Pakistan players vs Sri Lanka (Source: AFP)
Pakistan have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 despite putting on a valiant show against Sri Lanka in an all-important Super 8 show in Pallekele. The Men in Green ended up winning the match, but it was not enough for them to qualify for the semi-finals.
While England were already confirmed as one of the four semi-finalists from their Super 8 group, Sri Lanka’s crucial contribution powered New Zealand to the knockouts, eliminating Pakistan in the process.
Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman Go All Guns Blazing
Earlier in the game, Pakistan posted 212/8 on the board, with Sahibzada Farhan making headlines by smashing a 60-ball century. His knock was laced with nine fours and five sixes, and Fakhar Zaman’s breathtaking 42-ball 84 took them to 176 runs within 16 overs, that too without losing his wicket.
However, Pakistan failed to carry on the momentum, as they could not add much in the last four overs. In fact, none of the rest of Pakistan's batters could get to doube digit score, as Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka bowled beautifully to keep the opposition in check.
For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka returned excellent figures of 3/33, while Dasun Shanaka conceded 42 runs off his four overs, claiming two wickets. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Janith Liyanage, on the other hand, remained wicketless.
Also Read: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman Go Big! All Records Broken By Pakistan Openers Vs SL
Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka Frustrate Pakistan
Coming to a revised defending total, Pakistan began with an impressive start, as Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lanka’s gun batter – failed to chip in with any significant contribution. However, Charith Asalanka and Kamil Mishara kept the scoreboard ticking, and Pavan Rathnayake joined hands to keep on the momentum going.
The 148-run mark, which was enough to eliminate Pakistan from the T20 World Cup, came for Sri Lanka during the 16th over of their innings. Shanaka did not stop there, attacking the Pakistan bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi, from left, right and centre to give Sri Lanka an outside chance of winning it.
However, it was not enough to pull off a miracle, as Sri Lanka ended their innings on 207/6. Shanaka did his best, remaining unbeaten on 76 off just 31 balls, which included eight sixes and two fours, but all he required was a little support from the other end.
Final Semi-Final Spot Open: IND vs WI Decider Tomorrow
With New Zealand now qualifying for the semi-finals, three of the four spots have been filled for this edition. England and South Africa were the first two sides to enter there, and tomorrow’s match between India and the West Indies, set to take place at Eden Gardens, will decide who will be the last team to complete the knockout fixtures.
With that, the first semi-final will take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, while the second one will be at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The dates are fixed: March 4 and March 5, with the final to be played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 8.
Also Read: PAK vs SL Toss - Babar, Saim Ayub Dropped, Naseem Shah Returns As Pakistan Asked To Bat
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