The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup contest ended in a dramatic five-run victory for Pakistan at the Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Despite the win, Pakistan failed to secure a semi-final spot.
Pakistan posted 212/8 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. In reply, Sri Lanka reached 207/6, falling just short in a tense finish.
Pakistan’s new opening pair delivered a powerful start. Sahibzada Farhan smashed 100 off 60 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes. He later earned the Player of the Match award.
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman built a massive 176-run partnership. However, Sri Lanka fought back in the closing overs. Dasun Shanaka removed Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha in the penultimate over, slowing Pakistan’s momentum.
Madushanka struck twice in the final over, including the dismissal of Farhan. He finished with three wickets for 33 runs.
Shanaka’s Blitz and Abrar’s Impact
Sri Lanka responded aggressively. Pavan Rathnayake anchored the innings with 58 off 37 balls, while captain Dasun Shanaka played a blistering, unbeaten 76 off 31 deliveries.
The pair added 61 runs for the sixth wicket and kept Sri Lanka in contention until the final over. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi defended 28 runs in the last over, despite conceding three sixes.
Read: Pakistan Semi-Final Qualification Scenario vs Sri Lanka Explained
Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 23 runs. Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen claimed one wicket each.
Although Pakistan secured victory, their net run rate remained negative. They finished third in Group 2 with three points from three matches.
New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals alongside England due to a superior net run rate.
