Pakistan eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 despite a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights Group 2 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 28. The Men in Green required a far larger margin to advance, and net run rate ultimately sealed their heartbreaking exit.
Pakistan’s Super Eights campaign unravelled due to a catastrophic net run rate, making this Pakistan eliminated outcome one of the most agonising exits in recent T20 World Cup history. They finished level on three points with New Zealand but fell short where it mattered most — the numbers column.
Farhan’s Record Century Lights Up a Sad Night
Sahibzada Farhan delivered a stunning century against Sri Lanka, scoring 100 off just 59 balls. During his brilliant knock, Farhan became the first batter in T20 World Cup history to score two centuries in the same edition. He also broke Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383 runs across seven matches compared to Kohli’s 319 from the 2014 tournament.
Despite Farhan’s heroics, the Pakistan eliminated reality had already been set before his innings was even complete. Opening partner Fakhar Zaman contributed a powerful 76 to build a record 176-run opening partnership — the highest ever recorded at a T20 World Cup. It was a historic stand that still could not save Pakistan.
The Collapse That Cost Pakistan Everything
Pakistan’s batting unit crumbled spectacularly after that historic opening stand. From a commanding position of 176 for no wicket, Pakistan collapsed dramatically to 212 for 8, losing eight wickets for just 36 runs. The implosion left them with a total well short of the approximately 277 they needed to eliminate New Zealand on net run rate.
Sri Lanka needed to be bowled out for 147 or fewer for Pakistan to advance. Instead, Sri Lanka mounted a determined chase, powered by a raucous home crowd at Pallekele. Captain Dasun Shanaka smashed three successive sixes off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final over to bring his side tantalisingly close. Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, comfortably beyond the required 148 that confirmed Pakistan’s exit.
New Zealand Advance and Semi-Final Consequences
With Pakistan eliminated, New Zealand qualified from Group 2 alongside England. The Kiwis will now face South Africa in the first semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 4. The Pakistan eliminated outcome also carries a major logistical consequence — with no Pakistan in the knockout rounds, both semi-finals and the T20 World Cup 2026 final will now be held entirely in India. The final is confirmed for Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 8.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha reflected on the Pakistan eliminated reality after the match, pointing to the middle-order collapse as the defining failure of their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
Written by 8JJ.com | March 01, 2026
Stay updated with 8JJ for Real-Time Sports Scores & Sports Related Updates
🔗 Visit our other platforms:
8jjSports.com
