Five-run win not enough as Pakistan eliminated from T20 World Cup despite thriller against Sri Lanka

Sports Tak

UPDATED: Mar 01, 2026 01:21 AM IST

Sports Tak•

UPDATED: Mar 01, 2026 01:21 AM IST

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi (C) shakes hands with Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka in this frame. (Getty)

Story Highlights:

Pakistan signed off T20 World Cup 2026 with a 5-run win over Sri Lanka

However, Pakistan were knocked out of T20 World Cup midway through the match

Despite a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Stadium on February 28, Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2026, with New Zealand securing the final semifinal spot based on a superior net run rate. The Men in Green faced a mathematical uphill battle in this final Super Eight fixture; they needed to win by a massive 65-run margin to overtake the Black Caps and advance alongside group leaders England.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka only to get eliminated from T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s bid for glory started spectacularly as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman forged a record-breaking 176-run stand, powering their team to a formidable total of 212/8. To achieve the required net run rate boost, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer. However, the plan fell apart as Sri Lanka put up a ferocious fight, led by Pavan Rathnayake’s 58 and a blistering, unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls from captain Dasun Shanaka.

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In a dramatic finish, Sri Lanka ended on 207/6, agonizingly close to chasing down the massive total. While Pakistan technically won the match, they missed the crucial margin required to qualify. This narrow escape by New Zealand means Pakistan’s tournament ends here, despite their explosive performance in the final encounter.

Sahibzada Farhan burns bright with historic ton for Pakistan

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan made history by becoming the first player to ever score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. Opening the batting against Sri Lanka, Farhan smashed a brilliant 60-ball 100, which included nine fours and five sixes. With this knock, he elevated his tournament aggregate to 383 runs, comfortably surpassing Virat Kohli’s long-standing record of 319 runs set in 2014.

Farhan was ably supported by fellow opener Fakhar Zaman, who played a blistering innings of 84 runs off just 42 balls, featuring nine fours and four sixes. Together, the duo constructed a massive opening partnership of 176 runs in just 15.5 overs. This dominant display propelled Pakistan to a total of 212/8, setting a new record for their highest-ever score in a T20 World Cup match.

After securing his historic second century with a single off Dasun Shanaka, Farhan was eventually dismissed in the final over by Dilshan Madushanka. Despite the Pakistani batting onslaught, Madushanka finished as the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3-33.