Pakistan enter a must-win Super Eight clash against Sri Lanka in Pallekele, requiring a substantial victory margin or a rapid chase to overcome a net run rate deficit and secure semi-final qualification.
The hosts, Sri Lanka, have already been eliminated after defeats in both Super Eight matches against New Zealand and England, leaving Pakistan with a faint but crucial opportunity to advance further.
To progress, Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka by approximately 64 runs or chase any target within 13.1 overs, depending on exceptional performances from both their batters and bowlers throughout the match.
This fixture marks the 31st T20 international meeting between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan winning 17 matches, Sri Lanka 12, and one previous encounter ending in no result.
The weather at Pallekele during the Super Eights clash is expected to remain mostly sunny, providing ideal conditions for uninterrupted play and minimal disruption for both teams.
Temperatures will peak around 31 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon, gradually cooling to 24–25 degrees by late night, ensuring a comfortable environment for players throughout the 20-over contest.
Humidity levels are predicted to remain low, ranging from 27 percent in the afternoon to near zero overnight, reducing the likelihood of fog or heavy dew affecting the game’s pace or strategy.
The chance of rainfall is negligible, with no thunderstorms forecasted, allowing both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to execute their planned strategies without weather-related delays or interruptions during the match.
The pitch at Pallekele, which hosted England and Pakistan earlier, offers noticeable assistance to pacers with early movement while remaining conducive to high-scoring batting once the initial overs are completed.
Slower conditions make stroke play slightly more challenging, requiring Pakistan and Sri Lanka to balance aggression with caution while spinners like Wellalage and Theekshana may gain traction in middle overs.
For Pakistan, Khawaja Nafay could replace Babar Azam if a more attacking top-order approach is necessary, while Naseem Shah may feature over Salman Mirza to add extra pace to the seam attack.
Sri Lanka will make few changes despite losses, with Kamil Mishara returning as wicketkeeper-batter, Dasun Shanaka leading, and spinners Wellalage and Theekshana controlling the middle overs.
