PALLEKELE, Feb 28: Pakistan edged Sri Lanka in a pulsating final-over encounter but failed to secure a semifinal berth in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after falling short on net run-rate.
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Needing a commanding victory to overtake New Zealand and progress alongside group leaders England from Super Eights Group Two, Pakistan did their part with the bat but could not win by the required margin.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan posted a formidable 212-8 — their highest total in T20 World Cup history. The innings was powered by a sensational 176-run opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, a record stand in the tournament’s history.
Farhan struck a blistering 100 off 60 balls, becoming the first cricketer to score two centuries in the same T20 World Cup. His knock included five sixes and nine fours, taking his tournament tally to a record 383 runs — surpassing Virat Kohli’s previous mark of 319 runs in 2014. Zaman provided equally aggressive support with 84 off 42 deliveries, hitting four sixes and nine boundaries.
To qualify for the semifinals, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer. However, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited chase, finishing on 207-6 and nearly pulling off a remarkable victory.
Pavan Rathnayake scored 58, while captain Dasun Shanaka launched a fierce counterattack with an unbeaten 76 from just 31 balls. Shanaka struck three consecutive sixes in the final over, bringing Sri Lanka within touching distance before Pakistan held on for a narrow five-run win.
Dilshan Madushanka was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, claiming 3-33.
Despite the thrilling victory, Pakistan’s inability to secure a large enough margin confirmed their exit from the tournament, bringing a dramatic campaign to a disappointing end.
