Pakistan signed off from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their Super 8 Group 2 clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. While the contest itself turned into a last-over thriller, the result brought mixed emotions for the Men in Green.
Despite defending 212 successfully and clinching a hard-fought win, Pakistan’s campaign came to an end. They needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to edge past New Zealand on net run rate and qualify for the semifinals. Falling well short of that margin meant their journey in the tournament concluded, and New Zealand progressed to the final four.
Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman deliver a blazing start
After Sri Lanka elected to bowl first, Pakistan’s opening pair came out with aggressive intent. Sahibzada Farhan once again proved why he has been one of the standout batters of the tournament, smashing a brilliant 100 off 60 balls. His innings included nine crisp fours and five towering sixes, anchoring Pakistan’s charge.
At the other end, Fakhar Zaman played the perfect aggressor, blasting 84 off 42 deliveries with nine boundaries and four sixes. Their 176-run opening partnership put Sri Lanka on the back foot and laid the foundation for a massive total.
However, once the breakthrough came, Sri Lanka clawed their way back. Dilshan Madushanka impressed with 3 for 33, while skipper Dasun Shanaka picked up two wickets to stall the late acceleration. Pakistan eventually finished on 212 for 8 — a strong score, but one that came with added pressure due to the qualification equation.
Dasun Shanaka’s heroics nearly spoil the script
Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily, with useful contributions from Kamil Mishara and Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake’s 58 off 37 balls kept the required rate manageable, setting the stage for a late assault.
Shanaka then ignited hopes of a miraculous chase with a stunning 76 off just 31 balls, hammering eight sixes in a breathtaking display of power-hitting. For a moment, it seemed Sri Lanka might pull off an unforgettable win.
Pakistan’s bowlers held firm when it mattered most. Abrar Ahmed delivered a standout spell of 3 for 23, applying crucial brakes in the middle overs. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah chipped in with vital wickets as Sri Lanka closed at 207 for 6.
A consolation victory as New Zealand advance to the semis
In the end, Pakistan won the match by five runs, but the celebrations were muted. The victory was only a consolation, as Sri Lanka’s total comfortably crossed the 147-run threshold Pakistan desperately needed.
With that, Pakistan bowed out of the tournament despite a fighting display, while D secured their semifinal berth. Farhan was named Player of the Match for his magnificent century — a knock that deserved a bigger prize, but ultimately could not change Pakistan’s fate in the competition.
Here’s how fans reacted:
This is what SL did to Pakistan 😅 #PAKvSL #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/UMVuaenFQP
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 28, 2026
Shadab Nawaz Faheem Usman Khan all should get rid off from Pakistan squad
Enough is enough 🙏 #PAKvSL— Rock.it (@hubpharma48) February 28, 2026
Well, that’s it. We’re officially out of the World Cup.#PAKvSL #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #Srilanka
— Sadia Khan (@ISadiaSaeedKhan) February 28, 2026
Ur captain say dew was a factor, u knew u can lose toss still gone fr nawaz n shadab. Fahem ws a must,he could score as well dwn d order. Pethatic captain. Ur issue always been lower order, u needed saim instead of usman, and faheem instead of nawaz or shadab. #PAKvSL
— Jibran Yousaf (@zOOmJb) February 28, 2026
Pakistan k ilawa hr team try kr rhi thi k Pakistan semi final m chala jai but 🫠🙂…….#PAKvSL
— flowerry🫶 (@ismjusta_girl) February 28, 2026
Pakistan Team Situation right now#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/xhmJCgAqns
— Innovate Pakistan (@0ffside_soccer) February 28, 2026
Srilanka just knockout Australia and Pakistan from tournament #PAKvSL
— Thala na Mass (@king_maker07) February 28, 2026
Pakistan is out of the World Cup.
Didn’t deserve to be in Semi Final. #ICCMensT20WorldCup #PAKvSL
— Sharath Rao (@raosharathkumar) February 28, 2026
Dasun Shanaka apologies after the game to all the srilankan fans about his statement
Respect ✅✅ #PAKvsSL #SLvsPAK #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/ao5N1Ampgy— Muffadal Johns. (@i_Vishal18) February 28, 2026
Pakistan qualified for Karachi airport straight after the match
✈️😅Won by just 5 runs against SL when they needed a massive 65-run margin to qualify into semis.#PAKvSL #T20WorldCup2026 #PakistanCricket #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/nKf7zJmPZ4
— Harinder singh brar (@harry7081) February 28, 2026
In the post-match presentation, Salman admitted that the middle order has been an issue for the past few years for Pakistan team, yet the squad of 15 still includes six openers.🤔#PAKvSL#SLvsPAK
— Caught&Bowled🏏 (@CaughtbehindICC) February 28, 2026
#PAKvSL 147 was always going to be too little to defend on this pitch. What a chase by Sri Lanka . Shanaka and Rathnayake were phenomenal chasing. Great match of cricket. #ICCMensT20WorldCup
— Kung Fu Dakait (@KariJyoti89159) February 28, 2026
Dasun Shanaka, you should have hit that six for humanity.
— Ahسan (@oyee_ahsann) February 28, 2026
Almost smoked the entire pakistan single handedlyy! Huge respect Dasun shanaka, naai adi pei adi🫡🔥 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/W8u1Tg4kw8
— Baviyshh (@Baviyshraina) February 28, 2026
I always like his batting. When he comes to the crease as a batter, at first he stays quiet. Then he shows his monster batting. He is the Chris Gayle of our generation. Dasun Shanaka — what a player! @dasunshanaka1 💙🔥#SLvPAK | #T20WorldCup
— Murshidul Amin Umayer Sirazi (@UmayerSirazi) February 28, 2026
Feel for Dasun Shanaka and Sri Lanka.
That should’ve been a wide.#ICCMensT20WorldCup #SLvsPK #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/Tlztvw1N0x
— JD (@dhaka73242) February 28, 2026
Pakistan won the match, Dasun Shanaka won our hearts 🫂♥️ pic.twitter.com/G3P5KF4aRy
— 𝐀kki 𝐍🕊️ (@akmal_noori_13) February 28, 2026
Dasun Shanaka The Man you are👌👌❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥#SLvPAK
— Mousumi Soren (@meww1499) February 28, 2026
