Shaheen holds nerve as Pakistan edge Sri Lanka by five runs in thrilling T20 clash

KANDY: Pakistan wrapped up their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a pulsating five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match at Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Kandy, on Saturday, though the win was not enough to see them progress to the semi-finals.

The 2009 champions needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to keep their hopes alive, but strong batting from the hosts saw them post a competitive total of 207/6 in their 20 overs. Half-centuries from Pavan Rathnayake and skipper Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka recover from early setbacks.

Rathnayake anchored the innings with 58 off 37 balls, laced with four fours and three sixes, while Shanaka’s explosive 76 not out from just 31 deliveries came at the backend, including multiple boundaries that kept the scoring rate high. The two shared a brisk 61-run partnership for the sixth wicket to lift Sri Lanka’s innings.

Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the hero for Pakistan, defending a tense 28 runs in the final over, despite conceding three sixes to the Sri Lankan skipper. He was supported by Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed, who led the Pakistan bowling attack. Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler, taking three crucial wickets for 23 runs in his four overs, while Nawaz, Shaheen, and Naseem Shah chipped in with one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely. The newly formed opening pair of Farhan and Fakhar gave the team a fiery start, putting together a record 176-run partnership. Farhan top-scored with a magnificent 100 off 60 balls, hitting nine fours and five sixes, while Fakhar contributed a brisk 84 off 42 deliveries, including nine fours and four sixes. Their partnership laid the foundation for Pakistan to reach 212/8, despite Sri Lanka making a strong comeback in the latter stages.

Dushmantha Chameera finally broke the threatening opening partnership by dismissing Fakhar, while Dilshan Madushanka accounted for Khawaja Nafay shortly after. Shadab Khan added a brief contribution of seven runs before being run out, leaving Pakistan at 179/2. In the final overs, Shanaka’s double strikes removed Mohammad Nawaz and captain Salman Ali Agha for ducks, restricting Pakistan’s total to 212/8.

Sri Lanka fought hard during the chase, with Madushanka picking up three wickets for 33 runs, Shanaka taking two, and Chameera bagging one. However, Afridi’s nerve under pressure in the final over ensured that Pakistan held on for the narrow win.

Despite the thrilling victory, Pakistan could not advance to the semi-finals. They finished third in Group 2 with three points from three matches, sharing the same points as New Zealand, who progressed alongside England due to a superior net run rate (1.390 compared to Pakistan’s -0.123).

The match highlighted Pakistan’s batting firepower and Shaheen Afridi’s composure in pressure situations, but inconsistencies in bowling and middle-order contributions remained a concern. The team will now reflect on their performance as they plan for upcoming international fixtures and seek to improve their chances in the next T20 World Cup.

The Super Eight stage ends with Pakistan exiting the tournament, but the thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka showcased moments of brilliance that fans will remember.