Although Sri Lanka fell short of qualifying for the semi-finals, Pakistan also squandered their opportunity to advance. Despite explosive, counterattacking knocks from captain Dasun Shanaka and Pawan Rathnayake, Pakistan failed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 runs, a target that ultimately kept both sides out of the final four.
Pakistan 212/8 (20 overs) – RR 10.60
Top scorers: Sahibzada Farhan 100 (60), Fakhar Zaman 84 (42), Usman Khan 8* (4)
Key wickets: Dilshan Madushanka 3/33 (8.25), Dasun Shanaka 2/42 (10.50), Dushmantha Chameera 1/48 (12.00)
Sri Lanka 207/6 (20 overs) – RR 10.35
Top scorers: Dasun Shanaka 76* (31), Pavan Rathnayake 58 (37), Kamil Mishara 26 (15)
Key wickets: Abrar Ahmed 3/23 (5.75), Naseem Shah 1/36 (9.00), Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/48 (12.00)
Pakistan edged Sri Lanka in a high-scoring thriller at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, clinching a dramatic five-run victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26. Under the lights in Kandy, a breathtaking contest unfolded as explosive centuries and late-innings power hitting pushed the match to the final over.
After Sri Lanka elected to field first, Pakistan’s openers delivered one of the most dominant Powerplay displays of the tournament. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman raced to 64 without loss in the first six overs, dismantling the Sri Lankan attack with fearless strokeplay.
Farhan anchored the innings with a magnificent 100 from 60 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 166.66. Fakhar Zaman provided the fireworks, blasting 84 off just 42 deliveries at a strike rate of 200. Their 176-run opening stand came in only 15.5 overs, setting the tone for a massive total.
Despite a late fightback from Dilshan Madushanka, who claimed 3 for 33, and Shanaka’s two wickets in the death overs, Pakistan surged past 200, finishing on 212 for 8. Abrar Ahmed and Usman Khan ensured momentum was maintained deep into the innings.
Sri Lanka’s chase began shakily as Pathum Nissanka fell early, but Kamil Mishara and Charith Asalanka steadied the innings. Pavan Rathnayake’s composed 58 from 37 balls kept the required rate within reach.
The match swung dramatically when captain Dasun Shanaka unleashed a brutal counterattack. His unbeaten 76 from 31 balls, including eight towering sixes, nearly turned the contest. Sri Lanka stormed to 200 in 19.3 overs, but disciplined final-over bowling sealed Pakistan’s victory by five runs.
