Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 runs in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight Group 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, on Saturday 28 February 2026, with play starting at 19:00 SL (UTC+5:30). Pallekele International Cricket Stadium holds 35,000 spectators in the hill city of Kandy.

Pakistan’s 5-run win over Sri Lanka on home turf was a tightly contested match that carried high stakes for both teams. Sri Lanka, already under pressure after earlier Super Eight defeats, needed this win to keep any semifinal hope alive. Pakistan, recovering from their own defeat to England, were equally desperate for points. The 5-run margin reflected the intensity of a match where neither side gave ground willingly.

The Pakistan-Sri Lanka rivalry in South Asian cricket has produced some of the format’s most dramatic matches. With both sides fielding experienced T20 players and performing in front of a crowd with allegiance divided, the atmosphere at Pallekele was charged throughout 40 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers defended their total with skill and composure when Sri Lanka’s lower order threatened to pull off a chase.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located approximately 7 kilometres from Kandy’s city centre and is surrounded by the lush hills that define Sri Lanka’s interior. With a capacity of 35,000, the venue provides one of cricket’s most scenic backdrops. Its pitch surfaces have historically assisted spin, which becomes a key tactical factor in close matches played under lights.

Timezone conversions for the 19:00 SL (UTC+5:30) start: 13:30 GMT for viewers in the United Kingdom, 08:30 EST for the US East Coast, 00:30 AEDT (next day) for viewers in Sydney, and 19:00 IST for fans across India. Fans in Pakistan watched from 19:30 PKT (UTC+5). Check Kandy time and Sri Lanka time for exact local conversions.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the 10th edition, was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams in 55 matches from 7 February to 8 March 2026. Pakistan did not advance to the semifinal. India won the tournament, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.

For timezone conversions, check Kandy time, Pakistan time, and Sri Lanka time.