side is playing for pride. However, there is no greater motivation than playing spoiler on home soil and finishing a home World Cup with a statement win against a historic rival.
PAK vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
- Date and Time: February 28 (Friday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
PAK vs SL, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches played: 29 | Pakistan won: 17 | Sri Lanka won: 12 | No result/Tied: 0
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is likely to present a well-balanced T20 contest, with early conditions suiting aggressive stroke play. The surface generally has a solid base and consistent bounce, allowing batters to capitalize during the Powerplay before it gradually loses pace and turns a bit sticky. As the game wears on, spinners and bowlers relying on variations should extract more grip, making smart rotation through the middle overs crucial. With evening humidity hovering around 80% and relatively cool weather, there could be some initial assistance for swing bowlers, while forecasted rain may keep the outfield slightly heavy. Traditionally, totals in the 165–170 range have proven competitive at this venue.
Squads:
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara
Also WATCH: Super 8 showdown at Pallekele turns ugly as England and Pakistan fans engage in physical altercation
PAK vs SL, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
- Pakistan’s Powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
- Pakistan’s total score: 160-175
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first
- Sri Lanka’s Powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- Sri Lanka’s total score: 180-190
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.
