Pallekele: Pakistan secured a thrilling five-run win over Sri Lanka in their Super Eight clash here today, but the victory was not enough to keep their T20 World Cup campaign alive as New Zealand advanced to the semifinals.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan rode on a dominant opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman to post 212/8. Farhan produced a superb 100 off 60 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes, while Zaman hammered 84 off 42 deliveries. The pair added 176 runs for the first wicket, laying the foundation for a formidable total. Sri Lanka, however, clawed back in the closing overs as Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets, skipper Dasun Shanaka picked up two, and Dushmantha Chameera added one to prevent further acceleration.
In reply, Sri Lanka stumbled early with Pathum Nissanka dismissed for 3. Kamil Mishara’s brisk 26 provided initial momentum before Abrar Ahmed removed him. Pavan Rathnayake steadied the chase with a composed 58 off 37 balls, but Pakistan regained control with timely breakthroughs. Shanaka then produced a sensational unbeaten 76 off just 31 deliveries, clearing the ropes eight times to keep Sri Lanka in contention until the final over.
Needing six runs from the last two balls, Sri Lanka fell just short as Pakistan sealed a narrow win. However, Pakistan had needed to restrict Sri Lanka below 147 to qualify for the semifinals. With Sri Lanka finishing well past that mark, New Zealand confirmed their place in the knockout stage despite Pakistan’s victory.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 212/8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84, Dilshan Madushanka 3-33) beat Sri Lanka 207/6 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 76*, Pavan Rathnayake 58, Abrar Ahmed 3-23) by 5 runs.
