Pakistan signed from ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka In a Super 8 Group 2 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. While the contest itself turned out to be the ultimate thriller, the result brought mixed emotions for the Green Men.
Despite successfully defending 212 and a hard-fought win, Pakistan’s campaign came to an end. They needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to overtake New Zealand in net run rate and qualify for the semi-finals. Falling well short of that margin meant the end of their journey in the tournament and New Zealand advanced to the final four.
Sahibzade Farhan and Fakhar Zaman give a brilliant start
After Sri Lanka chose to bowl first, Pakistan’s opening pair came out with aggressive intent. Sahibzade Farhan proved once again why he was one of the best players of the tournament with a brilliant knock of 100 off 60 balls. His innings consisted of nine crisp fours and five powerful sixes that anchored Pakistan’s charge.
At the other end, Fakhar Zaman Played the perfect attacker, blasting 42 off 84 deliveries with nine boundaries and four sixes. Their opening partnership of 176 put Sri Lanka behind and set the stage for a huge total.
However, as progress was made, Sri Lanka bounced back. Dilshan Madushanka Impressed with 3 for 33, while the skipper Dasun Shanaka raised two gates to stop late acceleration. Pakistan eventually finished on 212 for 8 – a strong score, but one that came with the added pressure of a qualification tie.
Dasun Shanaka’s heroics almost spoil the script
Sri Lanka’s chase began steadily, with useful contributions Kamil Mishara and Charith Asalanka. Pawan Rathnayake‘s 58 off 37 balls managed the pace required and set the stage for a late onslaught.
Shanaka then reignited hopes of a miraculous chase, hitting a stunning 76 off just 31 balls, hitting eight sixes. For a moment, it looked like Sri Lanka could pull off an unforgettable victory.
Pakistan’s bowlers stood firm at the most crucial moment. Abrar Ahmed applied the crucial brakes in the middle overs, going an excellent 3 for 23. Shaheen Afridi and Nasim Shah Sri Lanka chipped in with vital wickets as they closed on 207 for 6.
A consolation win as New Zealand progress to the semi-finals
In the end, Pakistan won the match by five runs, but the celebrations were muted. The win was only a consolation as Sri Lanka’s total comfortably pushed Pakistan past the much-needed 147-run mark.
With that, Pakistan exited the tournament despite a fighting display, while D secured a place in the semi-finals. Farhan was adjudged Man of the Match for his magnificent century – which deserved a bigger award but ultimately failed to change Pakistan’s fortunes in the competition.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Why Kusal Mendis and Babar Azam not playing in today’s PAK vs SL Super 8 match
Here’s how the 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 should all get rid of Pakistan squad
It is enough 🙏 #PAKvSL— Rock.it (@hubpharma48) February 28, 2026
Well, that’s it. We are officially out of the World Cup.#PAKvSL #ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #Srilanka
— Sadia Khan (@ISadiaSaeedKhan) February 28, 2026
Ur captain says it was dew factor, u knew u can lose cheats, still fr nawaz n shadab gone. Fahem is a must, he could also score. Bad captain. The issue was always at a lower level, you needed Saim instead of Usman, Fahim instead of Nawaz or Shadab. #PAKvSL
– Jibran Yousaf (@zOOmJb) February 28, 2026
Pakistan ilawa hr team kr rhi thi k pakistan semi final m jai tried but 🫠🙂…….#PAKvSL
— flowerry🫶 (@ismjusta_girl) February 28, 2026
Current Status of Pakistan Team#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/xhmJCgAqns
– Update Pakistan (@0ffside_soccer) February 28, 2026
Sri Lanka eliminated Australia and Pakistan from the tournament #PAKvSL
— Thala Mass (@king_maker07) February 28, 2026
Pakistan is out of the World Cup.
I didn’t deserve the semi-final. #ICCMensT20 World Cup #PAKvSL
— Sharath Rao (@raosharathkumar) February 28, 2026
Dasun Shanaka apologizes to all sri lankan fans for his post match statement
Respect #PAKvsSL #SLvsPAK #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/ao5N1Ampgy– Muffadal Johns. (@i_Vishal18) February 28, 2026
Pakistan got a ticket to Karachi airport immediately after the match
✈️😅They won by just 5 runs against SL when a huge margin of 65 runs was needed to qualify for the semi-finals.#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 a problem for the Pakistan team over the past few years, but still has six players in the 15-man squad.🤔#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 Sri Lanka is. Shanaka and Rathnayake gave a phenomenal chase. Great game of cricket. #ICCMensT20 World Cup
— Kung Fu Dakait (@KariJyoti89159) February 28, 2026
Dasun Shanaka, you should have hit this six for humanity.
— Ahsan (@oyee_ahsann) February 28, 2026
He smoked almost all of Pakistan by himself! Big respect to Dasun Shanak, naai adi pei adi🫡🔥 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/W8u1Tg4kw8
— Baviyshh (@Baviyshraina) February 28, 2026
I always like his batting. When it comes to the crease like dough, it is silent at first. Then he shows off his monster kick. He is our generation’s Chris Gayle. Dasun Shanaka – what a player! @dasunshanaka1 💙🔥#SLvPAK | #T20WorldCup
— Murshidul Amin Umayer Sirazi (@UmayerSirazi) February 28, 2026
Feel for Dasun Shanaka and Sri Lanka.
It had to be extensive.#ICCMensT20 World Cup #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 You are the man#SLvPAK
— Mousumi Soren (@meww1499) February 28, 2026
