Pakistan survived a stunning late assault from Dasun Shanaka to clinch a five run victory over Sri Lanka in a high scoring Super Eights clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 28, 2026.
After Sri Lanka elected to field, Pakistan produced one of the most commanding opening partnerships of the tournament. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put on a breathtaking 176 runs for the first wicket, dismantling the Sri Lankan attack with fearless strokeplay. Pakistan reached 64 without loss in the powerplay and never allowed the scoring rate to dip.
Farhan anchored the innings with a sublime 100 off 60 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes. He mixed composure with calculated aggression, reaching his century off 59 deliveries. Fakhar was equally destructive, hammering 84 off 42 balls with nine fours and four sixes before he was bowled by Dushmantha Chameera in the 16th over.
Sri Lanka fought back in the final overs through Dilshan Madushanka and Shanaka, who picked up key wickets to restrict the late surge. Madushanka finished with three wickets, including the prized scalp of Farhan, while Shanaka claimed two. Pakistan slipped from 176 without loss to 212 for 8, losing wickets in clusters, but the total still appeared imposing.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on an uncertain note when Naseem Shah dismissed Pathum Nissanka early. The innings threatened to unravel when Abrar Ahmed produced a superb spell of leg spin. Abrar removed Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 101 for 5.
At that stage, the match seemed firmly in Pakistan’s grasp. Shanaka, however, had other ideas. Walking in under pressure, the Sri Lankan captain launched a remarkable counterattack that transformed the contest. He struck 76 not out off just 31 balls, clearing the ropes eight times and repeatedly targeting the shorter boundaries. His calculated aggression against both pace and spin brought Sri Lanka back into contention from a near hopeless position.
Pavan Rathnayake provided vital support with a composed 58 off 37 balls, but it was Shanaka who carried the chase deep. Sri Lanka crossed 200 in the penultimate over, setting up a tense finish with 14 required from the last six balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve under immense pressure, executing their yorkers and slower balls with precision to concede only eight runs in the final over. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, falling agonisingly short despite Shanaka’s extraordinary effort.
Farhan was named Player of the Match for his match defining century, while Abrar’s control in the middle overs proved decisive. Yet the night belonged as much to Shanaka, whose fearless innings nearly produced one of the great T20 chases and ensured this contest will be remembered as one of the most dramatic games of the tournament.
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Pakistan survived a stunning late assault from Dasun Shanaka to clinch a five run victory over Sri Lanka in a high scoring Super Eights clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 28, 2026.
After Sri Lanka elected to field, Pakistan produced one of the most commanding opening partnerships of the tournament. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put on a breathtaking 176 runs for the first wicket, dismantling the Sri Lankan attack with fearless strokeplay. Pakistan reached 64 without loss in the powerplay and never allowed the scoring rate to dip.
Farhan anchored the innings with a sublime 100 off 60 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes. He mixed composure with calculated aggression, reaching his century off 59 deliveries. Fakhar was equally destructive, hammering 84 off 42 balls with nine fours and four sixes before he was bowled by Dushmantha Chameera in the 16th over.
Sri Lanka fought back in the final overs through Dilshan Madushanka and Shanaka, who picked up key wickets to restrict the late surge. Madushanka finished with three wickets, including the prized scalp of Farhan, while Shanaka claimed two. Pakistan slipped from 176 without loss to 212 for 8, losing wickets in clusters, but the total still appeared imposing.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on an uncertain note when Naseem Shah dismissed Pathum Nissanka early. The innings threatened to unravel when Abrar Ahmed produced a superb spell of leg spin. Abrar removed Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 101 for 5.
At that stage, the match seemed firmly in Pakistan’s grasp. Shanaka, however, had other ideas. Walking in under pressure, the Sri Lankan captain launched a remarkable counterattack that transformed the contest. He struck 76 not out off just 31 balls, clearing the ropes eight times and repeatedly targeting the shorter boundaries. His calculated aggression against both pace and spin brought Sri Lanka back into contention from a near hopeless position.
Pavan Rathnayake provided vital support with a composed 58 off 37 balls, but it was Shanaka who carried the chase deep. Sri Lanka crossed 200 in the penultimate over, setting up a tense finish with 14 required from the last six balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve under immense pressure, executing their yorkers and slower balls with precision to concede only eight runs in the final over. Sri Lanka closed on 207 for 6, falling agonisingly short despite Shanaka’s extraordinary effort.
Farhan was named Player of the Match for his match defining century, while Abrar’s control in the middle overs proved decisive. Yet the night belonged as much to Shanaka, whose fearless innings nearly produced one of the great T20 chases and ensured this contest will be remembered as one of the most dramatic games of the tournament.
