T20 World Cup 2026: 3 Pakistan players to watch for in PAK vs SL

Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka in match No. 50 of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28.

Sri Lanka have already been eliminated after losing their first two Super 8 games to England and New Zealand. On the other hand, Pakistan are hanging by a thread and will need to beat Sri Lanka comprehensively and get their net run rate above that of Mitchell Santner and Co.

Here are three Pakistan players to watch out for in Match No.50 of the T20 World Cup 2026:

3. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi did not have a memorable time in the tournament, as he picked up just three wickets from the first three games he played. However, he bounced back to form in the last game against England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, as he bagged a four-for.  The left-arm seamer dismissed the top four batters in England’s line-up.

Shaheen will have a crucial role to play with the new ball. The experienced campaigner would want to pick up wickets with the new ball and send the cat among the pigeons in the Sri Lankan dressing room.

2. Usman Tariq

Usman Tariq has been one of the finds of the tournament. For someone who just played three international matches before the T20 World Cup, Tariq’s performances have been mighty impressive. The mystery spinner has accounted for 10 wickets in four matches at an average of 9.80 and an economy rate of 6.32.

The 28-year-old will look to spin a web around the Sri Lankan batters during the middle overs. Tariq has the ability to take wickets in clusters and would hold the edge against an underperforming Sri Lankan batting line-up.

1. Sahibzada Farhan

Sahibzada Farhan is the leading run-getter in the tournament so far. In five innings, he has amassed 283 runs at an average of 70.75 and a strike rate of 158.11. He has hit 28 fours and one six, registering two fifties and a solitary ton. Farhan’s intent has always been excellent in the power play and he has set to platform for the batters to follow.

Farhan would want to give himself some time at the crease before looking to go for the big shots. If he gets going, it will stand the Men in Green in strong stead.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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