Pallekele, Feb 28 (UNI) Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in a high-scoring Super 8 Group 2 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium here today, but the victory was not enough to keep their semifinal hopes alive as New Zealand progressed to the last four.
Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to qualify for the semifinals on net run rate calculations. However, once Sri Lanka crossed the 147-run mark during their chase, Pakistan were officially knocked out of the tournament despite eventually winning the match.
Asked to bat after Sri Lanka won the toss, Pakistan piled up 212 for 8 in their 20 overs, riding on a blazing century from Sahibzada Farhan and a blistering knock by Fakhar Zaman.
Farhan struck 100 off 60 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes, while Fakhar hammered 84 off 42 deliveries with nine boundaries and four sixes. The pair put on a dominant 176-run opening partnership, laying a strong foundation for a massive total.
Sri Lanka pulled things back at the death, with Dilshan Madushanka claiming 3 for 33 and skipper Dasun Shanaka picking up 2 for 42, as Pakistan lost wickets in a late cluster.
In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard before finishing at 207 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Pavan Rathnayake scored a steady 58 off 37 balls after early wickets fell, while Shanaka produced a stunning unbeaten 76 off just 31 deliveries, smashing two fours and eight sixes to keep the contest alive till the final over.
Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 3 for 23 in four overs. Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi took a wicket each, while Mohammad Nawaz also chipped in.
Although Pakistan clinched a narrow five-run win, Sri Lanka’s passage beyond 147 runs sealed their fate in the tournament, as New Zealand advanced to the semifinals from the group.
