Pakistan concluded their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a nail-biting five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy, on Saturday. Despite the win, Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals, finishing third in Group 2 due to an inferior net run rate.
Batting first after Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka opted to field, Pakistan posted a formidable 212/8 in their 20 overs. The new opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman provided a blazing start, stitching together a monumental 176-run partnership.
Fakhar smashed 84 off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes before being bowled by Dushmantha Chameera. Farhan carried on the charge, scoring a magnificent 100 off 60 deliveries, studded with nine fours and five sixes. However, late strikes by Dilshan Madushanka and Shanaka restricted Pakistan’s late surge.
In response, Sri Lanka mounted a strong chase, powered by Shanaka’s explosive 76 not out off 31 balls and Pavan Rathnayake’s steady 58 from 37 deliveries. The pair shared a crucial 61-run stand for the sixth wicket to keep the hosts in contention.
However, Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. Shaheen Shah Afridi successfully defended 28 runs in the final over despite conceding three sixes. Earlier, Abrar Ahmed led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/23, while Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah chipped in with a wicket each.
Sri Lanka finished at 207/6, falling just short of the target.
Despite the dramatic victory, Pakistan ended their Super Eight campaign with three points from three matches and a negative net run rate, allowing New Zealand and England to progress to the semi-finals from Group 2.
