Overview:
All things considered, Pakistan will be the slight favourites, and one expects them to handle the threat Sri Lanka will provide.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka gear up for Match 50 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, February 28. The match will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This is a crunch Super 8 Group 2 clash. England have already qualified for the semi-finals from this group, winning all three matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan need to tame Sri Lanka and work on their NRR if they are to topple New Zealand for the 2nd place in this side.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka have already been ousted from this tournament. A win, however, will see them finish above Pakistan in this Super 8s group.
Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kusal Perera, Pramod Madushan, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara
After starting their group-stage games with three successive wins, Sri Lanka ended with a defeat to Zimbabwe. In the Super 8s, they faced defeats against both England and New Zealand.
Pakistan T20 World Cup squad
Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
Pakistan started by winning their first two T20 World Cup Group A games. They defeated the Netherlands before earning another win over the USA. They were beaten by India before a victory over Namibia helped them gain qualification to the Super 8 Group 2. They saw their Super 8 clash against NZ in Colombo get abandoned due to rain. Thereafter, England went on to beat Pakistan.
What is the H2H record between Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
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 remains 2-2 from 4 meetings.
Probable XI of both teams
Pakistan probable XI for the match versus SL
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka probable XI for the match versus PAK
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy & Key Details of the Stadium
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Kandy. It was known as the Khettarama Stadium until 1994. The stadium was established in 2009. The stadium was built with an eye on the 2011 ODI World Cup. As many as 35,000 spectators can enjoy the game here.
What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. 35 international matches have been played here in the shortest format.
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.
Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka have played 27 T20Is here. They own 12 wins and 12 defeats. One match had no result. Another two matches were tied. Pakistan have featured in 3 games, winning on two occasions.
Australia hold the highest team total record here, scoring 263/3 in 20 overs versus Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka own the 2nd-highest team total, scoring 225/5 against Oman in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s 178/2 against Bangladesh in 2012 stands out as well.
New Zealand’s score of 88 versus Sri Lanka is the lowest team total at this venue. Sri Lanka have recorded 95 against England in February 2026 at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis owns the most runs here (526). He has hit four fifties here. Kusal Perera (415) and Pathum Nissanka (408) are next. In four matches, England opener Phil Salt has scored 109 runs at 27.25.
Former fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga has picked the most wickets (18). Among active players, Maheesh Theekshana has collected 14 scalps at 19.
PAK vs SL: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
As per the weather updates, it will be pleasant weather at the Pallekele Stadium. The temperature will range around 26°C, and there will be no cloud cover. Also, no threat of rain and the entire game will be played as per schedule without any interruption.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, Pakistan will be the slight favourites, and one expects them to handle the threat Sri Lanka will provide. However, Sri Lanka too are a strong side and can challenge the Pakistan side.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. 34 international matches have been played here in the shortest format.
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.