Pakistan hunt elusive higher gear in semi-finals bid

Co-hosts Sri Lanka return to Pallekele with their World Cup already over. Pakistan, who have been in Pallekele for a while, remain alive thanks to England's win over New Zealand and now need a clinical win to secure progression. The contest on Saturday is between two struggling batting sides: one keen to salvage some pride and perhaps search for direction going forward, and the other in search of an elusive higher gear.

So how can Pakistan qualify for the semi-finals? If they bat first, they need to win by a margin of 64 runs or more should they score 160. If they are in pursuit of 161, they need to get those runs with 40 or more deliveries to spare. It is not that the feat is unachievable - Pakistan have recorded a 102-run win in this competition - but that came against Namibia, and the stage now is much bigger.

Meanwhile, conditions in Pallekele are expected to keep spin firmly in the conversation. Among the eight venues used in the competition, the ground has produced the second-highest average turn for spinners, along with the best average and strike rate. That dynamic places renewed focus on two batting groups that have not always been fluent against slower bowling in recent times.

Pakistan's tournament has drifted in patches rather than collapsed outright. A washout to begin the Super Eights left them chasing ground, and their batting has struggled to string together collective returns. Sahibzada Farhan has provided much of the momentum at the top, but the rest of the batting order has struggled for runs and will have to step up considerably, especially with their semi-final equation hinging on both margin and tempo.

Sri Lanka have also had familiar issues of their own. Their campaign never quite found lift, particularly with the bat, and the exit from the competition only confirmed a slide that had been threatening for a while. The over-dependence on Pathum Nissanka for runs, the lack of firepower from Kusal Mendis, and a wobbly middle order have combined to drive that slide, with the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana also felt. Sri Lanka have still been good with the ball at different stages in the Super Eights without quite driving home the advantage, but their batting has consistently left them short of control in games. A more collective performance will be high on their agenda as they look to offer some respite to a disappointed fan base.

When: Match 50, Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 PM Local Time

Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

What to expect: The surfaces here have consistently offered grip for slower bowlers, and spin is expected to play a major role again. Run-scoring has tended to slow through the middle overs, making partnerships and phase management critical.

Head to head: Pakistan lead 17-12 in T20Is against Sri Lanka and hold a 4-2 advantage in matches played since 2025.

Team news:

Sri Lanka

Kusal Mendis, who was struggling with his hamstring in the match against New Zealand, is set to miss the match against Pakistan. Kamil Mishara, who is a wicketkeeping option for Sri Lanka, is likely to replace Mendis.

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

Pakistan

Naseem Shah, who is yet to get a game, could come in for Mohammad Nawaz. Alternatively, Abrar Ahmed could be brought in.

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

Did you know?

- Sri Lanka have a strike rate of 112.97 against spin post the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, the lowest among full-member teams in this period. Pakistan's SR of 123.08 is the fourth lowest.

- Nine players have an SR below 125 in the aforementioned period (Min. 250 balls faced). Four of them are from Pakistan (Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha and Fakhar Zaman) and two are from Sri Lanka (Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka).

What they said:

"I think fitness should be number one when playing for a country. Because that's unnegotiable. If we look at the injuries, it's very hard to get the outcome we are thinking of. Because everyone knows how good Wanindu Hasaranga (is) and he is a key player, and also the importance of Matheesha Pathirana and then Eshan Malinga. When we don't have these players (it's a setback), I'm not saying that it's an excuse" - Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka captain.

"As a player you always want to do well and you always evaluate yourself whether you are doing well or not. As a player, we try to give our best for the team and we try to do that. But whether it happens or not, that's not in our control" - Salman Mirza, Pakistan pacer.