Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, ICC MT20 WC, 2026 Feb 28 Full score card

Oooh, that's touch and go, brave call from the umpire. Shaheen Afridi goes full and fast and slants it wide outside the line of off stump. Dasun Shanaka leaves it alone in hopes of a wide and the ball darts through to the keeper. It is called a fair delivery and Shanaka cannot believe it. Pin drop silence in Pallekele and Shanaka is down on his haunches, being consoled by Dunith Wellalage. Pakistan win by 5 runs!

Oh, no, what have you done, Dasun Shanaka? Full and wide outside off, in fact, it might have been a low full toss as well. Shanaka brings out the reverse scoop but fails to connect and Sri Lanka still need 6 runs off just one ball now.

Absolute scenes here in Pallekelle. 6 needed in 2 balls now. Dasun Shanaka has lit up this stadium, but the job is not yet done.

SIX! This could end up being one of the greatest run chases in T20 World Cup history. Shaheen Afridi goes for the wide yorker but misses his length again and serves it in the slot. Dasun Shanaka nails it over deep cover for a biggie. Sri Lanka are just one hit away from the win now as Shanaka makes it a hat-trick of sixes.

SIX! OUTTA HERE! A leg cutter from Shaheen, but the length is all wrong. On a good length and at the stumps, right in the hitting arc. Dasun Shanaka stays put and just smokes it over deep mid-wicket with absolute disdain. 12 needed off 3 balls.

SIX! Wow, what a shot! What a time to pull it off as well from the Lankan skipper. Shaheen misses the yorker outside off and Dasun Shanaka just opens the face of the blade and dumps it over covers for a huge six. That's travelled well over 90 meters. 18 needed now off 4 balls.

FOUR! Goes away to the fence. Back of a length and outside off, Dasun Shanaka throws the hands at it and slices it over short third for a boundary.

28 needed in the last over then. Can Dasun Shanaka pull off something special here, or will Shaheen Afridi get the job done for Pakistan? Let's find out.

Oh, not sure about that shot from Dunith Wellalage. Tossed up, fuller on off, Wellalage has a free hit but he goes for the reverse sweep and misses.

Shorter one outside off, lofted down to wide long off for just a single.

SIX! Can you believe it? Dasun Shanaka pulls off another big hit and brings up his FIFTY in style. A drag-down from Shadab, wide outside off, Shanaka keeps his shape and slaps it up and over extra cover for a six. 29 needed off 8 balls.

WIDE. Flatter delivery, flirting with the tramline outside off. Left alone for a wide.

Dragged length, wide outside off, Shanaka reaches out and hits it off the toe end of the blade, chipping it through covers for a couple of runs.

SIX! Dasun Shanaka doesn't want to throw in the towel just yet. Tossed up, full and on off, it is the leg break as well. Shanaka backs away to open up the off side and whacks it over wide long off for a 99-meter biggie.

Nagging length on leg, nurdled down to short fine leg for a single.

WIDE. A googly from Shadab, tossed up wide outside off and left alone by Dunith Wellalage.

Who bowls the 19th? Salman Agha has two spinners, either Shadab Khan or Mohammad Nawaz and it will be Shadab. Sri Lanka have to target this over.

A dot to end, 46 needed now off 12 balls. Slower one from around the wicket, Shanaka looks to tap and run but ends up nudging it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Sri Lanka still hanging in the chase. Yorker-length delivery, slightly wide outside off, Dasun Shanaka reaches out and squeezes it away through backward point for a boundary.

A low full toss, on the pads, flicked down to deep backward square leg for one.

Silence here in Pallekelle. The threatening 61-run stand has been broken here. That brings Dunith Wellalage out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! A few overs too late for Pakistan and they don't even celebrate the wicket at all. Hard length from Shaheen Afridi, on middle and leg and bowls it slower too. Pavan Rathnayake stays put, clears the front leg and launches it high up towards long on. The ball just doesn't have the legs to clear the ropes and the substitute fielder, Saim Ayub pouches it comfortably. End of a fighting knock from Rathnayake.

Fine delivery from Shaheen. Another yorker, just outside off, Rathnayake hangs back to drive but the ball slips under the willow and goes through.

A yorker on leg stump, a bit of reverse swing on offer as well. Dasun Shanaka clips it away to deep square leg for a run.

55 runs in the last 4 overs for Sri Lanka. They are still far behind the target, but you just never know in T20 cricket. Shaheen Afridi (2-0-20-0) is back on.

A single to end and Sri Lanka now need 52 off 18 balls. Full and straight, jammed down to long on for a run, 11 off the over.

Slower one, just back of a length and in the channel, Shanaka has a poke at it but gets beaten.

Good-length delivery, Rathnayake looks to slog it away but miscues it through square leg for a run.

DROPPED! Nearly a fabulous catch but Fakhar Zaman spills it out. Another slower delivery, wide outside off, Pavan Rathnayake walks across the off stump and goes on one knee, lapping it over short fine. Zaman runs back over his head and lunges to pouch it but the ball pops out as the elbows make the impact with the ground. Two taken.

Banged in short over leg stump, Shanaka goes for the pull but gets an under edge down to short fine leg for a single.

SIX! Pumped away for another biggie. Slower one, on a length and outside off, slides on well onto the bat. Dasun Shanaka smacks it flat over extra cover for a maximum.

Quicker, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake tucks it away through mid-wicket and comes back for another double. 63 needed in 24 balls now.

There it is. The World Cup is done and dusted for Pakistan now. They cannot qualify as the 147-run mark is breached by Sri Lanka. Which means, NEW ZEALAND HAVE OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMIFINAL. They become the third team after South Africa and England to book their semifinal spot in this ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. Disappointment for Mike Hesson, the Pakistani head coach. But to be very fair, Pakistan were pretty average when it mattered most and their washout against New Zealand didn't help their cause either. Overall, a disappointing campaign for the Men in Green.

Pakistan are officially out of the World Cup! Shortish and on off, Dasun Shanaka stabs it back to the bowler, where Usman Tariq only makes a half-stop and allows one.

Sticks to the short length, outside off, Dasun Shanaka slaps it to sweeper cover for a third couple in a row.

Dragged down and on middle, Dasun Shanaka rocks back swats it over the bowler's head, wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Short and around leg, Dasun Shanaka nudges it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

SIX! Into the crowd! Short and around middle. Dasun Shanaka clears his front leg away and smashes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie. The Kiwis are almost there, and Pakistan are almost out.

That pretty much looks like it for Pakistan. Sri Lanka need to score just 12 runs to play a spoilsport on Pakistan's hopes. Usman Tariq (3-0-28-0) to bowl out. The last throw on the dice for the Men in Green.

SIX! FIFTY FOR RATHNAYAKE! A fantastic knock from the youngster and he is keeping his team in the chase. His second half-century in this World Cup. This is looped up, full and on middle. Pavan Rathnayake goes down and nails the slog sweep from the middle of the bat, over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen more. 15 from the over.

Swing and a miss! Slows it up, full and around off, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep again but misses.

SIX! Just over! Flighted, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake goes down across to slog sweep but hits it from the bottom half of the bat. The fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game, but the ball just goes over his head for a six.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and drags it long on for another run.

Short again and around off, Pavan Rathnayake punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Floated, short and outside off, turns away, Dasun Shanaka steers it through point for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! Plenty of deadpan faces in the Pakistani camp right now. It is really slipping out of their grasp and the 14-run previous over hasn't helped their cause either. Sri Lanka might be well out of the contest, needing 93 from the final six overs, but the real squeeze is on Pakistan. To stay alive, they must restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below, and they have just 27 runs or fewer in hand before that line is crossed. Agha now tosses the ball to Shadab Khan who replaces Usman Tariq.

FOUR! It's drifting away from Pakistan quickly now! Flighted delivery, full and around off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away to create a bit of room, extends his arms and carves it past extra cover for a boundary. 14 off the over, a hefty one from Pakistan's point of view.

Another short delivery, on off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for one.

SIX! Oh..that will hurt Pakistan a lot! A half-tracker from Nawaz, on leg, begging to be put away. Dasun Shanaka opens up his stance and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Drags his length back, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and eases it to long off fo a run.

Shorter in length, on off, Pavan Rathnayake steps across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Loopy delivery, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka taps it to the off side. Pakistan just have 41 runs or less to play with now.

Shorter once more, on off, Dasun Shanaka stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Dragged back and outside off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for a brace.

Flatter, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake drives it away to sweeper cover for another run.

Drops it short and on off, turns in, Dasun Shanaka nudges it to mid-wicket. The fielder only makes a half-stop and allows a run.

Floated, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Well, this is getting interesting now. Pakistan need 5 wickets, with 46 runs or fewer left. The skipper Dasun Shanaka walks in at number 7.

OUT! GONE! Back of a length on middle, gripping and turning away at 86.8 kph. Liyanage makes room but plays down the wrong line, shaping to punch it straight. He is beaten on the outside edge and the ball crashes into the top of middle stump. Sri Lanka are half a side down on 101, needing 112 more.

Drifted into the pads, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Good length, wide outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Edged away, a painful one for Pakistan. Nagging length on off, Janith Liyanage hops back to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls down and goes away into the deep third fence.

Dragged length outside off, Rathnayake walks across to the off side and hoicks it towards deep square leg for a run.

Flatter one on off, pushed away square towards cover-point.

What a spell from Abrar Ahmed for his country under extreme pressure. He finishes off with figures of 4-0-23-3. However, runs are slipping like sand in hand for Pakistan. They have only 53 runs or fewer left to play with. Janith Liyanage is in at number 6. With two right-handers at the crease, Mohammad Nawaz is introduced into the attack, replacing Usman Tariq.

OUT! TIMBER! Abrar Ahmed finishes his spell with his third wicket and keeps his team in the contest. Floated up, slower and on a length around off. Kamindu Mendis looks to pull but the ball never arrives and stays low as well. Mendis swings his blade past the ball and the ball goes on to hit the off stump. Sri Lanka are 94/4, needing 119 more to win.

Tossed up on the stumps, blocked off by Mendis.

Flighted ball on middle, Rathnayake comes forward and eases it down to long on for one.

SIX! Pakistan's hopes are dwindling now. Fired in on the pads, Pavan Rathnayake sits down, gets inside the line and sweeps it flat over deep backward square leg for a biggie.

Dragged short on the pads, swivel-pulled through backward square leg for a single.

Flatter one on middle, tucked away through square leg for one.

Halfway reached. Sri Lanka are 85/3. Pakistan have 62 runs or less to defend. Abrar Ahmed to bowl out. 3-0-14-2 so far are his bowling figures.

Flat and full, right at the batter, Rathnayake comes forward and pushes it through mid on for one.

FOUR! Excellent adjustment from Rathnayake. Tossed up on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake sets up for the reverse sweep but sees the line and changes to the conventional sweep and paddles it down to fine leg for a boundary.

Good length outside off, punched off the back foot through backward point for one.

Length and outside off, holds in the pitch, pushed through covers for one.

Tap and run. Floated up full on off, bunted in front of covers for a quick single.

Shortish length outside off, cut away in front of point for a single.

WIDE. The wicket-keeper is trying to distract the umpire with his appeal for a catch, but the latter is having none of it. Floated up, well down leg, Rathnayake looks to sweep but misses.

Two in two for Abrar Ahmed, or is it? The appeal for LBW is acknowledged by the umpire but Kamindu Mendis has reviewed it. This is bowled flatter and drifted into the stumps, Mendis goes for the reverse sweep but misses and gets rapped on the pads. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and finds that there is a slight inside edge. The decision is changed to NOT OUT.

The 42-run stand is broken now. Kamindu Mendis is the next man in.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pakistan get a massive wicket with 72 runs still to play with. Flighted up, full and around off, Charith Asalanka sits down for the sweep but fails to connect. The ball dips and skids on to hit the off stump and Abrar has his second wicket. Sri Lanka are 75/3, needing 138 more.

It looks like Charith Asalanka has hurt his right wrist while putting in that dive on the previous ball. The physio comes in to check on him. He applies the magic spray and we are good to go again.

A risky single but well-judged. Quicker one around off, Pavan Rathnayake plays all around it and gets it off the pads to short third, scampering through for a leg bye. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end, where Usman Khan breaks the stumps, but Charith Asalanka puts in a desperate dive to make his ground.

FOUR! That's well struck. Tossed up around middle, Pavan Rathnayake lunges ahead and hits the sweep flat and hard towards deep square leg for a boundary.

DROPPED! Valiant effort but it goes in vain. Slow and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out and slaps it a bit uppishly to the right of cover. Khawaja Nafay dives and gets both hands on it, but fails to hang on. The batters go for the single and Nafay has a shy at the bowler's end but misses that as well. Salman Agha backs it up and has a go at Abrar for not getting back to the stumps.

Fullish length, angling in from outside off, Charith Asalanka gets across and pushes it down to mid on.

Pushed through quicker, short once more and around off, Charith Asalanka steers it to short third for one more. 13 runs from Tariq's first over!

Shortish and on off, Pavan Rathnayake stabs it out towards extra cover for another run.

Goes short and outside off, Charith Asalanka cuts it away to deep point for a single.

SIX! Top shot! Flighted delivery, full and around off, right in the slot. Charith Asalanka crouches low, extends his arms to reach out for it. He launches it against the spin and well over long off for a biggie.

FOUR! Gets it away! Tossed up, full and on middle. Charith Asalanka goes down on one knee and nails the sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Almost! A googly, full and on middle, turns away. Charith Asalanka waits for it to guide it away. Gets a thin outside edge that deflects off the keeper's thigh to the off side.

Pakistan have 91 runs or less to play with now. They need 8 wickets. And here's Pakistan's trump card into the attack. Usman Tariq replaces Naseem Shah.

Great effort in the deep! Abrar Ahmed gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep and hits it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Khawaja Nafay comes forward but realises he cannot reach for the catch. Stops and reads the spin on the ball, dives to his right to save two runs for his team.

Short and around off, Charith Asalanka punches it through cover-point for one more.

Uppish but safe! Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs up but flies well wide of the bowler, towards long off for one.

Flatter, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka goes down and reverse sweeps it towards backward point for a run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

WIDE! Floated, short and around off, turns further away, Pavan Rathnayake lets it go. Wided. Also, 50 up for Sri Lanka!

A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the back thigh.

DRINKS! Pakistan certainly out in front but Sri Lanka aren't doing too bad either. Pakistan need wickets in the middle phase or else that number of 147 will start looking very low. Shaheen Afridi has misfired a bit and Pakistan will now be hoping that the spinners come good. Looks like a tough task at the moment but you never know, things can change very quickly.

SIX! Sri Lanka ends the Powerplay with a bang! Naseem Shah tries the slower one again, short but this one sits up for the batter. Charith Asalanka waits for it before hammering it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Sri Lanka are 49/2 after 6 overs.

Follows it up with a perfect yorker, on middle, Charith Asalanka gets his bat down and digs it out well.

An off-cutter, bangs this into the surface, on middle. Charith Asalanka goes through his pull way early and toe-ends it on the pitch.

Short of a length and on off, takes pace off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away and stabs it towards extra cover, where the fielder lets it through for a run.

FOUR! Nice shot! Naseem Shah hits the length hard, on middle. Pavan Rathnayake picks up the length early, hangs back and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Run out chance...missed! Slows it up, full and on middle, turns in. Charith Asalanka looks to clip it away but gets an inside edge as the ball lobs up to the leg side. There is a huge mix-up between the batters and Pavan sets off very late for the run. Shadab Khan from square leg gets to the ball, takes aim but misses his shy at the batter's end, with Pavan not even in the frame.

Goes short and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake nudges it towards mid-wicket for one.

Fires this one full, angling down the leg side. Pavan Rathnayake looks to paddle it away but it goes off his pads to the right of short fine. Two leg byes taken.

Flighted, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it wide of short cover. Salman Agha dives to his left to make a fine stop.

Floated, short and on off, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake cuts it away to point.

Sri Lanka lose both their openers now. Pavan Rathnayake walks out to bat next.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack and strikes right away. He bowls this flatter, shortish and on off, skids through and goes with the arm. Kamil Mishara backs away and looks to cut it away but gets late on the shot. The ball goes through and hits the top of off pole.  Sri Lanka are 33/2, still needing 180 runs in 95 balls.

Abrar Ahmed comes on to replace Shaheen Afridi.

On a good length, around off, Mishara backs away and slaps it to deep cover for a run.

Deception to perfection! The back-of-the-hand slower one, on a good length, over middle and off. Kamil Mishara is completely deceived by the lack of pace and is beaten all ends up on the pull shot. The ball teases the stumps and bounces back to the keeper.

Speared full and on middle, Mishara drives it straight to the cover fielder.

FOUR! That's a seriously good shot by Mishara! Half tracker from Naseem, angling outside off. Kamil Mishara stays put, lets his hands through and punches it on the up between mid off and cover for a boundary.

Hard length, on middle, heaved off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.

WIDE! The slower one, but way too short and over the head height. Charith feels for it initially, probably looks to uppercut, but aborts and lets it pass. Wide called for height. Naseem is a bit perplexed.

Back of a length, outside off, Kamil Mishara square cuts it to deep point for a run.

A very tight single! Straight and full, on middle, Mishara drives it to the cover-point region and calls his partner through for a single. The fielder, Khawaja Nafay, with one stump to aim at, swoops to his right from cover and throws it to the batting end, but misses his shy. Charith Asalanka is forced to put in a desperate dive to get in. Direct hit would have had Asalanka in serious trouble there.

FOUR! Through the gap! This is turning out to be a massive over for the Islanders. Short of a good length, outside off, Kamil hits it through the line and punches it crisply through the point and cover gap for another boundary.

Slips in a low full toss, at knee height. It tails in a touch and Mishara taps it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Gloriously struck! Overcompensates this time around, does Shaheen. Pushes it full and wide on off. Kamil Mishara uses the width to his benefit and cracks the cover drive for a boundary.

SIX! All class! At 135.2 kph, this is slammed hard into the pitch, over middle. Kamil Mishara presses back, plays with a flat bat and clubs it cleanly downtown for a cracking six.

A sharp inswinger on a hard length, on leg. Kamil Mishara is pinned in the crease, tries to work it across, but the ball zips past his inside edge and pings him on the back thigh pad.

Slower length delivery, on top of off, Kamil hangs back and taps it between cover and point for a single.

On a length, on leg, Asalanka wrists it through square leg for a single.

Good length, outside off, defended to the cover region.

The next batter is Charith Asalanka in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Absolutely outsmarted the batter and Pakistan have their first breakthrough. Naseem cunningly goes pace off and throws it wide outside off, away from the batter's arc as Pathum moves away early. Pathum Nissanka backs a bit to carve it through the off side, but is way too early in his shot and ends up tamely chipping it toward the cover fielder. Mohammad Nawaz backtracks a bit and takes a fine-judged catch at the edge of the ring with a reverse cup. Showed all his cards early, did Nissanka and paid the price. Sri Lanka are 8/1.

Straight up in the air, but lands safely! On a fullish length, nips away a shy bit on off. Pathum Nissanka walks forward to negate any movement, and lofts it over mid-wicket. There is no timing at all on the shot, but he manages to clear the in-field and the ball lands in the vast open space in the deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

WIDE! Slower delivery, going down leg, Nissanka tries to whip it to the leg side, but it cuts down and beats him. Wide called.

Full and straight, lasered on the off pole, Pathum Nissanka leans on and crisply drives it, but finds the man at mid off. A confident-looking shot though.

Naseem Shah to operate from the other end.

FOUR! Edgy stuff but runs are runs! Nips away with bounce, outside off, on a length. Kamil Mishara tries to punch it on the rise through cover, but gets a fat outside edge and the ball flies over short third for a boundary. So 5 from the opening over. Sri Lanka need 208 runs from 114 balls.

Hard length, around off, doesn't rise much. Kamil Mishara mistimes the back foot punch to mid off.

Back of a length, taking the pace off, on leg, Nissanka dinks it wide of mid-wicket and takes a quick single. Sri Lanka and Nissanka are off the mark.

Swing and a miss! Shapes the other way now, on a hard length, outside off. Nissanka looks to pull it across, but fails to connect as the ball bounces and moves away from him.

A slight inswinger, full and on middle and leg, Pathum presses in front and eases it to mid on.

On the money! Good length ball, angling across off, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and stabs it to cover.

Two runs to end the first innings. Full and wide outside off, Usman Khan goes after it and squirts it away wide of short third. The ball rolls into the deep and the batters manage to scamper through for the second run. Pakistan finish with 212/8 on the board.

Last ball coming up. Abrar Ahmed walks in,  but it will be Usman Khan who will be on strike.

OUT! NASEEM SHAH IS RUN OUT! Fuller one outside off, Usman Khan swats it away to deep cover, where the fielder lets it slip through his hands. The batters pinch the second run but get a bit greedy and look for the third run, which is never there. Naseem ends up at the keeper's end just as Usman and Kamindu Mendis throws the ball back to the bowler. The bails are dislogded but there is some confusion regarding who is actually out here. Replays show that Usman grounded his bat, whereas Naseem had his willow dangling in the air.

A lot of confusion out there in the middle as to who is run out? Naseem Shah is already near the ropes but has been requested to stop as the third umpire is called into action to check which batter is out. Did Naseem cross Usman at the batting end? Both the batters were stranded at the batting end. The side on replay shows that Usman's bat is grounded inside the popping crease just in the nick of time while Naseem is out by a bare margin. He didn't try to drag or slide his bat in and is deemed run out.

Length ball outside off, Naseem Shah reaches out and lofts it on the bounce to sweeper cover for a single.

A total nosedive for Pakistan in the last 3 overs or so. Not a single batter, barring the two openers have managed to cross double digits. Naseem Shah comes out at number 9.

OUT! LBW! Too hot to handle for the batter and Shaheen Afridi starts walking off, not before signalling for the DRS, though. A straight yorker, right in the blockhole, tails back in a bit as well. Shaheen Afridi fails to dig it out and gets pinged on the back leg. Looked plumb to the naked eye and Ball Tracking confirms the same.

FOUR! Oh, that's slipped out of the hands. A high full toss, around the waist, Shaheen Afridi reacts well and manages to flick it away, past short fine leg for a boundary. The umpires go upstairs for a No Ball check but it is deemed as a fair delivery.

And suddenly, a flurry of wickets out there. Sri Lanka have kind of prevented Pakistan from getting a desired finish. Shaheen Afridi is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder and that marks the end of a fine, fine knock from Sahibzada Farhan. Dilshan Madushanka goes full and wide, in search of the yorker but doesn't get it spot-on. Farhan hangs back and looks to smoke it over long off but gets merely any elevation. Hits it firmly but straight to extra cover where Janith Liyanage takes a sharp catch right around his face.

That was such a fantastic penultimate over from Dasun Shanaka. 5 runs and a couple of wickets from it. Dilshan Madushanka (3-0-24-0) will bowl the final over of the innings. How much can Pakistan squeeze from here?

What an over from Shanaka! Slower one, fuller and outside off, Usman Khan reaches out but fails to connect. Usman even tries to scamper for a run but is sent back.

FOUR! A streaky boundary but the 200 is now up for Pakistan. Banged in short and at the batter, Usman Khan charges down the track, swings aimlessly and gets a top edge that flies over short fine leg for a boundary.

A bit of a comeback from Sri Lanka as they have picked up 3 wickets in the last 5 balls. Usman Khan comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and 176/0 has become 199/5 in a flash. Dasun Shanaka bowls it back of a length again and bangs it into the deck, wide outside off. Salman Agha reaches out to go big but splices it over the cover region. Maheesh Theekshana tracks back and takes a simple catch at the edge of the ring.

Play and a miss! A slower short ball, outside off, Salman Agha hops up to cut but fails to connect.

Out goes Mohammad Nawaz, in walks skipper Salman Agha.

OUT! CAUGHT! A golden duck for Mohammad Nawaz and Sri Lanka keep chipping away with late wickets. Dasun Shanaka bowls this full and angles it well across off, Nawaz extends the arms to drive but does so in the air and hits it straight to extra cover. Maheesh Theekshana takes a smart low catch. Pakistan losing steam at the backend. They are 199/4.

What a moment, and what a knock from Sahibzada Farhan. A 2ND HUNDRED IN THIS WORLD CUP. This is bowled full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan drills it to long off for a single. Farhan punches the air in delight and this knock is one for the history books.

The next batter in is....Mohammad Nawaz. Also, Dasun Shanaka to bowl the penultimate over. He has conceded 37 runs in his 3 overs so far.

OUT! SHADAB KHAN IS RUN OUT! A sacrificial wicket but it doesn't matter much at this stage. Low full toss and angled into the toes, Shadab Khan flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a single. Dilshan Madushanka in the deep is almost undone by the spin but does well to adjust and latch onto the ball to his left. The batters attempt for the second run but Madushanka throws it to the keeper, and Kamil Mishara whips off the bails with Shadab not even in the frame. Pakistan are 198/3.

Back of length and wide outside off, Farhan reaches out and taps it in front of point for a single.

FOUR! Belted down the ground. A low full toss, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan gets low and drills it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

WIDE. Chameera looks for the wide yorker but spills it way beyond the tramline outside off.

Bowled full and at the stumps, clipped away to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Predictable bowling and Shadab Khan puts it away. Back of a length, slanted well across off from around the stumps, Khan manages to slash it up and over backward point and the ball lands just inside the ropes for a one-bounce boundary.

LBW SHOUT! Pitched up, full and around leg, Shadab Khan walks right across the off stump to flick but is beaten for pace. The ball thuds off his pads and rolls through backward square leg and the batters complete two runs. There is an appeal for LBW, which is turned down and it is reviewed as well. Nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside the line of leg stump. The on-field call of NOT OUT stands. Leg byes added to the total.

Is that out? The Sri Lankan players look confident about this LBW appeal, not given on-field. Oh! Ball Tracking shows it is pitching outside leg. Not Out it is and the hosts lose a review.

Dushmantha Chameera (3-0-36-1) to bowl out here.

FOUR! Much-needed for Pakistan. Full-length delivery, on middle, Farhan takes a step to the off side and drills it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Still, just 7 runs and a wicket off the over.

Should have been put away. A knee-high full toss, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan walks past the off stump and mistimes the shot straight to extra cover.

Oh, that's a fine stop. Full and outside off again, Shadab Khan shuffles across and laps it wide of short fine leg but the fielder over there, Dushmantha Chameera, dives to his left and makes the stop. Just a single.

Two wickets in two consecutive overs for Sri Lanka. Shadab Khan gets a promotion and comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! When it rains, it pours and just like that, one wicket brings two for Sri Lanka. Overpitched delivery from Dilshan Madushanka, missing his mark with the wide yorker. Khawaja Nafay walks across and down the pitch and gets low, looking to hammer it over long on but doesn't get the desired connection. Hits it down the throat of Charith Asalanka at long on and he makes no mistake.

A low full toss, pushed wide outside off, Farhan walks across and reaches out, slicing it away to deep cover for just one more.

Top bowling. A wide yorker to kickstart the new spell from Dilshan Madushanka. Khawaja Nafay hangs back and smears it through covers for a single.

From around the stump. Low full toss again, outside off, Nafay looks to go downtown but inside edges it through mid on for a single.

Finally, the end of a mammoth first-wicket stand for Pakistan. Out walks Khawaja Nafay at number 3.

OUT! PLAYED ON! Sri Lanka finally, finally have a wicket. But the damage is done. Chameera bowls a low full toss and far outside off,  Fakhar shuffles to whip it across to the leg side, but gets beaten by the pace and inside edges it back onto the stumps behind. Farhan pats Fakhar's back as the latter makes his way back to the dugout after an enterprising knock for his country. A whirlwind inning from Fakhar Zaman comes to an end and Pakistan are 176/1.

Wide yorker, outside off, carved to deep extra cover for a single.

Low full toss, outside off, Farhan slaps it to deep cover for a couple of quick runs.

FOUR! Crashed! Too full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan uses the pace and blazes it over the cover fielder for a cracking boundary.

DROPPED AND SIX! Speechless stuff from Sri Lanka. From around the wicket, a good-length delivery, wide outside off. Farhan goes through the line and lofts it towards the wide long off region. Liyanage moves a bit to his left, settles under it near the boundary but steps onto the cushions while completing the catch. Unable to release the ball in time, it results in six runs. The replay confirms the same.

Dushmantha Chameera comes back on to bowl. 22 runs in his 2 overs so far.

DROPPED AGAIN! Dasun Shanaka is shellshocked and so are the Sri Lankan fans. Short of a good length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan waits for the pace off ball to arrive, swats it aerially, but from the toe end of the blade. It goes only as far as long on where Dunith Wellalage dives low to his left to catch, but puts it down. Two taken. Looks like Wellalage has hurt himself while attempting the catch. But that pretty much sums up the evening for Sri Lanka so far.

Low full toss, outside off, Fakhar slaps it to the cover region and steals a run.

FOUR! The carnage continues! Slower length delivery from Dasun, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman moves in the box and pulls it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Slower bouncer, outside off, Fakhar tries to slash it up and over point but misses.

DROPPED! Oopsie, that has hit Dasun Shanaka flush on the left thumb. Full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan blasts it flatly to the left of the bowler. Dasun Shanaka sticks out his left hand to catch, but parries it to long off for a single.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! On a back of a length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan flat bats it aerially and dumps it down the ground for a six.

DRINKS! With 6 overs left in the innings, Pakistan are already 150/0. But, how much will they be comfortable defending? As any total they get, they will have to shave 65 runs off it. One feels that it has to be at least 220 or more. Sri Lanka have been a shadow of the side from the previous stage of the competition and all they can do now is damage control. Let's see if there's any late momentum shift in the first innings or not. Also, Dasun Shanaka (2-0-24-0) is back into the attack.

Too full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it to long off for a single. Expensive start for Liyanage. 14 runs from the over. 150 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Goes wide outside off, full in length, Fakhar maneuvers in the crease, shuffling outside off and whips it to widish square leg for a single.

Another full ball, wide outside off, Farhan expands his arms wide and drills it down to long off for one more.

Full and outside off, carved through cover for a single.

FOUR! Absolute mayhem at Pallekele! Slower ball, far outside off, on a good length. Fakhar Zaman moves a long way outside off, fetches the ball and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. The camera pans out on the Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and he can only watch this onslaught helplessly.

SIX! Easy peasy! A gentle-paced delivery, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman shuffles outside off, goes down on his knee and scoops it over deep fine leg for a six.

Dasun Shanaka has now thrown the ball to Janith Liyanage. A daunting time to come in for your first over.

Slips in another full toss, but it dips below the waist, outside off. Fakhar stands tall and slaps it uppishly and wide of cover for a single. 11 off the over. ​​Maheesh Theekshana is done with his spell, with his figures reading 4-0-35-0.

Slower through the air, on a length, on off, Sahibzada Farhan stays put and knocks it to long on for a single.

Pushed outside off, on a fullish length, Zaman dances down the track and drags it to long on for a single.

Slows it up a bit, full and drifting down leg. Fakhar gets down on his knee to sweep it away, but misses and gets hit on the front pad. A slight appeal for LBW, but dies down almost instantly the moment umpire shakes his head.

SIX! BOOM! A loosener from Maheesh. Low full toss, outside off, Fakhar middles it to perfection and sends it sailing over Dunith Wellalage at long off for a cracking six. Sri Lanka are looking absolutely flat out there.

Flat, quick, full, outside off, Fakhar throws his hands at it and blasts it to deep point's left. Kamindu Mendis runs across and dives to cut it off. Saves two for his side.

This is turning into a clutch batting performance from the two Pakistani openers. How far can they take their side? Still 8 overs to go. Maheesh Theekshana will bowl out here...

Fired in full, on off, Fakhar Zaman drills it to long off for one. 18 off the over!

SIX! Just over! Tossed up, full and just outside off. Fakhar Zaman goes down and drags his slog sweep. He connects well but hits it a lot flatter. The fielder at deep mid-wicket thinks he is in the game, but only watches it sail over his head for a biggie.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR FAKHAR! A splendid knock from the southpaw and it has come when his team needed the most. Dunith Wellalage bowls this quicker and fuller, but on the pads. Fakhar Zaman opens up his stance and whips it away to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary. Just a raise of the bat as he knows he needs to keep going here.

Flatter, full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan drills it away to long off for a single.

Short and around off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it out towards extra cover.

SIX! Excellent shot! Flighted, full and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan gets his front leg away and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Nicely bowled! Maheesh Theekshana fires in a wide yorker, outside off. Fakhar Zaman backs away a bit too much, throws his bat but cannot get it away. Kamil Mishara, the keeper, grabs it and appeals but the sound was probably from the bat hitting the ground. Oh..wow! UltraEdge after the over shows a spike when the ball is close to the toe-end of the bat. Mishara did not get any support in his appeal and the chance has gone away from Sri Lanka.

Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts this full, outside off. Fakhar Zaman does well to reach out for it and squeezes it wide of deep point for a brace.

Drags his length back and on off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it uppishly but safely towards extra cover for a single.

Swing and a miss! A carrom ball, full and around off, turns away a bit. Sahibzada Farhan goes down for the big sweep but gets nowhere near the ball.

Shorter in length and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it away to extra cover.

Floated, full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan crouches low and drags his sweep wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Halfway reached. A fantastic batting exhibition by Farhan and Fakhar so far. They have timed the ball to perfection, ran well between the wickets and have kept the scorecard ticking at a consistent rate. Absolutely contrasting with Sri Lanka. They have been sloppy in the ground fielding and have bowled a bit too many bad balls to be put away. They still crave for their first breakthrough and Maheesh Theekshana (2-0-19-0) is back on, replacing Dasun Shanaka.

Good effort in the deep! Goes back to his shorter length, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman backs away and punches it away wide of long off. Pathum Nissanka runs to his right and dives to make a fine stop. Saves a couple of runs for his side.

Quicker one, full and on leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

FOUR! Top shot! Fires this one, but bowls this a bit too full, on off. Fakhar Zaman extends his arms to reach out for it and smashes it away wide of long off for a boundary.

Another short delivery, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan cuts it away through cover-point for a run.

Dragged back and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it hard but finds extra cover. That was there to be put away.

Short and around off, Fakhar Zaman punches it through covers for a single.

WIDE! And again! Fires this full and outside off, but over the guideline, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone. Another wide.

WIDE! Flatter, full and outside off, near the tramline, Fakhar Zaman lets it go. Called a wide.

Length again and on middle, Fakhar Zaman steers it towards backward point for one more. 12 runs off the over!

FOUR! Put away! Dasun Shanaka bowls a slower one, lands this short and just outside off. Fakhar Zaman waits for it and frees his arms to crunch it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.

Good length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it out towards extra cover for one.

Sloppy fielding! Short of a length and on middle, Fakhar Zaman backs away and dabs it towards short third, where Dushmantha Chameera lets it through and allows a single. Shanaka is not happy with the effort.

Buzzers! This is on a hard length and around off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it towards sweeper cover again and pushes for the second. The fielder throws it at the bowler's end, where Dasun Shanaka only manages to parry it away, allowing the batters to get the third.

FIFTY FOR FARHAN! Another match, another half-century for Sahibzada Farhan. His fourth in this World Cup, and he is making it a habit of scoring runs for fun. Back of a length and around off, Farhan punches it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Change of ends for skipper, Dasun Shanaka. Went for 12 in his first over. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.

Dragged length at the stumps, Farhan rocks back and hoicks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Oh, that's well played by Farhan. Nagging length on middle, drifting in, Sahibzada Farhan backs away and cuts it right off the stumps, through backward point and picks up a boundary. The fielder at deep point could have and probably should have put in a better attempt, though.

Full and quick again, wide outside off, Zaman jams the drive down to long off and picks up a single.

Good variation from Dunith. Fires it in, full and at the toes, Fakhar Zaman plays all over it and fails to get it away.

On a length and angled well across the off stump, Zaman reaches out to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.

A flighted delivery to begin with, looped up wide outside off and Farhan flat-bats it down to long off for just a single.

Easily going at 10s an over, are Pakistan. At this rate, they can easily get to 200. And here comes Dunith Wellalage into the attack, replacing Dasun Shanaka.

Dragged length on middle and leg, worked away towards wide long on for one. Just 7 runs off the over, a decent one for Sri Lanka given the current state of the game.

Fuller in length, pushed through at 99 kph, Farhan drives it back and Theekshana makes a sharp stop down to his left in the followthrough.

Slightly short on middle, Zaman rocks back and pushes it down through mid on for a single.

Slides this one into the pads, does Theekshana and Zaman fails to get it away.

FOUR! Both batters are now going at a fiery pace. Slightly tossed up, wide outside off, Zaman shimmies dow the pitch, makes room and swats it towards the vacant extra cover fence for a boundary.

Flatter one around off, Farhan stays back and compact, tapping it down to long on for a run.

DRINKS! It has been an incredible Powerplay for Pakistan, and that is exactly what they needed to push for a massive score. They took a couple of overs to get their eye in, but never looked back since, scoring in double-digits in the next four overs. Both Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman have made their intentions pretty clear, they will go after everything. Sri Lanka need to break this partnership quickly to get back in this game. With the field restrictions lifted and given Pakistan's struggle in the middle overs, Lanka will hope that they can pull things back in this phase. Also, Maheesh Theekshana is to bowl after the break.

FOUR MORE! Fakhar Zaman ends the Powerplay in style and Pakistan are flying at 64/0. Back of a length and outside off, enough width on offer. Fakhar comes down the pitch again and hammers it down between cover-point and extra cover for four runs.

DROPPED AND FOUR! Oh, that's burst through the hands. Dug in shorter and around off, Zaman charges down the track and slams it just over the cover-point fielder. Maheesh Theekshana doesn't time his leap well and spills it behind for a boundary.

Fullish length, slanted across off, Fakhar Zaman stays back and opens the stance to heave but gets an under edge back to the keeper.

Half an appeal for LBW, turned down. Missing leg stump by a long way. This is bowled slower and angled into the pads, Sahibzada Farhan clears the front leg to swing across the line but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls away behind point for a leg bye.

Better line from Dasun. Back of a length, over off and middle, Farhan blocks it down the pitch.

FOUR! That's the record for Sahibzada Farhan! This is bowled short and angled down leg, Farhan gets inside the line and hoicks it well behind square leg for a boundary. Farhan is now the outright leading scorer in a single edition of the Men's T20 World Cup.

Dasun Shanaka brings himself into the attack now. Also, Sahibzada Farhan is just one run away from breaking Virat Kohli's record of the most runs (319) in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

Looking for two but Farhan will have to settle for the single. Back of a length, over middle, jammed down back past the bowler and down to long on for one. Farhan now moves level with Virat Kohli for the most runs in a single edition of the Men's T20 World Cups with 319 runs to his name now.

Good length in the channel, hits the deck hard, Sahibzada Farhan taps it down to cover.

Tap and run. Just back of a length, on middle and leg, no room to work with. Fakhar plays it close to the body and dabs it into the off side for a single. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN.

Back of a length, straighter in line, tucked away through square leg for a single.

FOUR! This is now turning out to be the perfect Powerplay for Pakistan. Hard length now from Chameera, around the top of off. Farhan stays leg side of the ball and just slams it away between covers and mid off for a boundary. 10 off the first 2 deliveries.

SIX! Oh, that's sailed over the fence. Good-length delivery, skidding through on middle, Sahibzada Farhan takes the front leg out and just punches the lofted shot, nailing it over long on for a biggie.

Change of ends for Dushmantha Chameera.

Drags the length back, outside off, Fakhar plays it deliberately late, but cannot get it past the short third fielder. 12 runs from Theekshana's first over then.

SIX! That has flown outta here! Theekshana serves a half volley, on off, Fakhar Zaman shimmies down the track, stays leg side of the ball and clubs it massively over the wide long off fence for a huge six.

An in-angler, on a fuller length, on middle. Farhan tries to go inside out, but inside edges it to the mid on region for a single.

FOUR! That has been crrrrunched away! Flatter ball, short and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan reads the carrom ball this time, stays on the back foot and smashes it through the point and cover gap for a boundary. Farhan moves into his 20s now.

From over the stump now. The carrom ball, on a length, around off, Sahibzada Farhan watches it closely and taps it to the off side, to the left of the bowler.

From around the wicket. This is pushed fuller and on off, Fakhar Zaman drives it all along the ground to long off for a single.

Bowling change? Yes! Maheesh Theekshana comes in to replace Dushmantha Chameera.

Again a slower delivery, full and around off, Farhan smashes it away, but straight to the fielder at mid off. Farhan is frustrated for not putting that away in the gap. 10 runs from the over.

Change of angle now as Madushanka comes from around the stump. At 115.7 kph, this is slammed on the pitch, short and outside off, Farhan slashes it off the back foot to cover.

Fires it full and in front of the sticks, Farhan shuffles across in the crease and flicks it to the square leg fielder.

SIX! Goes all the way! Slower delivery from Madushanka, full and outside off. Sahibzada Farhan has plenty of time to clear his front leg and smoke it over the long off fence for the first six of the match. He moves to 19 (11).

Back of a length, the cutter, on off, Sahibzada Farhan stands tall and shanks it back to the bowler off the inner half of the blade.

FOUR! Intent! Pitched fuller and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan jumps out of his crease, gets under the ball and lofts it over cover for a cracking boundary.

A decent start for Pakistan, not as explosive as they would have liked, though. They will be looking to capitalize and make the most of the fielding restrictions.

At pace this time, full and on off, Farhan drills it down the ground and the mid off fielder dives to his right. Half stops and parries the ball to his right. A single taken.

FOUR! Quality shot! Chameera slows the pace by a few clicks, and lands it short, on top of off. Sahibzada Farhan gives himself a bit of room by staying leg side and bisects the backward point and cover-point fielders for a boundary.

Aims the pads and it drifts further down leg, Farhan tries to whip that full ball over square leg, but misses and is rapped on the front pad. The ball then rolls to short fine leg.

Bangs it short, outside off, Fakhar rides the bounce, and square cuts it to deep point for a single.

Slanted on the leg stump line, on a hard length. Sahibzada Farhan hops and tucks it to long on for one more.

A bit too straight at the pads, on a good length, Sahibzada Farhan uses his wrists to flick it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Dushmantha Chameera to steam in from the other end.

Slips in a full toss, a slower one that moves away from off, Fakhar Zaman drives it to the cover fielder. So 7 from the first over.

FOUR! Not a good-looking shot, but four is a four! Back of a length, swinging from middle to off, Fakhar Zaman advances down the track and heaves it off the inner half of the bat. Plays it in the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Drags the length back by a couple of yards, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman stays back and nudges it past the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Farhan and Pakistan are off the mark! Goes full again, does Madushanka, around off. Sahibzada Farhan pushes it to the right of mid off and takes a quick single as Shanaka dives and cuts it off in the ring.

Very full again, but outside off, Farhan carves it straight to the short cover fielder.

Swing straightaway! Madushanka bowls an inswinging delivery, too full, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to get the play underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. Fakhar Zaman is back at the top of the order and is all set to open the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan for Pakistan. Dilshan Madushanka has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Time for the anthems - We are just a few minutes away from the start of the game, but first, the flags of both countries are unfurled and the two sets of players line up along with their mascots for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Pakistan, followed by that of Sri Lanka.

The equation is now clear - Now that the toss is done and we know that Pakistan are batting first, they need to win by a margin of 65 runs or more. This literally means Pakistan will need a score of around 200 and even that might not be enough as the dew will come into play later on, aiding the Lankan batters a bit more. A mountain to climb but cricket is a funny sport and Pakistan are definitely the most unpredictable outfit in the game.

The skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha says it is a massive opportunity for them. Stresses on batting, bowling and fielding well in this game. Agha also adds that they need to put up a good total and try to restrict Sri Lanka to as low a score as possible. Speaking about the approach for this game, he says it is about going out and playing their strokes. He also accepts that sometimes it comes easy, while at other times it can be challenging. He informs that the team is making three changes, with Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza missing out.

The captain of Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka says that it looks like a good pitch and he expects dew later on. Adds that they have some good players in the squad but they have to do the basic rights, which they couldn't do in the last couple of games. Mentions that the fans always support them regardless of the results, which is a great motivation. Shanaka informs that they have made a couple of changes with Kamil Mishara coming in for Kusal Mendis, who pulled out with an injury and also Dushan Hemantha is not playing as Janith Liyanage comes in for him.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Khawaja Nafay (In for Babar Azam), Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah (In for Salman Mirza), Abrar Ahmed (In for Saim Ayub), and Usman Tariq.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (WK) (In for Kusal Mendis), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Janith Liyanage (In for Dushan Hemantha), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka.

TOSS - It is time for the all-important toss in Kandy. Dasun Shanaka spins the coin, while Salman Agha calls. He does so incorrectly and Sri Lanka opt to BOWL first.

PITCH REPORT - Former Pakistani batter Ramiz Raja is pitchside. He starts by saying that the weather is perfect for cricket. Further adds that the straight hit is 78 meters, whereas the square boundaries are 66 meters and 67 meters on either side. Russel Arnold, the former Sri Lankan all-rounder, joins him and says that the wicket looks a good one. Adds that it is the same pitch from the England vs Pakistan game. There's a bit of grass along with some dry patches and there will be variable bounce as well. Also mentions that the pacers can use the steep bounce to good effect and the wind will play a role as well. Feels that losing the toss might not be a bad thing on this sort of surface.

Odds stacked against Pakistan - Pakistan’s path to the semi-finals requires a return to their unpredictable best, balancing raw power with clinical execution. The spotlight shines brightly on Sahibzada Farhan and the bowling attack led by Shaheen Afridi, which must find it's rhythm early to suppress the Sri Lankan top order. With the qualification math looming over every delivery, Pakistan cannot afford the tentative starts that plagued their earlier matches. It is a classic subcontinental rivalry renewed under the most intense circumstances, where one team seeks a dignified exit and the other a miracle ticket to the final four. Stay tuned for the toss and team sheets.

Nothing to lose, but still a lot to play for - Sri Lanka enter this final fixture playing for pride and the vocal Kandy crowd, looking to end their campaign on a high note. Captain Dasun Shanaka will lean heavily on the spin wizardry of Maheesh Theekshana and the run-scoring of Pathum Nissanka, who is yet to fire in this underwhelming Super 8 stage for the islanders. The Pallekele surface traditionally offers a balanced contest, but with the pressure of a must-win big scenario, the tactical battle between Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and Pakistan’s need for explosive aggression will likely define the Powerplay overs.

D-Day - Hello and welcome one and all to our coverage of the Super 8 clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which stands as a high-stakes crossroads for Group 2. While the co-hosts, Sri Lanka, have mathematically been eliminated following tough losses to England and New Zealand, they remain a dangerous spoiler on their home turf. For Pakistan, however, the mission is singular and surgical as they must secure a massive victory to leapfrog New Zealand on Net Run Rate. Following England’s victory over the Kiwis, the door has swung open for Salman Ali Agha’s men, but only if they can dismantle the Lions by a margin of roughly 65 runs or chase a target in about 13 overs.

... MATCH DAY ...

Staying alive - Thanks to England, Pakistan have got a small but a lifeline nevertheless to try and rekindle their campaign. The margins needed for victory seem big, 65 runs or more defending or 12.4 overs or less chasing, but something is definitely better than nothing. They have got the hosts as their opponents, who are still trying to get over another disappointment at T20 World Cups. It is match number 50 of the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, with Group 2 staging its last match of the tournament as Sri Lanka clash with Pakistan in Pallekele. It is still hurting - Probably this is what every Sri Lankan would be opining at the moment. In 10 editions of the T20 World Cup including this one, they have managed to reach the semifinals only 4 times. And those 4 were in the first 5 editions. So to not even reach one in the last 5 versions would be hurting very much and in fact, the last time they reached the semi of any white-ball edition of an ICC tournament was that 2014 T20 World Cup where they ended up winning the tournament. Now, speak about it, keep mum but you cannot ignore the fact that since the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene retired from the sport, which was in 2015, the Lankans have just not come even remotely close to grabbing the silverware. The comments are seemingly scathing, with the legends crying out that the Lankans are making the same mistakes again and again, but let's be honest - when was the last time we could confidently say that THIS Lankan side can go all the way? Not many would disagree if we say 2014 - not even the 2015 ODI World Cup when both Sanga and Mahela were playing. Eye for the future? Don't think so. At this point in time, Sri Lanka have just no answer to the question of failing to reach the semis consistently, other than lack of quality in their squad. Sticking to T20Is alone, in the last 12 months, the Lankans have won only 5 matches at home in 14 opportunities, with three of those coming against Oman, Ireland and Bangladesh, with due respect to those three nations. But those three are ranked below the Lankans as per the ICC rankings, while the other two have been against Pakistan and Australia. Of course, the victory over the Aussies was terrific, but the lack of consistency is hurting them. In these last 12 months, only once have the Islanders managed to string wins in succession - three against Ireland, Oman and Australia. However, they have managed to lose three matches in a row three times now and would be desperate to end their campaign on a high note. Don't think that selection calls have been the issue - lack of futuristic options does seem a massive issue, especially if you cannot win consistently at home. The ailment - That's what Sri Lanka are yet to decipher. What is the reason for their prolonged failure? Batting? Maybe. But don't they have enough batters to combat alien bowlers in their own conditions? What about bowling then? Maybe again. Again, alien batters have played the Lankan bowlers much better than the Lankan batters against overseas bowlers. So what's the problem then? A combination of both. The Lankans have got some decent names in their batting lineup - Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka. Now, that's actually a good list. But barring Nissanka, has anyone else shown any sort of consistency? The bowling does present an issue. Wanindu Hasaranga's absence has left a big void in their spin bowling department as Maheesh Theekshana is not striking as consistently as he would have liked. In the pace department, on paper, Matheesha Pathirana is being missed, but in reality, only Dushmantha Chameera has shown any sort of consistency. To understand the difference, let's consider a few numbers. In the last 12 months, the leading run getter for Sri Lanka in T20Is has been Pathum - 911 runs, while the second best, Kusal Mendis, is at a distant 702. Likewise, Chameera has picked up 37 wickets in the last 12 months - the most by any Sri Lankan in this format. The next best is Theekshana, way behind at 24. For now, the Islanders seem to have better batting resources than their bowling. If they can at least find consistency in that one department, maybe, the bowling will develop on its own, with some cushion behind its back. One match is not going to lay the pathway for the Lankan future - but it can at least be some kind of a start, ahead of the next World Cup. From dominance to desperation - Coming into this tournament, Pakistan had lost only one T20I tournament out of 7 since July 2025. To give you a number, in their last 34 completed T20Is, they have won 24 and lost just 10. Such good is their record that in this span, they have suffered consecutive losses only once. Talking about this tournament, it has not been that bad either for the Team In Green - 3 wins and 2 losses in 5 completed outings. However, such is the nature of this T20 World Cup, that one bad loss or an incomplete game can hurt you big time. The first encounter of the Super Eights - between New Zealand and Pakistan - was washed out and with only 3 matches in the Super 8 stage per team, it meant that both, the Kiwis and Pakistan needed to win both their remaining matches to stay in contention for the semis. And hence, Pakistan's loss to England compounded their problems. They should have probably won the match given their spin strength, but they could not quite counter Harry Brook who stood like the Great Wall Of Gibraltar. Been okay - That's how Pakistan would rate their current World Cup campaign. In 5 batting instances, they have crossed the 160-mark 3 times, which is pretty decent given their batting woes. And the fact that Sahibzada Farhan's 283 runs are 172 more than their next best, Shadab Khan, shows how crucial he has been at the top. Coming to their bowling, they have bowled out oppositions twice in 5 chances, but those have been Netherlands and Namibia, with due respect. Their bowlers have picked up 41 wickets as a unit, which is the 6th best in this competition so far. So it is not like they can be blamed for one department's failure or the other and one bad match does not make them a bad team. But unfortunately for Pakistan, it does seem like because of one bad match against England, which was not even that bad, they are standing at this stage, because of the nature of the competition. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - Sri Lanka - LLLWW | Pakistan - LWLWW. In Sri Lanka, the Islanders have suffered more defeats than earned victories, winning just 3 out of 8 encounters against Pakistan. However, their last meeting was in Dambulla, wherein the Lankans emerged victorious by 14 runs, defending a so-called modest 160. Mendis doubtful? News filtering from the Lankan camp is that Kusal Mendis suffered some stiffness in his hamstring in Sri Lanka's last match against New Zealand. Given that there is not much riding on this match for the hosts, he might be given a break. Pinch hitters needed? The equation will get clearer after the end of the first innings, but Pakistan have a rough target before the match begins. As per the statisticians of the host broadcaster, if Pakistan bat first, they need to win by a margin of AT LEAST 65 RUNS. If they are chasing, they need to win in AT THE MOST 12.4 OVERS. So this does imply that the batting needs a bit of a boost. Khawaja Nafay might get a look in because of that reason alone. Dry pitch on offer? Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka must still be fuming with the pitches offered in this tournament. Prior to the World Cup, Shanaka was very critical of the pitches offered by the Lankan curators, calling them too slow and having too much turn for a T20 match. After their recent loss to New Zealand, the skipper has had another go at the curators, for the same reason. Kandy though, might offer a bit of assistance for the seamers with swing on offer. The strip which hosted the thrilling Pakistan-England clash will come into picture again, and possibly, that one reason might produce a slightly slower deck on offer.