Pakistan Win by 5 Runs but Crash Out of T20 World Cup 2026 as Sri Lanka’s Late Surge Ends Semifinal Hopes

Pallekele, Sri Lanka | March 1, 2026

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign came to a dramatic end on Saturday despite a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka in a crucial Super 8 clash at Pallekele.

Although Pakistan defended a 212-run total, the margin of victory was not enough to secure a semifinal berth. To advance, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer — a target their bowlers could not achieve.

With this result, England and New Zealand progressed to the semifinals from Group 2, while both Pakistan and Sri Lanka were eliminated from the tournament.

England and New Zealand Advance from Group 2

Following the conclusion of the Super 8 stage, England cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team officially secured semifinal qualification.

Despite the win, Pakistan fell short on net run rate, ending their campaign in heartbreak.

Ratnayake and Shanaka Nearly Pull Off Stunning Chase

Chasing 213, Sri Lanka posted 207 for six in their allotted 20 overs. While they could not clinch victory, their aggressive batting proved decisive in ending Pakistan’s semifinal hopes.

Sri Lanka’s start was shaky. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 3, and Kamil Mishara managed 26. Charith Asalanka scored 25 before being clean bowled by Abrar Ahmed. Kamindu Mendis (3) and Janith Liyanage (5) also fell cheaply.

However, Pawan Ratnayake steadied the innings with a fluent 58 off 37 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes.

Captain Dasun Shanaka then launched a fierce late assault, smashing an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls. He scored 18 runs in the 19th over and added 22 in the final over.

Sri Lanka required 28 runs in the last over. Shanaka struck three sixes and a boundary but failed to find another big hit off the final two deliveries, falling short by five runs.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed delivered a key spell, finishing with three wickets for 23 runs in four overs.

Farhan and Fakhar’s Record Opening Stand

Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan posted 212 for eight in 20 overs.

Sahibzada Farhan struck a superb century, scoring 100 off 60 balls, while Fakhar Zaman blasted 84 off 42 deliveries in a dominant opening partnership.

The duo added 176 runs for the first wicket — one of the highest opening stands in T20 World Cup history.

However, Pakistan’s middle order collapsed after the opening breakthrough. Captain Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz were dismissed without scoring, while Shadab Khan managed just two runs.

For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets for 33 runs, while Shanaka picked up two wickets to contribute with both bat and ball.

Tournament Journey Ends for Pakistan

Despite posting one of their strongest batting performances of the tournament, Pakistan’s inability to control the run flow in the second innings ultimately cost them a semifinal spot.

With England and New Zealand advancing, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey concludes at the Super 8 stage.