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Pakistan fail to reach semi-finals of T20 World Cup despite win over Sri Lanka as New Zealand go through

Pakistan eliminated from the T20 World Cup despite avoiding loss to Sri Lanka and Sahibzada Farhan's century; New Zealand, instead progress through to the semi-final

Saturday 28 February 2026 18:50, UK

Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha reacts in the field during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Image: Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup despite their nail biting win over Sri Lanka (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 world cup despite a five-run victory over already-eliminated Sri Lanka in their Group Two Super Eights match in ​Pallekele.

Pakistan posted 212-8 thanks to a Sahibzada Farhan century and then needed to limit co-hosts Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer in order to reach the semi-finals on net run rate, but the chasers finished on 207-6, instead sending New Zealand through.

Sri Lanka raced to 148 with five overs to go, automatically eliminating the visitors and confirming that both semi-finals will take place in India.

Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka plays a shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Image: Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka scored three sixes in a row to bring his nation painfully close to the win (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

"When I lost the toss, it was always going to be challenging because of the dew," Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said.

"It was a good pitch. Restricting to 148 was going to be challenging - we tried. If I'd won the toss, it would have been a different story.

"Dew was definitely a factor. We couldn't execute the plans we wanted to. (Spin bowler) Usman Tariq had an off-day. He's been exceptional but one off-day can happen.

"We didn't bat well in the tournament. It was only Sahibzada Farhan who batted exceptionally well. Our batting was always a concern, especially the middle order. It's been an issue for a few years now. We need to sit down and look at that department.

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"We didn't finish the way we wanted to. In 20 overs, the opposition will have two [good] overs and that was the case. We batted really well for 18 overs. If we'd done well, scored 10-15 more, it could've been a different story."

Pakistan's Sahibzada Farhan celebrates his century during the T20 World Cup against Sri Lanka (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Image: Sahibzada Farhan scored a century against Sri Lanka (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Pakistan racked up ‌an imposing score as Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) combined in ‌a T20 World Cup record 176-run opening stand.

But in the end they were very nearly sent home without the win after Dasun Shanaka hit three sixes in row to take his side to 207, before failing to score one last six to get the win as he finished on 76 (31).

England, New Zealand and South Africa have now secured their semi-final spots, while India and West Indies will play for the last place on Sunday.

Watch every game from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket, including the competition final on Sunday March 8. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW. Cancel any time.

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