Kandy, February 28, 2026 — Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreak on Saturday, as a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka was not enough to secure a semi-final berth due to an inferior net run rate.
Powered by a record-breaking opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan posted a massive 212/8 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. However, they needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below to qualify for the knockouts. Despite a spirited bowling effort and a tense finish, Sri Lanka reached 207/6, falling just short of the target but eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
As a result, New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals on superior net run rate, joining England and South Africa. The final semi-final spot will be decided after Sunday’s Super Eight clash between India and West Indies.
Explosive Opening Stand Lifts Pakistan to 212
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka opted to field first. Pakistan, under pressure to score big, made a bold call by dropping former captain Babar Azam, citing concerns over his strike rate in the shortest format.
The new opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan responded in emphatic fashion, producing one of the greatest opening stands in T20 World Cup history. The duo added a stunning 176 runs, the highest partnership for any wicket in the tournament’s history.
Pakistan raced through the milestones — 64 in the powerplay, 100 inside 10 overs, 150 in 14 overs, and 200 in the 19th — on a batting-friendly surface.
Farhan played a memorable knock of 100 off 60 balls, becoming the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of a T20 World Cup. He also broke the long-standing record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs, surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous tally of 319.
Zaman matched Farhan’s aggression with a blistering 84, featuring nine fours and four sixes. However, once Zaman fell, Pakistan suffered a dramatic collapse, losing eight wickets for just 34 runs in the final overs. Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera spearheaded the Sri Lankan bowling comeback, restricting Pakistan to 212/8 instead of a potentially larger total.
Sri Lanka’s Brave Chase Falls Just Short
Defending a high target, Pakistan made early inroads as Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed struck in the powerplay to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 49/2.
Abrar produced a match-defining spell, dismantling Sri Lanka’s middle order with figures of 3/23, including the key wickets of Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis. At 101/5, Sri Lanka appeared well behind the required rate.
However, a dramatic revival unfolded through a 61-run partnership between captain Dasun Shanaka and Pavan Rathnayake. Rathnayake’s explosive 58 reignited hope, while Shanaka’s breathtaking unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls nearly pulled off a miracle.
In a thrilling final over, Shanaka smashed three consecutive sixes off Shaheen Afridi, bringing the equation down to six runs off the final two balls. Despite the valiant effort, Sri Lanka could not cross the line, finishing at 207/6.
Pakistan’s Tournament Ends in Heartbreak
Although Pakistan secured a memorable victory, the narrow margin proved costly. Their net run rate remained below New Zealand’s, sealing their exit from the T20 World Cup 2026.
It was a dramatic and emotional end to Pakistan’s campaign — a night of records, thrilling cricket, and ultimate disappointment for the Men in Green and their fans worldwide.