T20 World Cup 2026: SL vs PAK Today's Match Prediction, Super 8, Group 2 — Who will win today’s match?
Who will win today’s match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Super 8, Group 2? (Source: X/@ICC)
Published - 27 Feb 2026, 08:01 PM• Read time - 12 mins
Match Preview
Sri Lanka (SL) and Pakistan (PAK) clash in their last Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday, February 28.
The home team has had a terrible last few games beginning with a shocking defeat against Zimbabwe in their last league match and numbing ones against England and New Zealand in the Super Eights which have eliminated them already. The players have received brickbats from the local fans for their confounding performances and the morale of the team is at a low at the moment. But, the team would love to bow out of the tournament on a high and give their fans something to cheer about.
Pakistan, meanwhile, had their first game washed out against New Zealand and suffered a close defeat to England in their next match in Kandy. Their hopes hinged on the fate of the Kiwis when they faced England on Friday night as a win for the BlackCaps would have meant curtains for the Men in Green, but the Englishmen defeated the New Zealanders in a dramatic finish to keep Pakistan's chances alive.
The equation for Pakistan is simple - win the match by 64 runs or more, or chase down their target in 13.1 overs or less. Therefore, this match has gained immense importance for the Pakistani and New Zealand fans thanks to England's victory. As for team news, Pakistan might go in with the same XI while Sri Lanka would, perhaps, look to give their other squad members a chance.
SL vs PAK Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Group | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Saturday, February 28 | Match No. 50, Sri Lanka vs Pakistan | Super Eights, Group 2 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 7 PM |
Venue Statistics (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 35 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 17 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 15 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 144 |
| Highest Total Recorded |
263/3 (20) AUS vs SL
|
| Lowest Total Recorded |
88/10 (16) NZ vs SL
|
| Highest Score Chased |
184/2 (18) SL vs AUS
|
| Lowest Score Defended |
133/10 (16.2) SL vs ENG
|
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Moderate to High | Moderate | High |
| Bounce | Decent | Satisfactory | Variable |
| Movement | Moderate | Minimal swing | Incremental turn |
| Best Phase | Middle to death overs | Early and death overs | Almost throughout |
SL vs PAK Head-to-Head record (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 29 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 12 |
| Pakistan Wins | 17 |
| No Results | 00 |
SL vs PAK Playing 11 Prediction
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis/Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (C), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka/Pramod Madushan
Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq
SL vs PAK: Players to watch out for
Sahibzada Farhan (PAK):
Farhan is the highest run-scorer of the tournament right now with 283 runs from five innings. The right-hander has two fifties and a century to his name and has been scoring runs consistently. In the previous match against England, the Pakistani opener put on crucial 63 runs off 45 balls to give his team a good chance. Importantly, this match is going to be held at the same venue and one can back Farhan to come good again.
Maheesh Theekshana (SL):
Theekshana is the joint third-highest wicket-taker with 11 scalps to his name from six innings. Apart from the Zimbabwe game, the off spinner has been able to pick at least a wicket in each match. The 25-year-old is coming off a good game against New Zealand in which he bagged three crucial wickets to leave the Kiwis in disarray. Although the Pallekele wicket is not as conducive to spin as the Premadasa one, Theekshana can still be expected to produce an impactful performance to help end his team's tournament on a high.
Today's Match Prediction: Pakistan to win
