Overview:
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan remains their ideal bet. He remains a solid force upfront with his aggressive batting and eye for runs. For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis is pivotal.
The Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to take on Dasun Shanaka’s Sri Lanka in the 50th match of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign, starting February 28. Notably, this match will be held at 7:00 pm IST at the Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy. This is a key Super 8 Group 2 clash.
Pakistan come into this contest on the back of three successive wins and a defeat from 4 group-stage games. Thereafter, they saw their Super 8s opener against New Zealand get abandoned due to rain. Pakistan then lost to England in their next clash by 2 wickets.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka won three of their 4 matches in the group stage. In the Super 8s, they were tamed by both England and New Zealand. The Lankans are already eliminated from the tournament.
What is the Context of the PAK vs SL match?
Pakistan cannot afford to lose. A defeat will see New Zealand join England in the last 4. For Pakistan to pip New Zealand, they need to beat Sri Lanka either by a margin of 64 runs or chase down Sri Lanka’s score in 13.1 overs, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Pakistan are struggling with the bat and their strike rate of key players are a concern. Barring Sahibzada Farhan, the batting has looked feeble.
Sri Lanka have nothing to lose. They will want to spoil Pakistan’s party and finish 3rd in the Super 8s Group 2.
In terms of the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have played 29 times to date. Pakistan own 17 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 12. At the T20 World Cup, the H2H record between the two sides remain 2-2 from 4 meetings.
Pakistan – Probable Playing XI
Sahibzada Farhan : He hit a fifty in the previous contest against England. He is also the top run-scorer in this T20 WC edition.
Saim Ayub: He has struggled with the bat, scoring only 70 runs from six matches (5 innings) at 14. With the ball, he has 5 wickets.
Salman Ali Agha (c): He has looked to be more aggressive of late. After a strong series against Australia, he has failed to deliver in this T20 World Cup. He owns 60 runs at 12.
Babar Azam: He will once again bat at 4. He has been criticised for his strike rate. Babar has scored 91 runs from 4 innings at 22.75.
Usman Khan (wk): He has managed 52 runs from 4 innings, which includes a 42-run effort against India.
Shadab Khan: He has 111 runs from 5 innings at 27.75, striking at 154-plus. With the ball, he has picked up 5 wickets.
Mohammad Nawaz: From six 2026 T20 World Cup matches (5 innings), he owns 6 wickets at 22.50.
Faheem Ashraf: He has scores worth 29*, 1 and 10 in this T20 World Cup. Ashraf hasn’t been utilised much with the ball.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: He will lead the bowling attack for Pakistan. An experienced figure, Afridi will be keen to take early wickets. He has 7 scalps and 39 runs with the bat.
Abrar Ahmed: He has been in good form. Abrar, who has three wickets in this World Cup, is one shy of 50 T20I scalps.
Usman Tariq: From 5 matches in the ongoing tourney (4 innings), Tariq has bagged 10 wickets at 9.80.
Player to watch out for (Sahibzada Farhan): He remains a solid force upfront with his aggressive batting and eye for runs.
Sri Lanka – Probable playing XI
Pathum Nissanka: The Lankan opener is the 9th-highest scorer in the T20 World Cup 2026. He has scored 208 runs from 6 matches.
Kusal Perera: Having come in for Kamil Mishara, Perera hasn’t quite done well. He has scored 23 runs from 2 matches.
Kusal Mendis (wk): He has done well, scoring 197 runs from 6 matches. He averages 39.40 and has hit three fifties in this T20 WC.
Pavan Rathnayake: He owns a total of 147 runs from 6 matches at 29.40. His tally includes a fifty.
Dasun Shanaka: Across 5 innings, he has struck at a strike rate of 156.14. Shanaka has 89 runs at 17.80.
Kamindu Mendis: He will be keen to play a solid hand and provide fireworks again. He has a strike rate of 175.38 from five innings.
Dunith Wellalage: He has picked 8 scalps from 6 matches in this ongoing T20 WC. His economy rate is a sound 6.58.
Maheesh Theekshana: He has been solid and has 11 scalps at 15.36. He will lead the spin attack.
Dushmantha Chameera: In 5 matches, he owns 9 wickets at just 16.88.
Dilshan Madushanka: He will hope to come in and put in a shift. A lot is riding on Pathiran’s replacement.
Dushan Hemantha: He owns six scalps from 5 matches in this T20 WC. His ER of 9.88 is on the higher side.
Player to watch out for (Kusal Mendis): Sri Lanka’s top scorer in T20Is, Mendis has a vital role to play in this match versus Pakistan.
Top Batters for Dream11
In terms of the Dream11 team pick, among batters, the likes of Sahibzada Farhan, Pathum Nissanka and Pavan Rathnayake can be wise picks alongside Saim Ayub and Kamindu Mendis.
Kusal Mendis can be a differential pick. He boasts plenty of experience.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
In terms of all-rounders, one can go with two sound options in the form of Shadab Khan and Dasun Shanaka.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
The likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Shaheen Afridi can be wise picks. Usman Tariq can be another option.
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Farhan can be an ideal captaincy option with Nissanka being the vice-captain pick.
One can mix it with Mendis being picked as captain and having Ayub as the vice-captain.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The surface at Pallekele is generally known for being batter-friendly at the start. With a firm base and reliable bounce, stroke-makers can play through the line confidently in the powerplay and early overs. The ball comes on nicely, allowing teams to build momentum upfront.
As the match progresses, however, the pitch tends to lose pace. It becomes slightly tacky, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the contest. The slower nature of the track in the latter half often makes timing difficult, rewarding bowlers who vary their speeds and hit consistent areas.
In T20 Internationals, average first-innings totals at the venue typically fall in the 162–172 range, suggesting a competitive but not overly high-scoring ground. Teams that assess conditions quickly and adjust to the slowing surface usually hold the edge.
Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?
All things considered, Pakistan will be the slight favourites, and one expects them to handle the threat Sri Lanka will provide. Pakistan need a response and this can be their moment.
FAQs About PAK vs SL Playing 11
Who are the key players in the PAK vs SL clash?
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan remains their ideal bet. He remains a solid force upfront with his aggressive batting and eye for runs. For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis is pivotal.