TOP STORIES
Pakistan denied semi-final berth, sign off with consolation win
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey came to a bittersweet end on Saturday in Pallekele as they were denied a semi-final spot, but their tense five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Super 8 clash ensured they signed off with pride. At the same time, Sri Lanka crossing the 148-run mark in their chase confirmed a semi-final berth for New Zealand.
Heading into the match, Pakistan's qualification hopes were hanging by a thread, as they needed more than just a win. They required a big margin and favourable net run rate. Though they produced one of their best batting performances of the tournament, it wasn’t enough to keep their campaign alive.
Asked to bat, Pakistan delivered a power-packed performance, finishing on 212/8 in 20 overs. They were powered to a big total by a stunning opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. Farhan smashed a magnificent 100, while Fakhar Zaman blasted a superb 84. The duo stitched together a record-breaking 176-run partnership for the first wicket. In their chase, Sri Lanka had a rather average start, as early breakthroughs put pressure on them. Despite the pressure, the hosts fought hard, with young Pavan Rathnayake standing out with a fearless 58 off 37 deliveries. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought till the end, remaining unbeaten on 76 off 31 as Sri Lanka finished at 207/6 in 20 overs.
Tags
More News
"We were loud and clear": Ex-Pakistan batter slams team's disappointing campaign at T20 World Cup
Former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf has strongly criticized the Salman Agha-led side after their premature exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, questioning both leadership and overall performance. Pakistan’s campaign came to an end on Saturday despite a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight Group 2 match in Pallekele.
Pakistan finished level on three poi...
"I have 11 dangerous players": Daren Sammy ahead of India vs West Indies clash
As the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup reaches a boiling point, there is huge anticipation ahead of the high-stakes showdown between India and the West Indies in Kolkata on Sunday. For both teams, it is a must-win game to book a spot in the semi-finals. And according to West Indies head coach Daren Sammy, the task at han...
Schedule confirmed for Australia women's tour of West Indies
Australia’s long-awaited return to the Caribbean will feature an all-white-ball assignment, with the anticipated historic Test match no longer part of the schedule. Cricket West Indies has unveiled the schedule for the tour, which begins on March 19. Instead of a multi-format series, the campaign will now have six limited-overs games as both teams begin prepara...
Sanath Jayasuriya set to leave role as Sri Lanka head coach
Sri Lanka's head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, has indicated that he will step down from his role following the team's early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup. His announcement came in the aftermath of a heartbreaking five-run defeat to Pakistan that sealed Sri Lanka’s elimination from the tournament. Speaking after the loss in Pallekele on Saturday, Jayasuriya revealed that he h...
It's do-or-die in Kolkata as India and West Indies fight for a semi-final berth
There are matches that shape tournaments, and then there are matches that define them, and Sunday’s clash between India and West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata falls squarely into the latter category. The face-off has been labelled a “virtual quarterfinal,” because one semifinal spot remains in Group 1. Both India and West Indies are in contention with n...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram