Pakistan seek massive win vs Sri Lanka to keep semis hopes alive

Fast bowler Salman Mirza vowed on Friday that Pakistan will finish the Super Eights with a flourish against already-eliminated Sri Lanka, whether or not they still have hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

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Pakistan need to post a big victory Sri Lanka on Saturday to sneak into the final four on net run rate.

"It's a critical situation as reaching the semifinal is not in our control," Mirza told reporters

"But if we reach the semifinal we have the capability to do better," Mirza said.

Pakistan's campaign started on a nervy note with a three-wicket win in a thrilling last-over finish against the Netherlands before overcoming the United States and Namibia.

In between they lost heavily to India in a highly anticipated clash in Colombo.

Pakistan's first Super Eight match against New Zealand was washed out in Colombo before they lost to England and Harry Brook's sparkling century in Kandy on Tuesday.

"We needed to win the match against England and that defeat has given us this position," said Mirza.

After Brook was dismissed near the end of England's run chase, Pakistan hit back with two wickets in the penultimate over.