Sri Lanka vs Pakistan becomes a Super 8 thriller with semi final qualification, net run rate drama, and national pride hanging in the balance at the Twenty20 World Cup.
Tonight at 7 pm in Pallekele, hosts Sri Lanka lock horns with Pakistan in what promises to be the most decisive Super 8 clash of the Twenty20 World Cup. With New Zealand’s defeat to England reshaping Group 2, this encounter will determine which team keeps its semi final hopes alive.
While Sri Lanka are playing for pride after falling out of contention, the outcome directly impacts Pakistan and New Zealand. At present, New Zealand sit second in the points table and remain within touching distance of qualification. However, Pakistan still have a mathematical pathway through net run rate calculations.
If Pakistan bat first, they must secure a commanding victory of at least 64 runs over Sri Lanka to leapfrog New Zealand in the standings. If Sri Lanka bat first, Pakistan will need to chase down the target inside 13.1 overs to meet the required net run rate margin. The margin for error is razor thin, making every over and every run critical in this high pressure T20 showdown.
A Pakistan victory could also ensure that a semi final is staged in Sri Lanka, adding further significance to tonight’s contest. Otherwise, this match may mark the final World Cup fixture on Sri Lankan soil.
Historically, the Sri Lanka Pakistan T20 rivalry spans 19 years and 29 matches. Pakistan lead overall with 17 wins to Sri Lanka’s 12. In Sri Lanka, Pakistan have dominated, winning five of eight encounters. Yet in T20 World Cup meetings, the sides are evenly matched at two wins each. They last met in a World Cup in 2012, also in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka may make one change, with injured Kusal Mendis likely replaced by wicketkeeper Kamil Mishara.
