Pakistan were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 despite a narrow five-run win over Sri Lanka in the Super Eight clash in Kandy on Saturday.
A record partnership by Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan powered Pakistan to 212 for 8, but they needed to restrict Sri Lanka for 147 to make the cut. However, the co-hosts scripted a miracle recovery from 94 for 4, taking the contest to a nail-biting finish, before falling agonisingly short at 207 for 6 in 20 overs.
The result means New Zealand qualify through superior net run-rate, and join England and South Africa in the semifinals. The winner of Sunday’s Super Eight clash between India and West Indies will complete the knockouts line-up.
“Was always challenging after losing the toss because of dew. Could’ve been a different story had we won the toss. Dew was a factor. We couldn’t execute plans. Usman had an off-day, it can happen,” said Pakistan skipper Salman Agha.
Going into the key clash, Pakistan decided to drop former captain Babar Azam. Though technically proficient, Azam has come under fire for his slow strike-rate in the shortest format on the game.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to field first. On a day they needed quick runs, Pakistan’s new opening duo of Zaman and Farhan stepped in with intent. Zaman set the ball rolling with a boundary in the cow corner. Not to be outdone, Farhan timed a ball to perfection between cover and point.
It was game on. On a flat track at the Pallekele, Pakistan batters brought the house down with one hit after another. The team breezed past through the check posts, 64 in powerplay, 100 inside 10 overs, 150 in 14 overs, and 200 in the 19th over. They put on an opening stand of 176, the highest for any wicket in T20 World Cups.
Pakistan’s premier batter this World Cup, Farhan also notched a few personal records. Scoring 100 off 60 balls, Farhan became the only batter to hoist two centuries at a single edition of a T20 world event.
During his innings, Farhan also overtook India’s Virat Kohli for most runs in one T20 WC edition. He has accumulated 383 runs so far, beating Kohli’s tally of 319, which he had achieved during World T20 in Bangladesh in 2013-14.
Promoted up the order, Zaman matched his partners shot for shot. He brought up his fifty in 27 balls with a four and is making his presence felt in the tournament. Dushmantha Chameera gave Pakistan the breakthrough, as he castled Zaman, who had slammed nine fours and four sixes in an explosive innings of 84.
Pakistan falter after Zaman’s dimissal
But Pakistan faltered once Zaman was dismissed, losing eight wickets for just 34 runs in less than five overs. Dilshan Madushanka made sure Pakistan did not accelerate towards the end, as he claimed three wickets, including that of Farhan.
“Wanted to do well for the team. Wanted Fakhar to ton up actually. The ton didn’t work for the team, that’s why I’m sad. I have been feeling well, that brings confidence. Knew I could hit whatever was in my arc. All credit goes to domestic cricket, it’s brought out the habit of scoring at pace and scoring big,” said Farhan, who was named Player of the Match.
Defending 147, Pakistan made a decent start as they held Sri Lanka held to 49 for 2 in powerplay. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed marked their return to the playing XI with early wickets.
Pacer Shah provided the breakthrough as he had the in-form Pathum Nissanka mishit a slower ball to extra cover after stepping away and making room.
It was Ahmed who pegged Sri Lanka back with three crucial wickets. He started his spell by castling Kamil Mishara and ended it by getting through the defence of Kamindu Mendis off a ball that stayed low. In between, he also clean bowled the experienced Charith Asalanka and finished with incredible figures of 3 for 23.
Down and out at 101 for 5, Sri Lanka roared back to life with a 59-run partnership between captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake. While it was Rathnayake’s swashbuckling 58, with the help of four fours and three sixes, helped them sink their teeth into the contest, it was Shanaka who took them to the brink of victory. Shanaka failed to get six off the last two balls as Shaheen Afridi held his nerves.
“It was a close game, I could’ve finished it. Well bowled to Shaheen. Been a tough time as captain. Yes, we’re disappointed. I want to say sorry to the fans. Unfortunately, we fell down to injuries. In the future, I hope there are no injuries. Missing two key bowlers in Hasaranga and Pathirana. Hope they’ll return soon and do well for SL cricket. Sometimes, as players, we feel pressure. It was a mistake, I’m sorry to fans for disheartening them. We’re all thankful for all the support. Rathnayake is consistent, uses the crease well. We have Wellalage, they’re growing,” said Shanaka.
Brief scores: Pakistan 212 for eight in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dishan Madushanka 3/33, Dasun Shanaka 2/42) beat Sri Lanka 207 for six in 20 overs (Kamil Mishara 26, Charith Asalanka 25, Pavan Rathnayake 58, Dasun Shanaka 76 not out; Abrar Ahmed 3/23).
