Pakistan secured a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka in Pallekele, but the result was insufficient to keep their semi-final hopes alive at the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a record-breaking opening partnership, dominating Sri Lanka’s bowling and helping Pakistan post a challenging total of 212 for eight wickets.
Despite the strong total, Pakistan’s net run rate remained lower than New Zealand’s, ensuring the Kiwis progressed to the semi-finals while Pakistan exited the tournament at the Super Eight stage.
Record Partnership Sets Up Pakistan’s Total
Farhan and Fakhar added 176 runs for the first wicket, surpassing Pakistan’s previous highest T20 World Cup opening stand of 152 runs against India in 2021.
Farhan brought up his second tournament century, breaking Virat Kohli’s previous record of 319 runs for a single edition, while Fakhar maintained a high strike rate to accelerate the innings.
Chameera eventually ended the partnership by bowling Fakhar for 82 runs, but the early dominance ensured Pakistan had a total that could pressure Sri Lanka throughout their innings.
Abrar, Nawaz Provide Key Wickets
Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets in his four-over spell, dismissing Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis to keep Pakistan in control of the match’s early momentum.
Mohammad Nawaz added crucial support by removing Janith Liyanage cheaply, preventing Sri Lanka from building partnerships and keeping Pakistan well-positioned as Sri Lanka approached the final overs of the innings.
Naseem Shah struck early to send Pathum Nissanka back to the pavilion, demonstrating effective pace variations that troubled the Sri Lankan batters throughout the innings.
Shanaka Nearly Stages Dramatic Chase
Dasun Shanaka shifted gears in the final over, hitting three consecutive sixes and reducing the target to six runs from two balls, creating tension for Pakistan’s bowlers.
With six runs required off the last delivery, Shanaka left Afridi’s full and wide ball, which was not called a wide, resulting in Pakistan’s narrow five-run victory.
Rathnayake contributed 58 runs, but his dismissal alongside Shanaka’s inability to convert opportunities confirmed Sri Lanka fell short despite a valiant late fightback.
New Zealand Progress to Semi-Finals
Pakistan’s narrow win was a consolation, as New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals due to their superior net run rate, leaving Pakistan eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka, already eliminated before the match, fought hard to chase 213, but the efforts of Shanaka and Rathnayake were insufficient to alter the tournament’s standings.
