Kandy, February 28, 2026: Pakistan will bat first against Sri Lanka in a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 survival match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The game is pivotal for Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
After suffering defeats in their first two Super Eight matches, Pakistan’s campaign looked bleak. However, England’s remarkable comeback win over New Zealand on Friday revived their chances, opening the door for a dramatic entry into the last four.
Pakistan now faces a high-stakes all-Asian clash against Sri Lanka, who are already out of contention after losing their opening Super Eight matches. Despite being eliminated, Sri Lanka is expected to put up a strong fight, playing for pride in front of home fans.
To secure a semi-final berth, Pakistan must overcome New Zealand’s superior net run-rate of +1.390. This means they need to either win by at least 64 runs or successfully chase the target in 13.1 overs or fewer. Analysts note that Pakistan’s batting lineup will need to deliver a powerful and aggressive performance to achieve this demanding target.
Fans across Pakistan are eagerly watching as the team aims to stage a dramatic turnaround in the T20 World Cup 2026. A strong win against Sri Lanka could set the stage for a thrilling semi-final, keeping the nation’s hopes alive in the tournament.