SPORTS DESK (MNN); Pakistan ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight fixture at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
However, the narrow win was not enough to secure a semi-final berth, as New Zealand progressed alongside England from Group 2 on the basis of a superior net run rate.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs, courtesy of a stunning 176-run opening partnership between Farhan and Fakhar. Fakhar smashed 84 off 42 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes before being dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera. Farhan went on to score a brilliant 100 off 60 deliveries, decorated with nine fours and five sixes.
Late strikes by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka and Dilshan Madushanka slowed Pakistan’s momentum, restricting them to 212 despite the explosive start. Madushanka finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3/33, while Shanaka claimed two wickets.
In reply, Sri Lanka needed to chase down 213 but managed 207/6 in their 20 overs. Pavan Rathnayake anchored the innings with 58 off 37 balls, while Shanaka launched a fierce assault, remaining unbeaten on 76 off just 31 deliveries. The pair stitched together a crucial 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Despite Shanaka smashing three sixes in the final over, Shaheen Shah Afridi held his nerve to defend 28 runs and seal the five-run win for Pakistan.
Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/23, while Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen claimed one wicket each.
Although Pakistan secured the victory, they finished third in Group 2 with three points from three matches and a negative net run rate of 0.123 — significantly behind New Zealand’s 1.390 — ending their World Cup journey.
