PALLEKELE — Pakistan face a must-win T20 World Cup clash against Sri Lanka today as they look to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the Super Eight stage. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm Pakistan time.

Pakistan currently have one point in Group 2 with a net run rate of -0.461. After England’s win over New Zealand, Pakistan remain mathematically in contention, but their qualification depends on both victory and a significant improvement in net run rate.

To move ahead of New Zealand, Pakistan would need to beat Sri Lanka by more than 65 runs if batting first. If chasing, they would have to reach the target in approximately 13 overs, depending on the first-innings total.

Read: England beat New Zealand in Colombo to keep Pakistan’s T20 World Cup hopes alive

Qualification scenario

Pakistan have yet to register a win of that margin in the tournament. Their batting line-up has struggled to accelerate during the middle overs, and the team has not produced a dominant finish so far in the Super Eight stage.

A comprehensive performance in all departments will be required to meet the qualification threshold.

Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, have already been eliminated after defeats to England and New Zealand. They will be playing their final Super Eight match without the possibility of progressing to the semi-finals.

If Pakistan secure a large-margin victory, they could advance based on net run rate calculations. A narrow win or defeat would end their campaign.