Farhan and Fakhar Fire Pakistan to Thriller Win, But Semi-Final Spot Slips Away

A record breaking opening stand from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to a dramatic five run win over Sri Lanka national cricket team in Pallekele but it was not enough to secure a T20 World Cup semi final berth.

Pakistan needed a victory margin of around 65 runs to qualify from Group 2. Instead, despite posting 212 for 8 and defending it narrowly, their net run rate fell short, allowing New Zealand national cricket team to advance alongside England and South Africa.

Farhan smashed a magnificent 100 off 59 balls, his second century of the tournament, and broke Virat Kohli’s record for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, finishing with 383. Fakhar was equally destructive, blasting 84 off 42, as the pair put on 176, the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.

At 176 without loss in the 16th over, Pakistan looked set for the massive win they required. But a stunning collapse saw them lose seven wickets for 35 runs in the final four overs, leaving them well short of the qualification target.

Sri Lanka fought back fiercely. Dasun Shanaka launched a breathtaking counterattack, smashing 76 not out off 31 balls. In a sensational final over from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sri Lanka needed 28. Shanaka struck 4, 6, 6, 6 to bring it down to six off two balls.

But Afridi held his nerve. A wide yorker denied the reverse scoop, and a final ball delivery, tight but deemed legal, sealed Pakistan’s narrow win.

It was a night of fireworks, records and heartbreak, triumph on the field but elimination off it.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.