Pakistan Exit T20 World Cup Despite Win; New Zealand Seal Semi-Final Spot

Pakistan crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026 despite a 5-run win over Sri Lanka, failing to restrict them below 147.

In their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Pakistan, Sri Lanka almost pulled off a win but lost by just 5 runs. They needed 28 runs in the last over from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shanaka tried his best and hit 3 sixes and 1 four. Still, Sri Lanka could not reach the target.

Shanaka was not out on 76 from 31 balls. Rathnayake also played well and scored 58 from 37 balls. Their efforts gave Pakistan a big scare in the final overs.

Earlier, batting first, Pakistan raced to 64/0 in the powerplay and reached 100 in 10 overs without losing a wicket. Sri Lanka briefly fought back with quick wickets, but Pakistan still finished with a strong 212. Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with 100 off 60 balls. It marked his second century of the tournament. He now holds the record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, surpassing 319 scored by Virat Kohli in 2014. Fakhar Zaman added 84 off 42 balls.

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After this loss, New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals. They are likely to face South Africa next. The final picture will become clear after the remaining Group 1 matches tomorrow.

We were loud and clear in declaring we were headed for the finals. Turns out, they meant the final moments of a sinking ship. Do we even have enough life jackets, or is this just another Titanic? No worries! #PSL is around the corner, and this embarrassment will soon be forgotten…

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) February 28, 2026

What an innings from Dasun Shanaka 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 28, 2026

Amazing finish at Pallekele!
Dasun Shanaka did all he could to get @OfficialSLC over the line.
Was that final ball a wide?#SLvPAK

— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) February 28, 2026

Kidding me @dasunshanaka1 😲😲😲

Incredible 👏👏👏 #T20WorldCup

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 28, 2026

Won’t even bother to ask THE QUESTION.

Cos it’s doesn’t matter to us.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 28, 2026