Salman Agha and Mike Hesson (Source:X)
Pakistan’s journey in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday after they were knocked out despite defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in their final Super 8 match at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Although Pakistan won the match, they failed to qualify for the semi-finals because the New Zealand progressed on the basis of a superior net run rate.
Both teams finished with three points, but New Zealand’s better numbers pushed them through to the last four.
Salman Agha puts Mike Hesson in spotlight after Pakistan's T20 World Cup exit
After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha addressed the media and openly accepted responsibility for the team's early exit.
Salman Agha's comments also included head coach Mike Hesson, making it clear that the leadership group must answer for the team's shortcomings.
"We take responsibility," Salman Ali Agha said. "We look at conditions and the situation before selecting our playing XI as captain and coach together. I take responsibility, as does the coach (Mike Hesson)."
Salman Agha admitted that Pakistan need to improve their decision-making under pressure, especially in ICC tournaments where every match carries huge importance.
"There will always be pressure in ICC events because you are playing the world’s best teams. If you lose one game, you feel you are on the brink of elimination," he explained.
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Salman Agha said, "I take the responsibility as captain and I think the coach (Mike Hesson) will also take the responsibility."
It is also important to note that after Pakistan's elimination from the global tournament, several questions have been raised about captain Salman Ali Agha and Head coach Mike Hesson.
Pakistan's journey in T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan's Super 8 campaign started with a washout against New Zealand, where both teams shared a point.
In their second game, they failed to defend 165 against the England, as Harry Brook’s century guided England to victory and secured their semi-final place.
In Pakistan's final Super 8 match, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer after scoring 212/8. However, Sri Lanka finished at 207/6, falling just five runs short of victory but comfortably crossing the net run rate target.
That meant Pakistan's hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2026 were officially over.
Farhan and Fakhar shine, but bowling falls short
Earlier in the match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan delivered one of their best batting performances of the tournament.
Sahibzada Farhan smashed a brilliant 100 off just 60 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes. His opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, scored 84 off 42 deliveries.
The pair powered Pakistan to 176 within 16 overs without losing a wicket. However, the momentum slowed dramatically in the final overs. None of the remaining batters managed to reach double figures as Sri Lanka’s bowlers pulled things back.
Dilshan Madushanka impressed with figures of 3/33, while Dasun Shanaka claimed two wickets and later nearly turned the game around with a stunning unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls.
Despite Pakistan's strong total of 212/8, their bowlers could not restrict Sri Lanka enough to improve the net run rate.
Meanwhile, the England and South Africa have already secured semi-final spots for the T20 World Cup 2026. The final berth will be decided after the clash between India and the West Indies at Eden Gardens on March 1.
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