New Delhi: Pakistan will be desperately hoping to stay alive in the T20 World Cup 2026 when they take on Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight clash at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele on Saturday. Despite having managed only one point in their first two matches, Pakistan are still mathematically alive in the tournament, but need a lot to go in their favour against Sri Lanka.
It’s a dead rubber for Sri Lanka as the hosts are already out of the tournament, having lost their first two matches in a row. However, Pakistan have a lot to play for in the must-win encounter. After their washout against New Zealand in their Super Eight opener, Pakistan suffered a 2-wicket defeat against England, which dealt a huge blow to their chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
How Pakistan can qualify for semifinals?
However, England’s 4-wicket win against New Zealand on Friday kept Pakistan alive in the tournament. New Zealand are currently second in Group 2, with a vastly superior net run rate (1.390) compared to Pakistan’s (-0.461). The equation is simple yet tricky for Pakistan. Salman Ali Agha & Co. need to beat Sri Lanka by around 64 runs if batting first or chase down any target in 13.1 overs to ensure they pip the Kiwis on net run rate.
If Pakistan fail to beat Sri Lanka by a margin of 64 or more runs or chase down the target in around 13.1 overs, even a win would not suffice for them to progress to the next round. New Zealand will then become the second team to qualify from Group 2 after England. It is an inconsequential game for Sri Lanka, but the hosts would be hoping to finish on a high at home.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka head to head in T20Is: