Sri Lanka Cricket Team. Image Credits: AFP
Once touted as one of the favourites, Sri Lanka suffered their third consecutive defeat when New Zealand knocked them out of the tournament. Now, the Dasun Shanaka-led side will play their final match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, against Pakistan on Saturday evening.
In their previous match, against the Blackcaps, Sri Lanka’s batting failed to leave a mark, and neither did the death bowlers stand up to the expectation. Ahead of this signing-off clash, the Islanders will look end the tournament with a perfect game. Meanwhile, it will also be a must-win game for Pakistan.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan- T20 World Cup 2026
Top Order Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka
Pathum Nissanka has had a brilliant tournament, but the Sri Lankan opener failed to deliver in the Super 8 clashes against England and Sri Lanka. Nissanka was once in line to end the tournament as the leading run-getter, but now he has fallen way behind in the race. The stylish batter will be eager to sign off the T20 World Cup 2026 on a high.
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One notable change in Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan will be Kusal Perera's entry. The experienced batter has just had two games in this T20 World Cup, and he played a fiery knock of 22 (in 14 balls) against Zimbabwe. With Kusal Mendis failing in recent games, Perera might get a place for himself as an opener.
Charith Asalanka, who added in Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan in the previous game, could get another go despite a poor show against New Zealand a couple of moons ago.
Middle-Order and All-Rounders: Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage
There can be a toss between Pavan Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis in Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan, but with the promise Rathnayake has shown, he will get another chance. The 23-year-old has had two off days in Super 8s, but he would love a bowling attack like Pakistan's.
Sri Lanka's spinning all-rounders, Kamindu Mendis and Dunith Wellalage, have been doing their jobs both with bat and ball. The pair of Mendis and Wellalage is expected to regain their respective places, as the duo offers balance, as no other all-rounders do.
Dasun Shanaka faced quite a backlash after Sri Lanka's exit from the T20 World Cup. An emotional captain made a request to the government to intervene. Having said that, the Sri Lankan will have to let his bat answer (and his military pace as well). Shanka is going to a solid bloke in Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan.
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Dushmantha Chameera has had an impressive time with the ball in this T20 World Cup 2026. With nine wickets in 5 matches, the right-arm seamer has done it all that was asked of him. If he gets ample support from the other end, he could run through the opposition's entire line-up.
There could be a toss-up between Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan. The former received a lot of bashing from the Kiwis in the previous game, returning with 0/34 in his three overs. This makes a place for Pramod Madushan in Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan.
Despite Wanindu Hasaranga's injury, Sri Lanka haven't felt his absence. Dushan Hemantha has been a near-perfect like-to-like replacement for the leg-spinner, while Maheesh Theekshana has done what Maheesh Theekshana does the best. The duo will definitely be part of the Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
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