Record-Breaking Farhan POTM: Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by 5, Still Eliminated
Sri Lanka, 01 March (Sports Desk)
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 5 runs in a thrilling high-scoring encounter during the Super Eights stage (Match 50, Group 2) of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The match took place on February 28, 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele (Kandy), Sri Lanka.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a formidable total of 212/8 in 20 overs. This was powered by an explosive opening partnership of 176 runs between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman — the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.
- Sahibzada Farhan smashed a magnificent 100 off 60 balls (his second century of the tournament), including 9 fours and 5 sixes. He reached his hundred in 59 balls and became the first batter ever to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition. This knock also helped him break Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs in one T20 World Cup edition, finishing the tournament with 383 runs (surpassing Kohli’s 319 from 2014).
- Fakhar Zaman contributed a blistering 84 off 42 balls (9 fours and 4 sixes).
Pakistan’s innings saw a late collapse, losing 8 wickets for 36 runs in the death overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back well:
- Dilshan Madushanka: 3/33
- Dasun Shanaka: 2/42
Chasing 213, Sri Lanka replied strongly but fell agonizingly short at 207/6 in 20 overs.
- Dasun Shanaka played a heroic unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, nearly pulling off a miracle.
- Pavan Rathnayake supported with 58 off 37 balls.
- Earlier, Sri Lanka were struggling at 94/4, but the middle-order fightback made it a nail-biter.
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Pakistan’s bowlers:
- Abrar Ahmed starred with 3/23.
- Other contributions included Mohammed Nawaz (1/21), but they couldn’t restrict Sri Lanka below the required threshold (they needed to bowl them out for 147 or less to qualify for the semi-finals on net run rate).
Despite the win, Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament, as New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals from Group 2 with a better net run rate. It was a bittersweet victory for Pakistan — a dominant batting display and a thrilling defense, but not enough to progress.
Player of the Match: Sahibzada Farhan (for his record-breaking 100 off 60 balls). In post-match comments, he expressed disappointment that the ton didn’t help the team qualify, saying he wanted to bat well for the team and even hoped Fakhar would reach a hundred too.
Brief Scores:
- Pakistan: 212/8 (20 overs) — Sahibzada Farhan 100 (60), Fakhar Zaman 84 (42); Dilshan Madushanka 3-33.
- Sri Lanka: 207/6 (20 overs) — Dasun Shanaka 76* (31), Pavan Rathnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3-23.
- Result: Pakistan won by 5 runs.
This was a classic T20 thriller with big hits, records, and drama right to the last ball!
