Fans erupt as Sahibzada Farhan outduels Dasun Shanaka but Pakistan’s semifinal dream ends in T20 World Cup 2026

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Pakistan signed off from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their Super 8 Group 2 clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. While the contest itself turned into a last-over thriller, the result brought mixed emotions for the Men in Green.

Despite defending 212 successfully and clinching a hard-fought win, Pakistan’s campaign came to an end. They needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to edge past New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semifinals. Falling well short of that margin meant their journey in the tournament concluded, and New Zealand progressed to the final four.

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman deliver a blazing start

After Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, Pakistan’s opening pair came out with aggressive intent. Sahibzada Farhan once again proved why he has been one of the standout batters of the tournament, smashing a brilliant 100 off 60 balls. His innings included nine crisp fours and five towering sixes, anchoring Pakistan’s charge.

At the other end, Fakhar Zaman played the perfect aggressor, blasting 84 off 42 deliveries with nine boundaries and four sixes. Their 176-run opening partnership put Sri Lanka on the back foot and laid the foundation for a massive total.

However, once the breakthrough came, Sri Lanka clawed their way back. Dilshan Madushanka impressed with 3 for 33, while skipper Dasun Shanaka picked up two wickets to stall the late acceleration. Pakistan eventually finished on 212 for 8 — a strong score, but one that came with added pressure due to the qualification equation.

Dasun Shanaka’s heroics nearly spoil the script

Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily, with useful contributions from Kamil Mishara and Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake’s 58 off 37 balls kept the required rate manageable, setting the stage for a late assault.

Shanaka then ignited hopes of a miraculous chase with a stunning 76 off just 31 balls, hammering eight sixes in a breathtaking display of power-hitting. For a moment, it seemed Sri Lanka might pull off an unforgettable win.

Pakistan’s bowlers held firm when it mattered most. Abrar Ahmed delivered a standout spell of 3 for 23, applying crucial brakes in the middle overs. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah chipped in with vital wickets as Sri Lanka closed at 207 for 6.

A consolation victory as New Zealand advance to the semis

In the end, Pakistan won the match by five runs, but the celebrations were muted. The victory was only a consolation, as Sri Lanka’s total comfortably crossed the 147-run threshold Pakistan desperately needed.

With that, Pakistan bowed out of the tournament despite a fighting display, while D secured their semifinal berth. Farhan was named Player of the Match for his magnificent century — a knock that deserved a bigger prize, but ultimately could not change Pakistan’s fate in the competition.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam are not playing today’s PAK vs SL Super 8 match

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Also READ: Fans go wild as Sahibzada Farhan scripts history with stunning century in PAK vs SL Super 8 clash at T20 World Cup 2026

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com

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