In a high-stakes clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Pakistan faces Sri Lanka in the final Super 8 match of Group 2 on Saturday. Sri Lanka’s campaign is over, but for Pakistan, this game is a golden opportunity to storm into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Victory alone won’t suffice; Pakistan must deliver a commanding win to overhaul net run rate hurdles.
England has already booked their semifinal spot with six points from three convincing Super 8 victories. Sri Lanka is eliminated, leaving Pakistan and New Zealand in a tense battle for the second qualifying position. New Zealand sits on three points with a net run rate of +1.390. Their Super 8 journey included a rain-abandoned match against Pakistan (1 point), a win over Sri Lanka (2 points), and a loss on Friday that kept Pakistan’s hopes alive.
Pakistan, with just 1 point from a rain-washed game against New Zealand and a loss to England, has a net run rate of -0.461. To match New Zealand’s points tally, they need a win against Sri Lanka, which would bring them to 3 points. But the real challenge lies in surpassing New Zealand’s superior run rate.
Cricket experts break it down: Pakistan must either chase any target in under 13.1 overs or win by at least 64 runs. Only then can they edge out New Zealand on net run rate. A simple win or rain interruption would hand the semifinal spot to New Zealand.
As co-hosts, Sri Lanka will fight fiercely to end their tournament on a high note and salvage pride. Pakistan’s batsmen and bowlers face immense pressure in this do-or-die encounter. Fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see if Babar Azam’s men can pull off the required masterclass.