T20 World Cup: Pakistan triumph over Sri Lanka but semi-final dreams end
Cricket
Pakistan finish on 212–8, setting Sri Lanka a 213-run target to keep their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive.
KANDY (Dunya News) – Pakistan wrapped up their T20 World Cup campaign with a thrilling five-run win over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, on Saturday.
Despite the victory, the Green Shirts’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals ended after their bowlers could not contain Sri Lanka during a 213-run chase.
.@RealSahibzada is the player of the match for his Sri Lanka #PAKvSL | #T20WorldCup | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/c36gMs79iT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 28, 2026
The dramatic match saw both Pakistan and Sri Lanka produce record-breaking individual performances.
Batting masterclass
Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a sensational century, scoring 100 off 60 deliveries, including nine fours and five sixes. His innings marked the 11th T20I half-century of his career and the most runs scored by any batter in a single ICC Men’s T20 World Cup edition. Farhan also became the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup, rewriting the record books.
STUNNING TON!@RealSahibzada becomes the first batter to score two s in an ICC Men's T20 World Cup edition #PAKvSL | #T20WorldCup | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Imh6mbDsNi
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 28, 2026
Opening alongside Farhan, Fakhar Zaman played a blistering 84 off 42 balls, laced with nine fours and four sixes. The left-hander became Pakistan’s most prolific six-hitter in T20Is and contributed to a staggering 176-run opening partnership – the highest for any wicket in a T20 World Cup match.
A record stand! @FakharZamanLive and @RealSahibzada rewrite the books with the highest partnership for any wicket in a #T20WorldCup match #PAKvSL | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/zXMV7JQjHf
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 28, 2026
Bowling struggles
Pakistan’s bowlers took early wickets but struggled to stem the Sri Lankan momentum. Sri Lanka posted 168 for six in 18 overs, surpassing the decisive 147-run mark. Abrar Ahmed took three key wickets, dismissing Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, and Kamindu Mendis in a four-over spell. Naseem Shah accounted for Pathum Nissanka, while Mohammad Nawaz removed Janith Liyanage.
Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, Dilshan Madushanka, struck crucial blows in the final over, dismissing Farhan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, halting Pakistan’s run flow. Captain Dasun Shanaka also contributed with two wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera and others chipped in to limit Pakistan’s late surge.
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five runs in T20 World Cup, but Farhan and Zaman's record-breaking performances cannot secure semi-final spot.
New Zealand and England, from Pakistan’s group, have progressed to the semi-finals and will face India and West Indies, respectively, in the next stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
