Pakistan beat Sri Lanka but crash out of T20 World Cup

Pakistan edged Sri Lanka by five runs in a thrilling Super Eight clash of the T20 World Cup, but the narrow victory was not enough to secure a place in the semi-finals. 

The crucial encounter, played in Kandy, saw the Sri Lankan captain win the toss and opt to field first.

Pakistan made bold changes to their playing XI, dropping Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza, while bringing in Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed for the must-win fixture.

Batting first, Pakistan piled up an imposing 212 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a record-breaking partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman.

Farhan smashed a brilliant 100, while Fakhar hammered 84, with the duo stitching together a remarkable 176-run stand — a record partnership for Pakistan in T20 World Cup history.

Notably, Farhan’s century was his second of the 2026 edition, making him the first cricketer to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup tournament.

Beyond the opening pair, however, the batting lineup faltered. Khawaja Nafay managed 2 runs, Shadab Khan scored 7, while Mohammad Nawaz and captain Agha Salman were dismissed for ducks.

For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. Dasun Shanaka claimed two, while Dushmantha Chameera chipped in with one wicket.

 Chasing 213, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited response but ultimately fell short, finishing on 207 for six.

Captain Dasun Shanaka led from the front with a fighting 76, while Pawan Ratnayake contributed 58 to keep the contest alive until the final overs.

Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three crucial wickets. 

Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi picked up one wicket apiece to help restrict the hosts.

Despite the win, Pakistan needed to bowl Sri Lanka out for 147 or fewer to surpass New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals.

Failing to achieve the required margin meant New Zealand advanced from Group 2 with three points and a superior run rate.

England had already sealed their place in the final four from the group.

While Pakistan signed off with a dramatic victory, their campaign ultimately ended in disappointment, with net run rate proving decisive in a fiercely contested Super Eight stage.
AFP adds:

New Zealand qualified for the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Sri Lanka avoided a big defeat against Pakistan on Saturday in Kandy.

Pakistan, who needed to win by 65 runs in their final Super Eights match to pip New Zealand on net run rate, won by only five after scoring 212-8 with Sri Lanka just falling short on 207-6.

Sahibzada Farhan hit a 60-ball century for Pakistan, his second of the tournament, to take his side to their highest total in any T20 World Cup.

Pakistan needed to keep Sri Lanka down to 147 or fewer, but Pavan Rathnayake hit 58 and captain Dasun Shanaka struck an unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls to snuff out Pakistan hopes of advancing

"When I lost the toss, it was always going to be challenging (bowling second) because of the dew," said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.

"Then it was a very good pitch and restricting them below 148 was going to be a challenge. But we tried.

"I think if I won the toss then it could have been a different story."

After a thrilling chase, Sri Lanka needed six off the last ball but Shanaka failed to connect after hitting three of his eight sixes in the final over as he took 22 off Shaheen Shah Afridi.

"It was that close of a game, I could have finished it. But, yeah, unfortunate. Well bowled to Shaheen," said Shanaka.

The result puts New Zealand through to a likely meeting with South Africa in Kolkata on Wednesday for a place in the final.

Spinner Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with 3-23 in his four overs.

After Pakistan were asked to bat first, Farhan followed his group-stage century against Namibia with another ton to become the first player to score two hundreds in the same T20 World Cup.

Fellow opener Fakhar Zaman cracked 84 off 42 balls.

Farhan scored five sixes and nine fours as he took his aggregate for the tournament to 383 runs, a T20 World Cup record, passing India's Virat Kohli's 319 in 2014.

Farhan and Zaman put on an opening stand of 176 in 15.5 overs. Zaman hit four sixes and nine fours.

Farhan pushed Shanaka for a single to complete his century off 59 balls before being dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka in the final over.

Madushanka was the best Sri Lankan bowler with 3-33.

Pakistan's previous highest at a T20 World cup was the 201-5 they made against Bangladesh in Kolkata in 2016.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field first against Pakistan, putting the visitors under immediate pressure in their quest for a semi-final berth.  

England’s thrilling last-over win against New Zealand on Friday night kept the hopes alive for Pakistan to reach the semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, but Sri Lanka stands in the way.

Reaching the semi-final is not a walk in the park for the Greenshirts as they need to beat Sri Lanka today and do it with a big enough margin to pip New Zealand’s net run-rate.

Facing a must-win scenario, Pakistan have made significant changes to their playing XI.

Former captain Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Salman Mirza have been left out for the crucial fixture.

In their place, the team management has drafted in pace spearhead Naseem Shah, promising batter Khawaja Nafay, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed to strengthen both the bowling attack and the middle order.

 According to projections, a victory by at least 65 runs is required to surpass New Zealand on net run rate and secure progression to the knockout stage.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq
 
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

If Pakistan fail to achieve the required margin, New Zealand — currently on three points — will advance to the semi-finals instead.

From this group, England have already confirmed their place in the last four with consistent performances, while Sri Lanka are out of contention and playing for pride.

With qualification hanging in the balance, Pakistan’s revamped lineup faces a stern test in Kandy as they aim not only for victory but for a decisive win that keeps their tournament hopes alive.

After England’s win, New Zealand’s net run-rate crashed down to +1.39, which was still much better than Pakistan’s -0.46.

For Pakistan to reach second, they’ll need to win by 64 runs against the Lankans if batting first, or chase the target in 13.1 overs if batting second, to beat the Blackcaps’ net run rate.

So, for example, if Pakistan bat first and score 200, they’ll need to stop Sri Lanka at 136 runs. If they bat second, any target that the Lankans set them will have to be chased in 79 balls.

If Pakistan don’t fulfil either of those targets, then New Zealand would proceed to the next round in second place. England, thanks to their three wins in the Super-Eights stage, will finish top of the table.

Pakistan will take hope from the fact that Sri Lanka are in poor form and have nothing to gain from this match because they have already been eliminated from the semi-final race.

The co-hosts got off to an excellent start in the tournament with three consecutive wins, but then went on to lose as many matches on the trot, with two of them coming in the Super-Eight stage.

Pakistan will also love that Sri Lanka don’t have two of their main bowlers available for this game — pacer Matheesha Pathirana and spinner Wanindu Hasaranga — due to injuries. More importantly, apart from Pathum Nissanka, none of their batters have shown enough pedigree to carry the team consistently either.

However, the Lankans would not want to do any favours to the Pakistanis. As per reports in local Sri Lankan media, the jobs of captain Dasun Shanaka and some selectors are on the line after the World Cup ends — so a few members of the team would definitely want to show that they deserve to stick around by performing in this match.

Should Pakistan bat or bowl first?

Ahead of the crunch match, Ramiz Raja shared his blunt verdict on Twitter:

“How Pakistan can qualify: not by 65 runs or chasing in 13 overs. Only by Ramadan blessings.”

Brutal, but not entirely wrong.

Pakistan are still alive. Just about. That brings up the big question. What should they do? Bat first or chase? The toss will matter, but the numbers already paint a clear picture.

The equation is simple and unforgiving.

If Pakistan bat first, they must win by at least 65 runs.
If they chase, they must get there in 13.1 overs or fewer.

There is no middle ground. Win big or go home.

Why batting first might not be ideal

Some believe Pakistan should aim for 200 or 250 plus and then try to bowl Sri Lanka out cheaply. It sounds aggressive, but it ignores recent evidence.

Pakistan’s highest T20I total is 232 for six against England in 2021. In this World Cup, their best score has been 190 for nine against the USA. They managed 164 for nine against England and were bowled out for 114 against India.

Their batting has struggled throughout the tournament. Strike rates have been modest and the middle order has not delivered. Expecting a sudden explosion to 250 plus in Pallekele, with long boundaries and Sri Lanka playing at home, feels unrealistic. Under pressure, that approach could easily lead to another collapse.

Bowl first, then go hard

Pakistan’s bowling remains their biggest weapon. That is where their best chance lies. Usman Tariq could play a crucial role in this game. Shaheen has to bring his A game. Keeping Sri Lanka under 150 is not impossible.

Chasing 150 in 13 overs requires a rate of around 11.5 per over. It is highly demanding, but still more achievable than posting a huge total first and defending it by a wide margin. Chasing also gives clarity. The batters know exactly what is required.

Yes, Pakistan have struggled while chasing in this tournament. But in a scenario like this, clarity matters more than comfort.

If Pakistan win the toss, they should field first. Restrict Sri Lanka. Then attack without fear.

Sahibzada Farhan must go from ball one. Babar Azam has to lead from the front. A strike rate of 110 will not be enough. Every batter must stay alert to the required rate at every stage.

Both scenarios look tough. This is only an attempt to understand which option gives Pakistan a slightly better chance.

No matter what they choose, they have to bat with belief and clarity. This is their final chance in the tournament. There is no room for doubt or half measures.

Predicted Pakistan team

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

Predicted Sri Lanka team

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera