In a must-win situation, Pakistan has taken a massive decision by putting Babar Azam in their playing XI. On Saturday (February 28), Pakistan lock horns with Sri Lanka. For Sri Lanka, it is a prestige fight, but for Pakistan, the clash is shaped to test their mettle. 

For a must-win match, it was expected to see a star-studded Playing eleven under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha. In reality, they formed their team without Babar Azam and all-rounder Saim Ayub. 

Why did the Pakistan team management exclude Babar, the leading run scorer in the T20I format? It is believed that, because of his low strike rate, the management decided to put him on the sidelines. On a previous occasion of the T20 World Cup 2026, the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Mike Hesson, strongly criticized the star batter for his tendency to rotate the run wheel at a slow pace, which is not suitable for the format. 

Read More: Salman Ali Agha to be removed as Pakistan Captain after T20 World Cup 2026? Big reason revealed

In today’s match, Pakistan went to bat first after losing the toss to Sri Lanka. It will be interesting to see how the team performs without the star batter. To earn a win against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Agha and his team will try to score as many runs as possible.  

Breaking!
Babar Azam has been dropped for Pakistan's Super Eight game against Sri Lanka. For the first time after 145 matches, the former Pakistan skipper has been left out of the playing XI. Pakistan to include Naseem Shah against SL. #T20WorldCup@shamik100

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) February 28, 2026

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