Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is buzzing with tension as Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan in a high-stakes Super 8 clash of the T20 World Cup 2026. For Pakistan, it’s do-or-die: they must chase semi-final dreams by thrashing Sri Lanka by at least 65 runs to leapfrog New Zealand in Group 2 standings.
Captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision to bowl first hinged on pitch conditions and potential dew later in the evening. Sri Lanka made two changes, bringing in Kamil Mishara for Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage for Hemanthe. Pakistan, meanwhile, reshuffled with three alterations, sidelining Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Mirza.
Shanaka was upbeat post-toss: ‘Great pitch here, dew might play a part later. We need to fire on all cylinders tonight – batting, bowling, fielding. Fan support always motivates us.’ Pakistan skipper Salman Agha echoed the pressure: ‘Big opportunity. Solid batting to post a total, then restrict them. It’s a mix of nerves and excitement knowing what’s required.’
Sri Lanka’s campaign has faltered in Super 8s, losing both games after early group-stage promise – crushed by 51 runs to England and 61 to New Zealand at home. Pakistan’s Super 8 start was washed out against New Zealand (shared points), followed by a heartbreaking 2-wicket loss to England.
England has sealed semis with three wins, while New Zealand sits second on 3 points and +1.390 NRR. Pakistan’s path? A massive victory to overhaul that margin. Playing XIs: Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khwaja Nafe, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq. Sri Lanka – Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.
As Pakistan strides out to bat, the island nation hopes to defend pride, but Pakistan eyes a statement win to keep WC hopes alive.