Pakistan hunt elusive higher gear in semi-finals bid

Co-hosts Sri Lanka return to Pallekele with their World Cup already over. Pakistan 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 pride, and the other in search of an elusive higher gear.

Pakistan's qualification scenario: If they bat first, they need to win by a margin of 64 runs or more should they score 160. If chasing 161, they need to win with 40 or more deliveries to spare.

Conditions in Pallekele are expected to keep spin firmly in the conversation. The ground has produced the second-highest average turn for spinners in the tournament. That dynamic places renewed focus on two batting groups that have not always been fluent against slower bowling.

Pakistan's tournament has drifted in patches. A washout to begin the Super Eights left them chasing ground, and their batting has struggled for collective returns. Sahibzada Farhan has provided momentum at the top, but the rest of the order must step up considerably.

Sri Lanka's campaign never found lift, particularly with the bat. Over-dependence on Pathum Nissanka for runs, lack of firepower from Kusal Mendis, and a wobbly middle order have driven their slide, with the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga and Matheesha Pathirana also felt.

When: Saturday, February 28, 7:00 PM Local Time
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
What to expect: Surfaces have consistently offered grip for slower bowlers. Spin is expected to play a major role. Run-scoring tends to slow through the middle overs.
Head to head: Pakistan lead 17-12 in T20Is against Sri Lanka.

Team News:

• Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, struggling with a hamstring, is set to miss the match. Kamil Mishara is likely to replace him.
  • 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, 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

Key Stats:

• Sri Lanka have a strike rate of 112.97 against spin since the 2024 T20 World Cup, the lowest among full-member teams. Pakistan's SR of 123.08 is the fourth lowest.
• Nine players have a strike rate below 125 against spin in this period (min. 250 balls). Four are from Pakistan (Usman Khan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Fakhar Zaman) and two from Sri Lanka (Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka).

Quotes:

"I think fitness should be number one when playing for a country. Because that's unnegotiable… everyone knows how good Wanindu Hasaranga is and he is a key player, and also the importance of Matheesha Pathirana… When we don't have these players (it's a setback)." – Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka captain.

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