Pakistan Beat Sri Lanka by Five Runs but Miss T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Pakistan registered a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in a high-scoring Twenty20 World Cup encounter, but the win was not enough to secure a place in the semi-finals. Despite defending a formidable total, Pakistan were eliminated after failing to achieve the required margin of victory to improve their net run rate.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 212 for 8 in their 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, falling just short in a tense contest that went down to the final ball.

However, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 runs to qualify for the semi-finals. With that target unmet, New Zealand progressed to the last four on the basis of superior net run rate.

Sri Lanka’s Fightback

Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka were under early pressure but mounted a strong counterattack. Captain Dasun Shanaka played a blistering unbeaten knock of 76 off just 31 balls, while Pawan Ratnayake contributed 58 off 37 deliveries.

The pair’s efforts, including a crucial 61-run sixth-wicket partnership, effectively ended Pakistan’s semi-final hopes. Sri Lanka plundered 45 runs in the final three overs, with Shanaka alone scoring 43 of them in a late onslaught.

Pakistan’s Explosive Start

Earlier, Pakistan recovered from losing the toss to produce a stunning opening partnership. Sahibzada Farhan smashed 100 off 60 balls, while Fakhar Zaman hammered 84 off 42 deliveries. The duo put on a remarkable 176-run stand for the first wicket.

However, Pakistan’s innings faltered dramatically after the breakthrough, collapsing from 176 without loss in 15.4 overs to 212 for 8 at the end of 20 overs, with no other batter reaching double figures.

For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets, while Shanaka capped off an all-round performance with two scalps.

Score Summary:

Pakistan – 212/8 (20 overs)

Sri Lanka – 207/6 (20 overs)

Despite the thrilling win, Pakistan’s campaign ended in disappointment as New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals on net run rate.