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Pakistan face uphill task in bid for semi-final spot
Pakistan are set to take on Sri Lanka in match 50 of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Both teams have different motives heading into the match: Pakistan cling to mathematical hope, while Sri Lanka's pride is at stake.
Pakistan’s campaign has been handed a slim lifeline thanks to England upsetting the group dynamics with a nervy win over New Zealand on Friday in Colombo. It is a narrow corridor for Pakistan, but it exists. They will need something extraordinary, such as a victory by 65 runs or more if defending, or a chase completed within 12.4 overs if batting second, to make it to the semi-finals.
Their campaign took a hit after their match against New Zealand at the start of the Super Eights was washed out. Moreover, they have lacked collective performances. At the top, Sahibzada Farhan has been the spark, providing early tempo and positivity. But the middle order has struggled to convert starts into commanding totals.
Now, Pakistan’s batting unit must finally click in unison because it is a do-or-die showdown. For Sri Lanka, it is all about signing off on a good note. With qualification no longer in their hands, Sri Lanka now play for pride. A strong finish at home would restore some belief in the camp.
Head-to-head
Matches - 29
PAK won - 17
SL won - 12
SL Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
PAK Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah/Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
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