T20 World Cup exit: Pakistan knocked out despite win over Sri Lanka

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign ended in cruel arithmetic on February 28 night — not with a defeat, but with a hollow victory. Despite posting a commanding 212 and edging Sri Lanka by five runs, the Men in Green fell agonizingly short of the 65-run winning margin required to overhaul New Zealand on net run rate and seal a semi-final berth.

It was their finest batting display of the tournament — and ultimately, their most painful.

A blaze that came too late

With qualification hanging by a thread, Pakistan finally embraced urgency. The much-debated omission of Babar Azam signaled a shift in approach — one that immediately paid dividends.

Sahibzada Farhan produced a record-breaking century, while Fakhar Zaman bludgeoned a breathtaking 84 off 42 balls. Together, they stitched a 176-run opening stand in just 95 deliveries — the highest first-wicket partnership in T20 World Cup history.

Farhan’s 100 off 60 balls — studded with five sixes and nine fours — made him the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the tournament. For a fleeting moment, the improbable seemed possible.

Pakistan were 176 for 1 in 15.5 overs and eyeing 220-plus. But just as momentum peaked, it evaporated. A late collapse saw them manage only 35 runs in the final four overs, losing wickets in clusters and surrendering the ruthlessness demanded by net run-rate equations.

They finished on 212 — imposing, yet insufficient.

Bowling frailties resurface

Defending the total required near-perfection. Apart from Abrar Ahmed’s disciplined 3 for 23, Pakistan’s bowling lacked the composure necessary to squeeze Sri Lanka below 147.

Usman Tariq’s four overs leaked 43 runs, loosening Pakistan’s grip on qualification. Then came Dasun Shanaka.

Untroubled by the narrative unfolding around him, Shanaka’s unbeaten 76 off 31 balls steadily dismantled Pakistan’s mathematical hopes. Each boundary chipped away at the margin required, until the semi-final dream was extinguished — long before the final ball was bowled.

Pakistan won the match. They lost the tournament.

Numbers that hurt

Both Pakistan and New Zealand finished on three points in the Super 8 stage. But while Pakistan’s net run rate settled at -0.123, New Zealand’s superior +1.390 secured their passage into the last four — without them needing to step onto the field that evening.

England topped the group with three wins from three, while Sri Lanka ended their campaign winless despite spirited home support.

Pakistan’s campaign had begun with frustration — a washout against New Zealand — before slipping further when Harry Brook’s unbeaten hundred carried England past them in a tense chase.

By the time they faced Sri Lanka, qualification demanded dominance. They delivered brilliance with the bat — but not enough ruthlessness with the ball.

As New Zealand celebrated from the comfort of their hotel rooms, Pakistan’s players walked off in silence. No celebrations. No relief. Just a scorecard that testified to what might have been.

In the end, Pakistan conquered Sri Lanka — but remained powerless against net run rate.