Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Commentary
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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Commentary
SL vs PAK Super 8 - Match 10 Commentary - Kandy (28 February 2026)
PAK • 1st innings
212/8
SL • 2nd innings
207/6
All
Overs
W
6s
4s
19.1
4
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
FOUR! Goes away to the fence. Back of a length and outside off, Dasun Shanaka throws the hands at it and slices it over short third for a boundary.
19.2
6
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Wow, what a shot! What a time to pull it off as well from the Lankan skipper. Shaheen misses the yorker outside off and Dasun Shanaka just opens the face of the blade and dumps it over covers for a huge six. That's travelled well over 90 meters. 18 needed now off 4 balls.
19.3
6
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! OUTTA HERE! A leg cutter from Shaheen, but the length is all wrong. On a good length and at the stumps, right in the hitting arc. Dasun Shanaka stays put and just smokes it over deep mid-wicket with absolute disdain. 12 needed off 3 balls.
19.4
6
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! This could end up being one of the greatest run chases in T20 World Cup history. Shaheen Afridi goes for the wide yorker but misses his length again and serves it in the slot. Dasun Shanaka nails it over deep cover for a biggie. Sri Lanka are just one hit away from the win now as Shanaka makes it a hat-trick of sixes.
19.5
0
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
Oh, no, what have you done, Dasun Shanaka? Full and wide outside off, in fact, it might have been a low full toss as well. Shanaka brings out the reverse scoop but fails to connect and Sri Lanka still need 6 runs off just one ball now.
19.6
0
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
Oooh, that's touch and go, brave call from the umpire. Shaheen Afridi goes full and fast and slants it wide outside the line of off stump. Dasun Shanaka leaves it alone in hopes of a wide and the ball darts through to the keeper. It is called a fair delivery and Shanaka cannot believe it. Pin drop silence in Pallekele and Shanaka is down on his haunches, being consoled by Dunith Wellalage. Pakistan win by 5 runs!
Till Now Score: 207/6
(20 Overs)
D Shanaka
76(31)
D Wellalage
2(3)
S Afridi
4-0-48-1
Over 20 ·207 Runs
4
6
6
6
0
0
18.1
1WD
Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage
WIDE. A googly from Shadab, tossed up wide outside off and left alone by Dunith Wellalage.
18.1
1
Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage
Nagging length on leg, nurdled down to short fine leg for a single.
18.2
6
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Dasun Shanaka doesn't want to throw in the towel just yet. Tossed up, full and on off, it is the leg break as well. Shanaka backs away to open up the off side and whacks it over wide long off for a 99-meter biggie.
18.3
2
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
Dragged length, wide outside off, Shanaka reaches out and hits it off the toe end of the blade, chipping it through covers for a couple of runs.
18.4
1WD
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
WIDE. Flatter delivery, flirting with the tramline outside off. Left alone for a wide.
18.4
6
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Can you believe it? Dasun Shanaka pulls off another big hit and brings up his FIFTY in style. A drag-down from Shadab, wide outside off, Shanaka keeps his shape and slaps it up and over extra cover for a six. 29 needed off 8 balls.
18.5
1
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
Shorter one outside off, lofted down to wide long off for just a single.
18.6
0
Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage
Oh, not sure about that shot from Dunith Wellalage. Tossed up, fuller on off, Wellalage has a free hit but he goes for the reverse sweep and misses.
Till Now Score: 185/6
(19 Overs)
D Wellalage
2(3)
D Shanaka
54(25)
S Khan
2-0-33-0
Over 19 ·185 Runs
1WD
1
6
2
1WD
6
1
0
17.1
1
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
A yorker on leg stump, a bit of reverse swing on offer as well. Dasun Shanaka clips it away to deep square leg for a run.
17.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Pavan Rathnayake
Fine delivery from Shaheen. Another yorker, just outside off, Rathnayake hangs back to drive but the ball slips under the willow and goes through.
17.3
W
Shaheen Afridi to Pavan Rathnayake
OUT! CAUGHT! A few overs too late for Pakistan and they don't even celebrate the wicket at all. Hard length from Shaheen Afridi, on middle and leg and bowls it slower too. Pavan Rathnayake stays put, clears the front leg and launches it high up towards long on. The ball just doesn't have the legs to clear the ropes and the substitute fielder, Saim Ayub pouches it comfortably. End of a fighting knock from Rathnayake.
17.4
1
Shaheen Afridi to Dunith Wellalage
A low full toss, on the pads, flicked down to deep backward square leg for one.
17.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
FOUR! Sri Lanka still hanging in the chase. Yorker-length delivery, slightly wide outside off, Dasun Shanaka reaches out and squeezes it away through backward point for a boundary.
17.6
0
Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka
A dot to end, 46 needed now off 12 balls. Slower one from around the wicket, Shanaka looks to tap and run but ends up nudging it back to the bowler.
Till Now Score: 167/6
(18 Overs)
D Shanaka
39(21)
D Wellalage
1(1)
S Afridi
3-0-26-1
Over 18 ·167 Runs
1
0
W
1
4
0
16.1
6
Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Pumped away for another biggie. Slower one, on a length and outside off, slides on well onto the bat. Dasun Shanaka smacks it flat over extra cover for a maximum.
16.2
1
Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka
Banged in short over leg stump, Shanaka goes for the pull but gets an under edge down to short fine leg for a single.
16.3
2
Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake
DROPPED! Nearly a fabulous catch but Fakhar Zaman spills it out. Another slower delivery, wide outside off, Pavan Rathnayake walks across the off stump and goes on one knee, lapping it over short fine. Zaman runs back over his head and lunges to pouch it but the ball pops out as the elbows make the impact with the ground. Two taken.
16.4
1
Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake
Good-length delivery, Rathnayake looks to slog it away but miscues it through square leg for a run.
16.5
0
Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka
Slower one, just back of a length and in the channel, Shanaka has a poke at it but gets beaten.
16.6
1
Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka
A single to end and Sri Lanka now need 52 off 18 balls. Full and straight, jammed down to long on for a run, 11 off the over.
Till Now Score: 161/5
(17 Overs)
D Shanaka
34(18)
P Rathnayake
58(35)
N Shah
4-0-36-1
Over 17 ·161 Runs
6
1
2
1
0
1
15.1
6
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Into the crowd! Short and around middle. Dasun Shanaka clears his front leg away and smashes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie. The Kiwis are almost there, and Pakistan are almost out.
15.2
2
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Short and around leg, Dasun Shanaka nudges it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
15.3
2
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Dragged down and on middle, Dasun Shanaka rocks back swats it over the bowler's head, wide of long on for a couple of runs.
15.4
2
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Sticks to the short length, outside off, Dasun Shanaka slaps it to sweeper cover for a third couple in a row.
15.5
1
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Pakistan are officially out of the World Cup! Shortish and on off, Dasun Shanaka stabs it back to the bowler, where Usman Tariq only makes a half-stop and allows one.
15.6
2
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Quicker, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake tucks it away through mid-wicket and comes back for another double. 63 needed in 24 balls now.
Till Now Score: 150/5
(16 Overs)
P Rathnayake
55(33)
D Shanaka
26(14)
U Tariq
4-0-43-0
Over 16 ·150 Runs
6
2
2
2
1
2
14.1
1
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
Floated, short and outside off, turns away, Dasun Shanaka steers it through point for a single.
14.2
1
Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake
Short again and around off, Pavan Rathnayake punches it to sweeper cover for a run.
14.3
1
Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka
Tossed up, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and drags it long on for another run.
14.4
6
Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake
SIX! Just over! Flighted, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake goes down across to slog sweep but hits it from the bottom half of the bat. The fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game, but the ball just goes over his head for a six.
14.5
0
Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake
Swing and a miss! Slows it up, full and around off, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep again but misses.
14.6
6
Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake
SIX! FIFTY FOR RATHNAYAKE! A fantastic knock from the youngster and he is keeping his team in the chase. His second half-century in this World Cup. This is looped up, full and on middle. Pavan Rathnayake goes down and nails the slog sweep from the middle of the bat, over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen more. 15 from the over.
Till Now Score: 135/5
(15 Overs)
P Rathnayake
53(32)
D Shanaka
13(9)
S Khan
1-0-15-0
Over 15 ·135 Runs
1
1
1
6
0
6
13.1
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
Shorter in length, on off, Pavan Rathnayake steps across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
13.2
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka
Tossed up, full and on middle, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and eases it to long off fo a run.
13.3
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
Drags his length back, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.
13.4
6
Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka
SIX! Oh..that will hurt Pakistan a lot! A half-tracker from Nawaz, on leg, begging to be put away. Dasun Shanaka opens up his stance and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
13.5
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka
Another short delivery, on off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for one.
13.6
4
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! It's drifting away from Pakistan quickly now! Flighted delivery, full and around off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away to create a bit of room, extends his arms and carves it past extra cover for a boundary. 14 off the over, a hefty one from Pakistan's point of view.
Till Now Score: 120/5
(14 Overs)
P Rathnayake
40(28)
D Shanaka
11(7)
M Nawaz
2-0-21-1
Over 14 ·120 Runs
1
1
1
6
1
4
12.1
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Floated, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
12.2
1
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Drops it short and on off, turns in, Dasun Shanaka nudges it to mid-wicket. The fielder only makes a half-stop and allows a run.
12.3
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Flatter, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake drives it away to sweeper cover for another run.
12.4
2
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Dragged back and outside off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for a brace.
12.5
0
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Shorter once more, on off, Dasun Shanaka stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
12.6
0
Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka
Loopy delivery, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka taps it to the off side. Pakistan just have 41 runs or less to play with now.
Till Now Score: 106/5
(13 Overs)
D Shanaka
3(4)
P Rathnayake
34(25)
U Tariq
3-0-28-0
Over 13 ·106 Runs
1
1
1
2
0
0
11.1
0
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
Flatter one on off, pushed away square towards cover-point.
11.2
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
Dragged length outside off, Rathnayake walks across to the off side and hoicks it towards deep square leg for a run.
11.3
4
Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage
FOUR! Edged away, a painful one for Pakistan. Nagging length on off, Janith Liyanage hops back to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls down and goes away into the deep third fence.
11.4
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage
Good length, wide outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.
11.5
1
Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake
Drifted into the pads, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for one more.
11.6
W
Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage
OUT! GONE! Back of a length on middle, gripping and turning away at 86.8 kph. Liyanage makes room but plays down the wrong line, shaping to punch it straight. He is beaten on the outside edge and the ball crashes into the top of middle stump. Sri Lanka are half a side down on 101, needing 112 more.
Till Now Score: 101/5
(12 Overs)
J Liyanage
5(3)
P Rathnayake
32(23)
M Nawaz
1-0-7-1
Over 12 ·101 Runs
0
1
4
1
1
W
10.1
1
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Flatter one on middle, tucked away through square leg for one.
10.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis
Dragged short on the pads, swivel-pulled through backward square leg for a single.
10.3
6
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
SIX! Pakistan's hopes are dwindling now. Fired in on the pads, Pavan Rathnayake sits down, gets inside the line and sweeps it flat over deep backward square leg for a biggie.
10.4
1
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Flighted ball on middle, Rathnayake comes forward and eases it down to long on for one.
10.5
0
Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis
Tossed up on the stumps, blocked off by Mendis.
10.6
W
Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis
OUT! TIMBER! Abrar Ahmed finishes his spell with his third wicket and keeps his team in the contest. Floated up, slower and on a length around off. Kamindu Mendis looks to pull but the ball never arrives and stays low as well. Mendis swings his blade past the ball and the ball goes on to hit the off stump. Sri Lanka are 94/4, needing 119 more to win.
Till Now Score: 94/4
(11 Overs)
K Mendis
3(6)
P Rathnayake
30(20)
A Ahmed
4-0-23-3
Over 11 ·94 Runs
1
1
6
1
0
W
9.1
1WD
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
WIDE. The wicket-keeper is trying to distract the umpire with his appeal for a catch, but the latter is having none of it. Floated up, well down leg, Rathnayake looks to sweep but misses.
9.1
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Shortish length outside off, cut away in front of point for a single.
9.2
1
Usman Tariq to Kamindu Mendis
Tap and run. Floated up full on off, bunted in front of covers for a quick single.
9.3
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Length and outside off, holds in the pitch, pushed through covers for one.
9.4
1
Usman Tariq to Kamindu Mendis
Good length outside off, punched off the back foot through backward point for one.
9.5
4
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Excellent adjustment from Rathnayake. Tossed up on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake sets up for the reverse sweep but sees the line and changes to the conventional sweep and paddles it down to fine leg for a boundary.
9.6
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Flat and full, right at the batter, Rathnayake comes forward and pushes it through mid on for one.
Till Now Score: 85/3
(10 Overs)
P Rathnayake
22(17)
K Mendis
2(3)
U Tariq
2-0-23-0
Over 10 ·85 Runs
1WD
1
1
1
1
4
1
8.1
0
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
Fullish length, angling in from outside off, Charith Asalanka gets across and pushes it down to mid on.
8.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
DROPPED! Valiant effort but it goes in vain. Slow and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out and slaps it a bit uppishly to the right of cover. Khawaja Nafay dives and gets both hands on it, but fails to hang on. The batters go for the single and Nafay has a shy at the bowler's end but misses that as well. Salman Agha backs it up and has a go at Abrar for not getting back to the stumps.
8.3
4
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! That's well struck. Tossed up around middle, Pavan Rathnayake lunges ahead and hits the sweep flat and hard towards deep square leg for a boundary.
8.4
0
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
A risky single but well-judged. Quicker one around off, Pavan Rathnayake plays all around it and gets it off the pads to short third, scampering through for a leg bye. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end, where Usman Khan breaks the stumps, but Charith Asalanka puts in a desperate dive to make his ground.
8.5
W
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pakistan get a massive wicket with 72 runs still to play with. Flighted up, full and around off, Charith Asalanka sits down for the sweep but fails to connect. The ball dips and skids on to hit the off stump and Abrar has his second wicket. Sri Lanka are 75/3, needing 138 more.
8.6
0
Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis
Two in two for Abrar Ahmed, or is it? The appeal for LBW is acknowledged by the umpire but Kamindu Mendis has reviewed it. This is bowled flatter and drifted into the stumps, Mendis goes for the reverse sweep but misses and gets rapped on the pads. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and finds that there is a slight inside edge. The decision is changed to NOT OUT.
Till Now Score: 75/3
(9 Overs)
K Mendis
0(1)
P Rathnayake
15(13)
A Ahmed
3-0-14-2
Over 9 ·75 Runs
0
1
4
0
W
0
7.1
0
Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka
Almost! A googly, full and on middle, turns away. Charith Asalanka waits for it to guide it away. Gets a thin outside edge that deflects off the keeper's thigh to the off side.
7.2
4
Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka
FOUR! Gets it away! Tossed up, full and on middle. Charith Asalanka goes down on one knee and nails the sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
7.3
6
Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka
SIX! Top shot! Flighted delivery, full and around off, right in the slot. Charith Asalanka crouches low, extends his arms to reach out for it. He launches it against the spin and well over long off for a biggie.
7.4
1
Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka
Goes short and outside off, Charith Asalanka cuts it away to deep point for a single.
7.5
1
Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake
Shortish and on off, Pavan Rathnayake stabs it out towards extra cover for another run.
7.6
1
Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka
Pushed through quicker, short once more and around off, Charith Asalanka steers it to short third for one more. 13 runs from Tariq's first over!
Till Now Score: 69/2
(8 Overs)
C Asalanka
24(15)
P Rathnayake
11(11)
U Tariq
1-0-13-0
Over 8 ·69 Runs
0
4
6
1
1
1
6.1
0
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the back thigh.
6.2
1WD
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
WIDE! Floated, short and around off, turns further away, Pavan Rathnayake lets it go. Wided. Also, 50 up for Sri Lanka!
6.2
1
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Flighted, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.
6.3
1
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
Flatter, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka goes down and reverse sweeps it towards backward point for a run.
6.4
1
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Uppish but safe! Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs up but flies well wide of the bowler, towards long off for one.
6.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
Short and around off, Charith Asalanka punches it through cover-point for one more.
6.6
2
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Great effort in the deep! Abrar Ahmed gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep and hits it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Khawaja Nafay comes forward but realises he cannot reach for the catch. Stops and reads the spin on the ball, dives to his right to save two runs for his team.
Till Now Score: 56/2
(7 Overs)
P Rathnayake
10(10)
C Asalanka
12(10)
A Ahmed
2-0-9-1
Over 7 ·56 Runs
0
1WD
1
1
1
1
2
5.1
1
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
Back of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
5.2
4
Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake
FOUR! Nice shot! Naseem Shah hits the length hard, on middle. Pavan Rathnayake picks up the length early, hangs back and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
5.3
1
Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake
Short of a length and on off, takes pace off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away and stabs it towards extra cover, where the fielder lets it through for a run.
5.4
0
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
An off-cutter, bangs this into the surface, on middle. Charith Asalanka goes through his pull way early and toe-ends it on the pitch.
5.5
0
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
Follows it up with a perfect yorker, on middle, Charith Asalanka gets his bat down and digs it out well.
5.6
6
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
SIX! Sri Lanka ends the Powerplay with a bang! Naseem Shah tries the slower one again, short but this one sits up for the batter. Charith Asalanka waits for it before hammering it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Sri Lanka are 49/2 after 6 overs.
Till Now Score: 49/2
(6 Overs)
C Asalanka
10(8)
P Rathnayake
6(6)
N Shah
3-0-25-1
Over 6 ·49 Runs
1
4
1
0
0
6
4.1
W
Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara
OUT! BOWLED'EM! Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack and strikes right away. He bowls this flatter, shortish and on off, skids through and goes with the arm. Kamil Mishara backs away and looks to cut it away but gets late on the shot. The ball goes through and hits the top of off pole. Sri Lanka are 33/2, still needing 180 runs in 95 balls.
4.2
0
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Floated, short and on off, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake cuts it away to point.
4.3
0
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Flighted, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it wide of short cover. Salman Agha dives to his left to make a fine stop.
4.4
0
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Fires this one full, angling down the leg side. Pavan Rathnayake looks to paddle it away but it goes off his pads to the right of short fine. Two leg byes taken.
4.5
1
Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake
Goes short and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake nudges it towards mid-wicket for one.
4.6
1
Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka
Run out chance...missed! Slows it up, full and on middle, turns in. Charith Asalanka looks to clip it away but gets an inside edge as the ball lobs up to the leg side. There is a huge mix-up between the batters and Pavan sets off very late for the run. Shadab Khan from square leg gets to the ball, takes aim but misses his shy at the batter's end, with Pavan not even in the frame.
Till Now Score: 37/2
(5 Overs)
C Asalanka
3(4)
P Rathnayake
1(4)
A Ahmed
1-0-2-1
Over 5 ·37 Runs
W
0
0
0
1
1
3.1
1
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
Back of a length, outside off, Kamil Mishara square cuts it to deep point for a run.
3.2
1WD
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
WIDE! The slower one, but way too short and over the head height. Charith feels for it initially, probably looks to uppercut, but aborts and lets it pass. Wide called for height. Naseem is a bit perplexed.
3.2
1
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
Hard length, on middle, heaved off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.
3.3
4
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
FOUR! That's a seriously good shot by Mishara! Half tracker from Naseem, angling outside off. Kamil Mishara stays put, lets his hands through and punches it on the up between mid off and cover for a boundary.
3.4
0
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
Speared full and on middle, Mishara drives it straight to the cover fielder.
3.5
0
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
Deception to perfection! The back-of-the-hand slower one, on a good length, over middle and off. Kamil Mishara is completely deceived by the lack of pace and is beaten all ends up on the pull shot. The ball teases the stumps and bounces back to the keeper.
3.6
1
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
On a good length, around off, Mishara backs away and slaps it to deep cover for a run.
Till Now Score: 33/1
(4 Overs)
K Mishara
26(14)
C Asalanka
2(3)
N Shah
2-0-13-1
Over 4 ·33 Runs
1
1WD
1
4
0
0
1
2.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
A sharp inswinger on a hard length, on leg. Kamil Mishara is pinned in the crease, tries to work it across, but the ball zips past his inside edge and pings him on the back thigh pad.
2.2
6
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
SIX! All class! At 135.2 kph, this is slammed hard into the pitch, over middle. Kamil Mishara presses back, plays with a flat bat and clubs it cleanly downtown for a cracking six.
2.3
4
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
FOUR! Gloriously struck! Overcompensates this time around, does Shaheen. Pushes it full and wide on off. Kamil Mishara uses the width to his benefit and cracks the cover drive for a boundary.
2.4
0
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
Slips in a low full toss, at knee height. It tails in a touch and Mishara taps it to the cover fielder.
2.5
4
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
FOUR! Through the gap! This is turning out to be a massive over for the Islanders. Short of a good length, outside off, Kamil hits it through the line and punches it crisply through the point and cover gap for another boundary.
2.6
1
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
A very tight single! Straight and full, on middle, Mishara drives it to the cover-point region and calls his partner through for a single. The fielder, Khawaja Nafay, with one stump to aim at, swoops to his right from cover and throws it to the batting end, but misses his shy. Charith Asalanka is forced to put in a desperate dive to get in. Direct hit would have had Asalanka in serious trouble there.
Till Now Score: 25/1
(3 Overs)
K Mishara
20(9)
C Asalanka
1(2)
S Afridi
2-0-20-0
Over 3 ·25 Runs
0
6
4
0
4
1
1.1
0
Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka
Full and straight, lasered on the off pole, Pathum Nissanka leans on and crisply drives it, but finds the man at mid off. A confident-looking shot though.
1.2
1WD
Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka
WIDE! Slower delivery, going down leg, Nissanka tries to whip it to the leg side, but it cuts down and beats him. Wide called.
1.2
2
Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka
Straight up in the air, but lands safely! On a fullish length, nips away a shy bit on off. Pathum Nissanka walks forward to negate any movement, and lofts it over mid-wicket. There is no timing at all on the shot, but he manages to clear the in-field and the ball lands in the vast open space in the deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
1.3
W
Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka
OUT! CAUGHT! Absolutely outsmarted the batter and Pakistan have their first breakthrough. Naseem cunningly goes pace off and throws it wide outside off, away from the batter's arc as Pathum moves away early. Pathum Nissanka backs a bit to carve it through the off side, but is way too early in his shot and ends up tamely chipping it toward the cover fielder. Mohammad Nawaz backtracks a bit and takes a fine-judged catch at the edge of the ring with a reverse cup. Showed all his cards early, did Nissanka and paid the price. Sri Lanka are 8/1.
1.4
0
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
Good length, outside off, defended to the cover region.
1.5
1
Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka
On a length, on leg, Asalanka wrists it through square leg for a single.
1.6
1
Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara
Slower length delivery, on top of off, Kamil hangs back and taps it between cover and point for a single.
Till Now Score: 10/1
(2 Overs)
K Mishara
5(3)
C Asalanka
1(2)
N Shah
1-0-5-1
Over 2 ·10 Runs
0
1WD
2
W
0
1
1
Naseem Shah to operate from the other end.
0
The next batter is Charith Asalanka in at number 3.
0
Abrar Ahmed comes on to replace Shaheen Afridi.
0
Sri Lanka lose both their openers now. Pavan Rathnayake walks out to bat next.
0
DRINKS! Pakistan certainly out in front but Sri Lanka aren't doing too bad either. Pakistan need wickets in the middle phase or else that number of 147 will start looking very low. Shaheen Afridi has misfired a bit and Pakistan will now be hoping that the spinners come good. Looks like a tough task at the moment but you never know, things can change very quickly.
0
Pakistan have 91 runs or less to play with now. They need 8 wickets. And here's Pakistan's trump card into the attack. Usman Tariq replaces Naseem Shah.
0
It looks like Charith Asalanka has hurt his right wrist while putting in that dive on the previous ball. The physio comes in to check on him. He applies the magic spray and we are good to go again.
0
The 42-run stand is broken now. Kamindu Mendis is the next man in.
0
Halfway reached. Sri Lanka are 85/3. Pakistan have 62 runs or less to defend. Abrar Ahmed to bowl out. 3-0-14-2 so far are his bowling figures.
0
What a spell from Abrar Ahmed for his country under extreme pressure. He finishes off with figures of 4-0-23-3. However, runs are slipping like sand in hand for Pakistan. They have only 53 runs or fewer left to play with. Janith Liyanage is in at number 6. With two right-handers at the crease, Mohammad Nawaz is introduced into the attack, replacing Usman Tariq.
0
Well, this is getting interesting now. Pakistan need 5 wickets, with 46 runs or fewer left. The skipper Dasun Shanaka walks in at number 7.
0
DRINKS BREAK! Plenty of deadpan faces in the Pakistani camp right now. It is really slipping out of their grasp and the 14-run previous over hasn't helped their cause either. Sri Lanka might be well out of the contest, needing 93 from the final six overs, but the real squeeze is on Pakistan. To stay alive, they must restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below, and they have just 27 runs or fewer in hand before that line is crossed. Agha now tosses the ball to Shadab Khan who replaces Usman Tariq.
0
That pretty much looks like it for Pakistan. Sri Lanka need to score just 12 runs to play a spoilsport on Pakistan's hopes. Usman Tariq (3-0-28-0) to bowl out. The last throw on the dice for the Men in Green.
0
There it is. The World Cup is done and dusted for Pakistan now. They cannot qualify as the 147-run mark is breached by Sri Lanka. Which means, NEW ZEALAND HAVE OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMIFINAL. They become the third team after South Africa and England to book their semifinal spot in this ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. Disappointment for Mike Hesson, the Pakistani head coach. But to be very fair, Pakistan were pretty average when it mattered most and their washout against New Zealand didn't help their cause either. Overall, a disappointing campaign for the Men in Green.
0
55 runs in the last 4 overs for Sri Lanka. They are still far behind the target, but you just never know in T20 cricket. Shaheen Afridi (2-0-20-0) is back on.
0
Silence here in Pallekelle. The threatening 61-run stand has been broken here. That brings Dunith Wellalage out to the middle now.
0
Who bowls the 19th? Salman Agha has two spinners, either Shadab Khan or Mohammad Nawaz and it will be Shadab. Sri Lanka have to target this over.
0
28 needed in the last over then. Can Dasun Shanaka pull off something special here, or will Shaheen Afridi get the job done for Pakistan? Let's find out.
0
Absolute scenes here in Pallekelle. 6 needed in 2 balls now. Dasun Shanaka has lit up this stadium, but the job is not yet done.
0
What's next on the menu? A Super Sunday awaits on 1st March, with a double dose of high-octane cricket lined up. It is also the last day of the Super Eights stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. The day kicks off with a so-called 'dead rubber' as South Africa face Zimbabwe in Delhi, with the first ball scheduled for 9.30 am GMT. Later, all eyes turn to Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where India take on the West Indies in a blockbuster clash that will decide the fourth semifinalist, starting at 1.30 pm GMT. The winner of that game will advance, and the team that faces a defeat goes back home. Do not forget to mark your presence an hour earlier for all our buildup and pre-match analysis. Until then, we take your leave, only to meet again. Cheers!
0
0.1
0
Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka
On the money! Good length ball, angling across off, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and stabs it to cover.
0.2
0
Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka
A slight inswinger, full and on middle and leg, Pathum presses in front and eases it to mid on.
0.3
0
Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka
Swing and a miss! Shapes the other way now, on a hard length, outside off. Nissanka looks to pull it across, but fails to connect as the ball bounces and moves away from him.
0.4
1
Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka
Back of a length, taking the pace off, on leg, Nissanka dinks it wide of mid-wicket and takes a quick single. Sri Lanka and Nissanka are off the mark.
0.5
0
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
Hard length, around off, doesn't rise much. Kamil Mishara mistimes the back foot punch to mid off.
0.6
4
Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara
FOUR! Edgy stuff but runs are runs! Nips away with bounce, outside off, on a length. Kamil Mishara tries to punch it on the rise through cover, but gets a fat outside edge and the ball flies over short third for a boundary. So 5 from the opening over. Sri Lanka need 208 runs from 114 balls.
Till Now Score: 5/0
(1 Overs)
K Mishara
4(2)
P Nissanka
1(4)
S Afridi
1-0-5-0
Over 1 ·5 Runs
0
0
0
1
0
4