In their must-win match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan opted to drop the underperforming Babar Azam for the clash at Pallekelle on Saturday, February 28. With the odds stacked against them and a tough scenario to reach the semi-finals, the removal of Babar was one of the three changes Pakistan made for the game. Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza also dropped as Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah and Khawaja Nafay returned to the side.
Pakistan need to put in a big performance with the bat to beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs or more to leapfrog New Zealand and book a place in the semi-finals. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first at Pallekele, with dew expected to play a big part in the game.
Sri Lanka made two changes with Kamil Mishara replacing the injured Kusal Mendis. Janith Liyanage has also come into the side to replace Dushmanth Hemanth in the side as the co-hosts look to make a big price signing.
SL vs PAK: Playing XI
Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
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Published on:
28 Feb 2026 18:43 IST
