Babar Azam dropped, Abrar Ahmed back? Pakistan’s likely playing XI for must-win Sri Lanka T20 World Cup clash

Pakistan are in a do-or-die situation as they take on co-hosts Sri Lanka in the final Group 2 Super 8 match of the 2026 T20 World Cup taking place at the Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele. Salman Ali Agha’s men have to win this contest by a big margin to avoid crashing out of the tournament.

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Pakistan have been ordinary so far in this tournament against top teams even though they have dominated some smaller sides. Pakistan were outplayed by India in the group stage and had a tough time against Netherlands before eking out a victory. They then defeated the United States and Namibia in emphatic fashion to qualify for the Super 8s.

Their first match of the Super 8s against New Zealand was washed out and they could not contain Harry Brook in the next clash to lose to England. With only one point in two Super 8 matches, Pakistan now face an imminent exit with a need for a victory of over 60-plus runs or with around seven overs in hand.

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For this big game against an already eliminated Sri Lanka, Pakistan cannot make tactical errors which they have consistently made in their previous matches. Here we take a look at how Pakistan is likely to shape up for the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka.

Can Pakistan keep Babar Azam in the side?

Pakistan need to beat Sri Lanka with around seven overs left in their kitty. For this they will have to bat out of their skins. Most Pakistani batters like to take their time on the crease before blasting boundaries. Babar Azam is among the most extreme of such batters in the Pakistani line-up. If Pakistan want to bat with a big run rate, they cannot afford Babar to bat the way he does.

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That should mean that Pakistan will have to finally drop Babar. He can be replaced by either the all-rounder Faheem Ashraf or the young batter Khawaja Nafay.

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Abrar Ahmed to return?

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed had a poor outing against India and since then, he has not been included in the Pakistan Playing XI. Abrar was in good form coming into the tournament and his persistent exclusion has raised eyebrows.

Pakistan have to take quick wickets against Sri Lanka and for that they will need wicket-takers. This is where Abrar could get the nod. His and Usman Tariq’s four overs each could be a game-changer for Pakistan.

Pakistan likely Playing XI vs Sri Lanka

Pakistan predicted playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq