Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup despite a five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super 8s match in Pallekele on Saturday. The result meant Pakistan finished third in Group Two behind England and New Zealand, who progressed to the semi-finals.
Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to improve their net run rate and overtake New Zealand, but Sri Lanka finished on 207 for six. Dasun Shanaka hit an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, and Pavan Rathnayake made 58, to keep Sri Lanka in the hunt until the final over.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 212 for eight, their highest total in T20 World Cup history, thanks to a record 176-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman. Farhan scored 100 off 42 balls, while Zaman made 84 off 42 balls. Farhan's tournament aggregate of 383 runs is a new T20 World Cup record, surpassing Virat Kohli's 319 from 2014.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said losing the toss was crucial, as bowling second in dewy conditions proved challenging. He added that winning the toss might have led to a different outcome.
England, New Zealand and South Africa have already secured semi-final spots. The final semi-finalist will be decided on Sunday when India face West Indies.
