T20 World Cup: Pakistan defeats Sri Lanka, but their hopes of making it to the semi-finals are dashed

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by a thrilling five runs in their final Super Eight match on Saturday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, capping off their T20 World Cup campaign.

The Green Shirts won, but their chances of making it to the semi-finals were dashed when their bowlers failed to hold Sri Lanka during a 213-run chase.

Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan put on individual displays that broke records during the thrilling contest.

Masterclass in Batting

With an incredible century off 60 deliveries, featuring nine fours and five sixes, Sahibzada Farhan spearheaded the attack. His innings was the highest runs scored by any hitter in a single ICC Men’s T20 World Cup edition and his 11th T20I half-century. Farhan also changed the record books by being the first batter to score two hundreds in a single T20 World Cup.

Fakhar Zaman, who opened with Farhan, scored a scorching 84 off 42 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. The left-hander helped create an incredible opening partnership of 176 runs, the highest for any wicket in a T20 World Cup competition, and became Pakistan’s most prolific six-hitter in T20Is.

Bowling difficulties

Despite taking early wickets, Pakistan’s bowlers found it difficult to stop Sri Lanka’s momentum. Sri Lanka surpassed the crucial 147-run threshold with 168 for six in 18 overs. In a four-over session, Abrar Ahmed claimed three crucial wickets, eliminating Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Kamil Mishara. Pathum Nissanka was accounted for by Naseem Shah, and Janith Liyanage was taken out by Mohammad Nawaz.

In the last over, Dilshan Madushanka, Sri Lanka’s outstanding bowler, delivered vital blows that removed Farhan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, stopping Pakistan’s run flow. Dushmantha Chameera and other players helped to contain Pakistan’s late onslaught, while captain Dasun Shanaka also contributed with two wickets.

In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs, but despite Farhan and Zaman’s incredible efforts, they were unable to guarantee a berth in the semi-finals.

In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand and England, who were in Pakistan’s group, advanced to the semi-finals and will play India and the West Indies, respectively.