To win big, Pakistan dropped Babar Azam, Saim Ayub also out

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 3, 2026

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are clashing today in the Super-8 round of ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Both the teams are facing each other at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and invited Pakistan to bat first. Everything for the Pakistan team is at stake in this match. It will have to defeat Sri Lanka by at least 64 runs to reach the semi-finals. For this, the team captained by Salman Ali Aga will have to score a big score.

Pakistan has dropped Babar Azam, who is struggling with poor form. Apart from this, Saim Ayub has also been shown the way out. Khwaja Nafe has entered in place of Babar. Due to Saim’s absence, Fakhar Zaman will open. Salman Mirza has been replaced by Naseem Shah. Naseem is playing for the first time in this T20 World Cup. Abrar Ahmed has returned to the playing XI.

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Two changes in Sri Lankan team also

The co-host Sri Lankan team of the tournament is out. Now she will come out to play only for respect. The Sri Lankan team has made two changes in its playing XI. Kamil Mishara has got a chance in place of injured Kusal Mendis. Dushan Hemanta has been excluded and Janit Liyange has been included.

New Zealand also has its eyes fixed on this match to be played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. If Pakistan does not win by 64 runs then the Kiwi team will reach the semi-finals. Along with this, the second semi-final will not be held in Sri Lanka but in India.

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Playing XI of both the teams:

Sri Lanka – Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Ratnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janit Liyanage, Dunith Vellallage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.

Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Aga (captain), Khawaja Nafe, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.