Pakistan edge Sri Lanka in thriller, but New Zealand seal semi-final spot

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 28, 2026

Pakistan signed off their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 campaign with a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

However the win was not enough to secure a place in the semi-finals, as New Zealand advanced from Group 2.

Chasing a daunting 213 in Pallekele, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6 in their 20 overs. Captain Dasun Shanaka launched a stunning late assault, smashing an unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls, including eight sixes. Pavan Rathnayake also contributed 59.

With 28 needed in the final over, Shanaka hammered a boundary and three successive sixes off Shaheen Afridi to bring the equation down to six runs from two balls. However, both deliveries yielded no runs, sealing a narrow win for Pakistan.

The final ball appeared close to the wide line, but the umpire ruled it legal.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed was the standout with the ball, taking three wickets for 23 runs, supported by Afridi, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz with one each.

Earlier, Pakistan posted 212 for 8 after being asked to bat first. Sahibzada Farhan struck a brilliant 100 from 60 balls, while Fakhar Zaman contributed a rapid 84 off 42 deliveries.

The pair dominated the Sri Lankan attack with a commanding 176-run opening stand, though Pakistan lost momentum late in the innings, slipping from 176 without loss to 212 for 8.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back through Dilshan Madushanka, who claimed three wickets, while Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Despite the victory, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to qualify, a scenario that never materialised.

England had already secured a semi-final berth from Group 2 with three wins, leaving New Zealand to join them in the knockout stage.