Pakistan produced a heart-stopping five-run win over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight clash at Kandy on Saturday, but the victory was not enough to see them through to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan smashed a record 176-run opening stand, the highest for any wicket in T20 World Cups, powering Pakistan to 212/8. Farhan’s blistering 100 off 60 balls made him the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition, overtaking Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs from 2013/14, while Zaman contributed a fiery 84.
Sri Lanka, defending 147 after a dramatic collapse that saw Pakistan lose eight wickets for just 34 runs, staged a miraculous recovery from 94/4. Captain Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, supported by Pavan Rathnayake’s 58, brought the contest to the final over, thrilling the packed Pallekele crowd before falling agonisingly short at 207/6.
Despite the stunning performances, Pakistan’s net run rate fell short, allowing New Zealand to advance to the semi-finals alongside England and South Africa. Sunday’s Super Eight clash between India and West Indies will decide the final semi-finalist.
The game highlighted Pakistan’s attacking intent and record-breaking feats but underscored the fine margins of T20 cricket, where even extraordinary wins cannot guarantee progression in tightly contested tournaments.
