A commanding batting performance was not enough to keep Pakistan in the tournament, as they were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on net run-rate despite securing a five-run win over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8s match.
Needing to limit Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer runs to surpass New Zealand and advance to the semi-finals, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 212 for eight. The innings was built on a spectacular opening partnership of 176 runs between Sahibzada Farhan, who scored a century, and Fakhar Zaman, who contributed 84 runs from just 42 deliveries. Farhan’s knock took his tournament tally to a record 383 runs.
In response, Sri Lanka mounted a fierce chase, finishing on 207 for six. A late onslaught from Dasun Shanaka, who smashed an unbeaten 76 from 31 balls, brought the match to a dramatic conclusion. Needing six runs from the final two deliveries, Shanaka was unable to connect, sealing Pakistan’s victory on the day but not their place in the next round.
The result confirms New Zealand’s progression to the semi-finals alongside group winners England and South Africa, with the final spot to be decided in Sunday’s match.
