In a match full of explosive hitting, tense calculations and last-over drama, Pakistan did what they could, but not enough. The net run rate deficit ultimately denied them a place in the semi-finals, causing fans and former cricketers to return home in anger.
Brilliant batsman, but heartache in the margins
In the crucial Super Eights match, Pakistan needed more than just a win. They sat third in Group 2 and needed to beat Sri Lanka by a significant margin to make a leap over the finish line New Zealand on the net run rate.
Asked to bat first by the Sri Lankan skipper Dasun ShanakaPakistan reacted deliberately. The new opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan And Fakhar Zaman unleashed an attacking masterclass, stitching together a stunning 176-run stand.
Zaman hit 84 off just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary ropes with nine fours and four towering sixes before falling in the 16th over. However, Farhan went on to complete a stunning century – 100 off 60 balls – a knock that blended elegance with power. Pakistan finished with a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs. The equation was clear: restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka’s response kept Pakistan alive in the fight, but also alive in fear. The hosts kept scoring, and with the qualifying equation becoming increasingly stringent, every run became crucial. Ultimately, Sri Lanka crossed the 147-run mark without going all out, denying Pakistan the chance to book a place in the semi-finals. Although Pakistan eventually won the match, it was a victory on paper and a defeat in reality.
Ahmed Shehzad doubts the direction
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad did not mince her words on social media. He expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of progress under the current setup.
Shehzad criticized the constant shuffling of the batting order, claiming that team selections were influenced by external pressure rather than cricketing logic. He pointed out that promises of building a strong middle order had not materialized and called the past three years a period of stagnation rather than growth.
“Pakistan has officially left the World Cup. We supported you when you backed youngsters in the Asia Cup. You promised a strong middle order, but everything changed, not for balance, but to adapt your own people and bow to the pressure of social media. Three years of this setup, and still no progress. How much more time do you need? We are not improving. We are falling,” Shehzad wrote on X as quoted by Geonews.
Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi demand responsibility
Former captain Mohammed Yousuf used sharp sarcasm to sum up the mood. Reflecting on bold pre-tournament claims about reaching the finals, he compared the campaign to “the last moments of a sinking ship”, urging serious introspection while hinting that domestic competitions could soon shift public attention.
“We declared loud and clear that we were heading to the final. It turns out they meant the last moments of a sinking ship. Do we have enough life jackets, or is this just another Titanic? Don’t worry! #PSL is just around the corner, and this shame will soon be forgotten as pride rises again,” Yousuf said.
Meanwhile ex-skipper Shahid Afridi called for structural reforms. He wondered how a cricket-loving nation of over 240 million people continues to struggle at the highest level. Afridi demanded accountability from management and directors, stressing that Pakistan must rediscover its competitive edge.
“This is a moment to reflect on the future of cricket in Pakistan. How can a country from our population produce only 11 undersized players at the highest level? Who will take the responsibility of restoring the pride and standard of the Pakistan national cricket team?” Afridi wrote.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Sahibzada Farhan beats Dasun Shanaka, but Pakistan’s semi-final dream ends in T20 World Cup 2026
Shoaib Akhtar asks questions about selection
Former speed demon Shoaib Akhtar echoed similar concerns on a television show and criticized recent team combinations. He pointed out that players like it Saim Ayub could have provided balance, and wondered why natural roles were ignored earlier in the tournament. According to Akhtar, the strong performances of Fakhar, Farhan and Abra Ahmed In this match, previous selection errors came to light.
“Pakistan’s management seems completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the delivered. That tells you everything.” Akhtar said on Tapmad.
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