Pakistan eliminated - (Source: X.com)
It has been a roller-coaster of a day for cricket fans as Pakistan ignited semi-final qualification hopes after first innings but bowed out of the tournament after Sri Lanka's stellar comeback. Notably, the Men in Green, batting first, followed the doctor's order and whacked Lankan bowlers all across the park.
Courtesy of Sahibzada Farhan's century, Pakistan put 212 runs on the board. After the first innings, fans in Pakistan were jumping with joy as all they had to do was to restrict Sri Lanka to just 147 runs.
The hosts lost early wickets and were reduced to 94/4. However, Pavan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka stitched a crucial 61-run stand for the sixth wicket to assist New Zealand and knock Pakistan out of the tournament.
Eventually, Sri Lanka not just did eliminate Pakistan but almost beat them as Dasun Shanaka played an astonishing knock and the Island Nation were short of just 5 runs.
Fans Troll Salman Agha And His Men For Poor Campaign
As soon as Salman Ali Agha and his men were knocked out of the tournament, the fans quickly took to social media platforms to slam Pakistan and also make memes. Notably, it is their second-consecutive campaign where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
After the first innings, the fans had trolled Sri Lanka and even accused the hosts of match-fixing. Therefore, they also apologised to the team and here are some of the reactions.
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Salman Ali Agha Likely To Be Sacked After T20 World Cup 2026
After Pakistan's defeat against India in group-stage, there were reports that the PCB would sack Salman Ali Agha as their T20I captain if the Men in Green fail to reach the semi-finals. Now since the 2009 winners are officially out, the PCB would regroup for an urgent meeting and Agha's successor would definitely be on the agenda.
Salman Ali Agha was named as Pakistan's T20I captain in 2025. He has led the team in 51 matches. He has emerged victorious in 32 matches. However, under his tenure, Pakistan lost thrice to India in Asia Cup 2025 and that too within in a month.
Shabad Khan Likely To Replace Salman Ali Agha
The report added that the PCB has a name in mind and Shadab Khan will take over as Pakistan’s T20I captain. The star all-rounder is currently the deputy of the team and would be promoted as the team leader for the next World Cup cycle.
After the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan will tour Bangladesh for ODIs, and then the PSL will start. Therefore, PCB is expected to officially formalise the move after PSL.
“Look, after the World Cup, Pakistan will go to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series, and then the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will start. Fan anger will die down by then. I think they will wait until the end of the PSL before taking a call,” said the source speaking to RevSportz.
Also Read: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman Go Big! All Records Broken By Pakistan Openers Vs SL
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