Sri Lanka removed Pakistan from the T20 World Cup 2026 with a five-run loss in Pallekele, as New Zealand got a semifinal place from Group 2. Pakistan did win the game, yet could not reach the net run rate they needed to go ahead of New Zealand – so their Super 8 run ended dramatically.
Game summary and final result
After choosing to bat, Pakistan made a very good 212/8, helped by a record first-wicket partnership and a century from Sahibzada Farhan. Sri Lanka got to 207/6 in response, five runs short, but still did enough to knock Pakistan out, based on net run rate.
The match moved quickly, with each side hitting big shots at the other. Pakistan looked set after a strong batting show, but Sri Lanka put up a powerful chase – their captain and middle-order players both scored well. The result surprised people, as Pakistan’s place was decided by the tournament’s numbers more than by how they played in the match.
Farhan breaks records and Pakistan’s batting power
Sahibzada Farhan went on with his excellent form, scoring 100 off 60 balls – his second century of the tournament. He beat the previous record for most runs in one T20 World Cup, and made sure of his place among the best run-getters in the event.
Fakhar Zaman helped Farhan with a fast 84 from 42 balls, and the two put on a world-record 176-run first-wicket stand. Pakistan finished on a good total because of their strong hitting and good partnerships, showing they were still a threat in the Super 8.
Sri Lanka’s chase and the last over’s excitement
Sri Lanka gave a great answer, with Dasun Shanaka hitting 76 not out from 31 balls – with two fours and eight sixes. Pavan Rathanayake made a vital 58, and the home team kept the score moving by hitting hard and taking risks.
The match got very tense in the last over, as Shanaka swung at Shaheen Afridi. He got 22 runs off the first four balls – a four and three sixes – briefly making the numbers for who would qualify change again. However, Shaheen got his head back and bowled two balls that didn’t score, to finish the over and confirm Pakistan’s five-run win.
Net run rate numbers and New Zealand’s place in the semifinals
Pakistan needed to win by a very large amount to go past New Zealand’s net run rate of +1.390. Sri Lanka getting past 147 in their chase made that impossible, so Pakistan’s win could not change who went into the semifinals.
New Zealand now go through with England, as the two teams from Group 2 to get to the semifinals. The NRR calculation showed how small differences and scoring rates can be as important as wins and losses in tournament cricket, and how important it is to plan a strategy in future group games.
What this means for Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the future
Pakistan will come home early, but with some good things for individuals to build on – including Farhan’s record-breaking tournament. The batting side showed they could score runs, and bowlers like Abrar Ahmed – who took 3/23 – gave important help in difficult parts of the game.
Sri Lanka can be happy with their energetic chase and the support from the home crowd in Pallekele. Shanaka’s explosive finish and the contributions of Pavan Rathanayake give them energy as the home team think about a performance that gave people fun, and had a strategic effect on the standings in the tournament.
New Zealand now gets ready for the semifinals with the energy of Group 2 behind them. For Pakistan, the analysis will be on how a strong batting performance still did not get them through, and how being aware of NRR might affect choices in future events with several teams.
