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  • Pakistan New Father Unlocked Fans Hail Shanaka For Valiant Effort Vs Shaheen Afridi 69A32fa714005f74ae30ca28

"Pakistan New Father Unlocked": Fans Hail Shanaka For Valiant Effort vs Shaheen Afridi

Akshita Patel

Dasun Shanaka trashes Shaheen Afridi [Source: @SidraSportsHub, @SportsUpdate045/X.com]Dasun Shanaka trashes Shaheen Afridi [Source: @SidraSportsHub, @SportsUpdate045/X.com]

Dasun Shanaka almost pulled off an impossible chase for Sri Lanka in the recent Super 8 fixture of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He slammed 22 runs off Shaheen Afridi’s last over, and his valiant effort left fans in complete awe.

Pakistan came out all guns blazing with their semi-final qualification on the line. However, Shanaka didn’t give up easily in the 213-run chase. Though Sri Lanka lost the game, his heroic knock forced fans to praise him across social media platforms.

Also Read - Match-Fixing Trends As Sri Lanka Accused Of Criminal Offence Vs Pakistan

Dasun Shanaka trashes Shaheen Afridi

Batting first, Pakistan posted 212 runs on the board after Sahibzada Farhan hit a commendable century off 60 balls. Fakhar Zaman supported him with a blazing 84 off 42 balls as the duo stitched a 176-run opening stand.

Sri Lanka fumbled in the chase as they lost 3 wickets with just 75 runs on the board. But against the odds, Pavan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka stitched a 61-run partnership. 

Pavan lost his wicket at 58 off 37 balls, but skipper Shanaka had other plans. He took on Shadab Khan for 18 runs in the penultimate over to reduce the equation to 28 runs needed off the last 6 balls.

The target was steep but not impossible. Dasun Shanaka was beaming with confidence, and he charged on none other than Shaheen Afridi. He slammed a four and knocked three back-to-back sixes to put Afridi under serious pressure.

However, a missed wide opportunity and a dot ball cost Dasun Shanaka as Pakistan broke the shackles to seal a 5-run narrow victory. Shanaka remained unbeaten on 76 after trashing Shaheen for 22 runs off the final over.

Fans slam Shaheen for costly spell

While Sri Lanka lost the game, Dasun Shanaka earned the fans’ respect. He was hailed on social media for his valiant effort and also for not giving up till the last ball.

However, on the flip side, fans slammed Shaheen Afridi for poor bowling. They trashed him for breaking under pressure and letting his team down in serious situations despite being one of the most experienced players on the squad.






Pakistan eliminated despite a narrow win

While social media was buzzing, Pakistan ended up as the ultimate loser. Despite beating Sri Lanka, they stand eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

With just three points collected out of the three games, Pakistan finished third in the Group 2 standings, while Sri Lanka dropped to the bottom with zero points.

From Group 2, England and New Zealand will advance further in the semi-final stage with 6 and 3 points, respectively. From Group 1, however, only South Africa have qualified for the semi-final stage.

India will face the West Indies next on Sunday, March 1 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The winner of this contest will advance to the knockout stage. So overall, it’s a do-or-die game for the men in blue.

Also Read - "Gareeb Hai, Gaddar Nahi": Sri Lanka Slap Match-Fixing Allegations By Kicking Out Pakistan