Pakistan will need a big win over already-eliminated Sri Lanka and some help from England to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the T20 World Cup when they play their final Super 8 match on Saturday.
Sri Lanka have already been knocked out after losing to England and New Zealand, while England have already secured a spot in the semifinals.
T20 World Cup: Shaheen Shah Afridi press conference after England vs Pakistan
Pakistan, currently third in the table, are fighting with New Zealand for the second semifinal spot. But New Zealand are in a much stronger position, with 3 points and a net run rate of 3.050, compared to Pakistan’s 1 point and a negative NRR of -0.461.
Pakistan can still qualify if England beat New Zealand by a big margin on Friday and Pakistan then beat Sri Lanka convincingly.
However, it will be a tough task for Pakistan, as their batters and bowlers have not performed well in the tournament so far.
Head-to-Head Records in T20Is:Total Matches: 29
Pakistan Wins: 17
Sri Lanka Wins: 12
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: When and Where to WatchMatch Date: 28th February 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Match Time: 7:00 pm
TV Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar app and website
Online Coverage: Live ball-by-ball updates and detailed coverage will be available on TimesofIndia.com
Squads:Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dushan Hemantha, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq.