Pakistan national cricket team have left out star batter Babar Azam from the playing eleven for their crucial Super 8 Group 2 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka national cricket team at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The decision comes as Pakistan chase a big win to reach the semi-finals. Led by Salman Agha, the team need to beat Sri Lanka by 64 runs or more to stay in the tournament. The management opted for a more aggressive approach and brought in Khawaja Nafay in place of Babar.
Babar, the leading run-scorer in T20 internationals, has struggled for form in the tournament. He has scored 91 runs in four innings at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34. His highest score in the competition is 46.
The former captain was included in the squad before the World Cup, with the aim of strengthening the middle overs against spin. However, he has not been able to make a major impact.
Pakistan also made other changes to the side. Saim Ayub, who has scored 70 runs in five innings at an average of 14, has been left out. Spinner Abrar Ahmed comes into the team, while fast bowler Naseem Shah replaces left-arm pacer Salman Mirza.
SL vs PAK Playing XIs
Pakistan (Playing XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka