Pakistan‘s campaign ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 There was a dramatic but painful end to Saturday night as the Men in Green were knocked out despite the defeat. Sri Lanka At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
In a match full of explosive batting, tense scoring and final drama, Pakistan did what they could – but not enough. The shortfall in net run rate resulted in the semi-final being abandoned, sending fans and former cricketers home.
Beat brilliance, but margin heartache
Pakistan needed more than a win when it came to the crucial Super Eight clash. Third in Group 2, they needed to beat Sri Lanka by a significant margin to make the breakthrough. New Zealand on net run rate.
The Sri Lankan captain claimed to bat first Dasun ShanakaPakistan responded with intent. New opening pair Sahibzade Farhan and Fakhar Zaman The batsman put on a masterclass as he put together a stunning stand of 176 runs.
Zaman smashed 84 off just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary ropes with nine fours and four powerful sixes before falling in the 16th over. However, Farhan went on to complete a magnificent century – 100 off 60 balls – a knock that combined elegance with power. Pakistan finished with a magnificent 212/8 in 20 overs. The equation was clear: restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to secure a semi-final place.
Sri Lanka’s response kept Pakistan alive in the contest, but also in worry. The hosts continued to run and every run proved crucial as the qualification equation tightened. In the end, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 147 runs, ultimately denying Pakistan a chance of a place in the semi-finals. Although Pakistan won the competition, it was a victory on paper but a defeat in reality.
Ahmed Shehzad asks the direction
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shahzad he did not avoid the words he said on the social network. He expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of progress in the current set-up.
Shehzad criticized the constant shuffling of the batting order and claimed that team selections were influenced by external pressures rather than cricketing logic. He noted that the promises of building a strong middle order did not materialize and called the last three years a period of stagnation instead of growth.
“Pakistan is officially out of the World Cup. We supported you when you supported the youngsters in the Asia Cup. You promised a strong middle order, but everything has changed, not for balance, to regulate your own men and bow to social media pressure. Three years of this setup, still no progress. How much longer? We are not improving. We are falling,” Shehzad wrote in X as quoted by Geonews.
Muhammad Yusif and Shahid Afridi are demanding responsibility
Former captain Muhammad Yusuf used sharp sarcasm to sum up the sentiment. Reflecting on the bold pre-tournament claims of reaching the finals, he likened the campaign to the “last moments of a sinking ship” and called for serious introspection, hinting that domestic leagues could soon shift public focus.
“We declared loud and clear that we were heading for the finals. Turns out these meant the last moments of a sinking ship. We even have enough life jackets or is this another Titanic? Don’t worry! #PSL is just around the corner and this embarrassment will soon be forgotten as pride rises again,” Yusuf said.
Meanwhile, ex-capt Shahid Afridi called for structural reforms. He asked how a cricket-loving nation of over 240 million people continued to compete at the highest level. Afridi demanded a report from management and administrators, insisting that Pakistan must rediscover its competitive edge.
“This is a moment to think about the future of cricket in Pakistan. How can a nation of our population produce only eleven sub-par players at the highest level? Who will be responsible for restoring the pride and standard of the Pakistan national cricket team?” Afridi wrote.
Shoaib Akhtar raises questions about selection
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar echoed similar concerns on a television show, criticizing recent team mergers. He pointed out that the players like him Saim Ayub could offer a balance and ask why natural roles were not considered earlier in the tournament. According to Akhtar, Fakhar, Farhan’s powerful performances and Abrar Ahmed In this match, the previous selection revealed its flaws.
“Pakistan management seems completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked in the last 15 days was wrong. There was one glaring mistake – Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay. Saim could have contributed with the ball. This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar, Farnhan, played today of course. Fakhar and Abrar delivered it all. Akhtar said in Tapmad.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super 8 Clash Final Round-Up Discussion
