2026 T20 World Cup: Pakistan eliminated from Sri Lanka semi-final spot ahead of New Zealand and England

Pakistan have officially exited the 2026 T20 World Cup after failing to stop Sri Lanka in their Super Eight match in Kandy.

Despite a dream start with the bat, Pakistan could not defend the required run and saw their semi-final hopes ended.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan the perfect platform. The duo added a record 176 runs for the first wicket, the highest partnership in T20 World Cup history.

Farhan was again in stunning form. He scored 100 off 60 balls, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes, and became the first batsman to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup edition.

Zaman attacked from the other end and hit 84 off just 42 balls. He dominated the powerplay as Pakistan raced to 64 in six overs without loss and reached 100 in just 10 overs.

At one point, Pakistan looked set for a huge total. They passed 150 in 14 overs and seemed to be in complete control of the match.

But upon death, things changed quickly. Wickets fell in a cluster and the scoring slowed. Pakistan finished on 212 for 8 in 20 overs, a total that looked good but not safe enough.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers smartly pulled things back in the final overs. Dilshan Madushanka picked up three wickets while captain Dasun Shanaka picked up two crucial scalps to limit the damage.

In the chase, Sri Lanka were driven away by a hard hit from Pavan Rathnayake. He led the charge as the hosts comfortably crossed the 147-run mark that Pakistan had to defend to stay alive in the tournament.

When Sri Lanka passed that number, Pakistan’s fate was sealed. Their campaign ended despite one of the best opening stands in T20 World Cup history.

With this result, New Zealand and England have confirmed their semi-final places from the group. Pakistan, which started the tournament with high expectations, will now go home disappointed.

From the other Super Eight group, South Africa has already qualified for the semi-finals. The last spot goes to the winner of India versus West Indies on March 1.

Ultimately, Pakistan’s explosive batting was not enough. Their struggles in the final overs with both bat and ball cost them a place in the last four.