Massive Pakistan Eliminated Despite Farhan's 2nd Ton vs Sri Lanka

Pakistan Eliminated From T20 World Cup 2026 Despite Dramatic 5-Run Win

Pakistan eliminated themselves from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 despite defeating Sri Lanka by five runs in a thrilling Super 8 clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 28. Pakistan eliminated any hopes of semi-final qualification due to a crushing batting collapse, finishing level on points with New Zealand but falling short on net run rate.

Farhan and Fakhar Rewrite T20 World Cup History

Pakistan entered the must-win encounter with a new opening combination, bringing in Fakhar Zaman alongside the tournament's standout batter Sahibzada Farhan. The pair put on a stunning display, registering a 176-run opening stand, the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history, surpassing the unbroken 175 shared by New Zealand's Finn Allen and Tim Seifert from earlier in the same tournament.

Fakhar contributed a blazing 84 off 42 balls, packed with nine boundaries and four sixes, before being bowled by Dushmantha Chameera in the 16th over. Farhan continued to dominate, completing a magnificent 100 off 60 balls, his second century of the tournament, making him the first batter in T20 World Cup history to score two hundreds in a single edition. Pakistan were well-placed at 176 for no wicket at one stage, with Pakistan eliminated fears far from anyone's mind.

Batting Collapse Seals Pakistan Eliminated Fate

What followed the historic stand was nothing short of catastrophic. Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 36 runs in less than five overs, crashing from 176 for no wicket to 212 for 8. The collapse meant they fell well short of the 65-run winning margin they needed to leapfrog New Zealand on net run rate. To confirm Pakistan eliminated, Sri Lanka needed only to avoid being bowled out for 147 or fewer.

Abrar Ahmed Fights Back

Despite the Pakistan eliminated reality looming, the bowling unit gave a spirited response. Abrar Ahmed starred with three wickets for 23 runs in four overs, keeping Sri Lanka pinned back at 94 for 4 at one stage. However, Pavan Rathnayake hit 58 off 32 balls and captain Dasun Shanaka finished with an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, including four sixes in the final over off Shaheen Afridi. Sri Lanka reached 207 for 6, confirming Pakistan eliminated as New Zealand sealed their semi-final berth from Group 2.

Farhan Breaks Kohli Record

Despite Pakistan eliminated status, Sahibzada Farhan's tournament tally rose to 383 runs, overtaking Virat Kohli's previous record of 319 runs set in the 2014 edition. Pakistan eliminated their chance at glory through batting fragility, but Farhan's brilliance gave fans something truly historic to remember.