Pakistan secured a narrow five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match of the 2026 T20 World Cup but failed to advance to the semifinals due to net run rate. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman set a record with a 176-run partnership, though the middle order collapsed. Captain Salman Agha faces removal amid criticism of the team's performance.
In Pallekele, Sri Lanka, Pakistan posted 212 for 8 in their Super 8 clash against the hosts on February 28, 2026. Sahibzada Farhan scored an unbeaten 100 off 60 balls, including nine fours and five sixes, becoming the first batter to score two centuries in a single T20 World Cup and surpassing Virat Kohli's tournament record of 319 runs with 383. Fakhar Zaman contributed 84 off 42 balls, with nine fours and four sixes, as their 176-run opening stand became the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.
Sri Lanka fell short at 207 for 6, giving Pakistan a five-run win. However, unable to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to improve their net run rate, Pakistan were eliminated, finishing behind New Zealand in Group 2. This marks Pakistan's failure to reach the semifinals in four straight ICC tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Captain Salman Agha, who dropped Babar Azam due to poor form, admitted post-match that the batting, except for Farhan, was inconsistent. "We couldn’t bat well throughout the tournament. If Farhan had more support, it would have been better. The middle order has been a problem for a few years now, and we’ll have to address that," Agha said. He noted the dew factor after losing the toss made defending challenging, adding, "Couldn’t finish the way we wanted to."
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi is reportedly unhappy and plans to remove Agha as T20I captain, with Shadab Khan eyed as replacement. Former bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized the management as "clueless," questioning selections and advising Naqvi to seek better counsel: "If he cannot build a strong management structure... then something is seriously wrong within the board."
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya announced his decision to step down after the defeat.
