T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 50, PAK vs SL – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Pakistan and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in what could be a key game for Salman Ali Agha’s men in the Super 8 stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup. While Sri Lanka have already been eliminated, Pakistan need England to beat New Zealand on Thursday to stay in contention for a spot in the semifinal. If Harry Brook’s men get the better of New Zealand, the Men in Green can go through if they beat Sri Lanka and get their net run rate above that of the Kiwis.

Here are the top-3 player battles in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, match 50

3. Babar Azam vs Dushmantha Chameera

Babar Azam hasn’t been in great nick, but if Pakistan are still in with a chance to reach the semifinals during the game, his experience will come in handy. Dushmantha Chameera has bowled with steam during the tournament, and his battle with Babar can be intriguing.

Babar has scored 91 runs from four innings at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.35 so far in the tournament. On the other hand, Chameera has accounted for nine wickets in five games at an average of 16.89.

2. Pathum Nissanka vs Shaheen Afridi

Pathum Nissanka registered a golden duck in the last game, but he is Sri Lanka’s leading run-getter in the tournament. He has amassed 208 runs in six innings at an average of 41.60 and a strike rate of 152.95. The right-handed batter has notched up one fifty and one century.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi wasn’t having a memorable campaign till he bagged a four-for in the last game against England. The Pakistan speedster accounted for the wickets of England’s top four batters. He will look to make early inroads for Pakistan, and Nissanka’s wicket could be huge in the contest.

1. Sahibzada Farhan vs Maheesh Theekshana

Sahibzada Farhan is the leading run-scorer so far in the tournament. The Pakistan opener has amassed 283 runs in five innings at an average of 70.75 and a strike rate of 158.11. Farhan has two fifties and one century in the campaign.

Meanwhile, Maheesh Theekshana has been the standout bowler for the Lankan Lions. He could be seen bowling with the new ball. The mystery spinner would want to target Farhan’s stumps and get him back in the hut before he settles down at the crease.

Babar has scored 91 runs from four innings at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.35 so far in the tournament. On the other hand, Chameera has accounted for nine wickets in five games at an average of 16.89.