Despite securing an important win, Pakistan ultimately failed to secure their spot for the Semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, as the ICC World T20 2009 champions have been eliminated from the Super Eights of the 2026 edition. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: Why did Pakistan fail to qualify for Semis despite beating Sri Lanka?

As Sri Lanka chose to field first after winning the toss at Pallekele on Saturday night (February 28), the calculation was very simple for Pakistan to qualify for the Super Eights, as they had to win the match by 65 runs to surpass New Zealand in the Group 2 Super Eights points table through the net run rate, as both could finish the Super Eights Group 2 with three points each. 

While Pakistan scored 212/8 in 20 overs, majorly thanks to the record-breaking opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, Sri Lanka replied with 207/6, as the Men in Green only managed to win by five runs. Although Pakistan managed to finish the Super Eights Group 2 with three points, they finished with a far below net run rate (-0.123) than New Zealand (+1.390).

See Also: 'Qudrat ka Nizam fails..' - Funny fan reactions pour in as Pakistan knocked out of T20 World Cup 2026

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman set tone, Sri Lankan team fought back 

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman set a tournament record-breaking 176-run partnership for the first wicket, where Fakhar scored 84 off 42 balls, while Sahibzada later stretched to 100 off 60 balls. However, once that partnership was broken in the 15.5 overs, the other batters were losing wickets cheaply, as the Men in Green were ultimately restricted to 212 runs. 

In reply, Sri Lanka were losing wickets at regular intervals, while Pakistan had to restrict Sri Lanka to below 147 runs to qualify for the Semis. However, Pavan Rathnayake and captain Dasun Shanaka's half-centuries not only eliminated Pakistan from the tournament, but also put the match on wire. While Pavan scored 58 off 37 balls, skipper Dasun scored 76 not out off 31 balls with two fours and eight sixes. 

Last over drama

In the final over of the match, Sri Lanka needed 28 runs to win, while Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered the final over. Starting the over with a four, Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka then slammed three consecutive sixes, as the hosts needed only six runs in the last two balls. However, Afridi managed to deliver two back-to-back dot balls to snatch the game in their favour. 

Sri Lanka's Pavan Ratnayake slammed a magnificent half-century against Pakistan in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. In the Super 8 encounter, Ratnayake played an incredible knock but failed to help his team win the match. 

Coming to bat at the No. 4 position, the batter assessed the situation well and played accordingly. He punished the bad deliveries and went on to score 58 runs in 37 balls, including four boundaries and three huge sixes. He batted with responsibility but couldn't stay for long to help the team take the game home. 

He was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi in the 17th over when the match was almost within Sri Lanka's reach. His wicket made a huge difference as Dasun Shanaka couldn't finish the game either. Sri Lanka lost the match by five runs. However, they were successful in knocking out Pakistan from the tournament. 

Watch the video here:

A fighting fifty! 💪

Pavan Rathnayake is leading the charge in Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the target! 🔥

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup, SUPER 8, #SLvPAK | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/kkgEVdjA6Z pic.twitter.com/CNZ8FqzRXw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 28, 2026

See Also: Watch: Kamil Mishara smashes Shaheen Afridi for jaw-dropping six in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan had to defend 212 runs and restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs. However, they failed to do so and are now out of the tournament. The Men in Green went in with two extra bowlers today, with the return of Naseem Shah into the paying XI. Despite everything, Sri Lanka's batters played well. While they couldn't beat Pakistan, their performance was enough to send them out of the tournament. 

England and New Zealand qualify for semi-finals from Group 2

The scenarios from Group 2 are quite sorted as England and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals. While England remain unbeaten in the Super 8, New Zealand won their last encounter against Sri Lanka. They were under pressure as Pakistan had a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but luck was on their side this time. 

Now, India and the West Indies will clash against each other, where the winner will proceed towards the knockouts. Meanwhile, New Zealand will play against South Africa in the semi-final 1 on March 4 in Kolkata. The winner of the India vs West Indies match will play against England on March 5 in Mumbai. 

The Indian fans will hope for a positive result, but there are high chances of rain interruption in tomorrow's game. If the match is washed out, the West Indies will qualify since they have a better NRR than India. 

Sri Lanka are up against Pakistan in the Super 8 match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. This game was extremely important for Pakistan since they had an opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals. They put up 212 runs on the board and had to restrict Sri Lanka under 147 runs. 

However, that didn't happen and Pakistan are now knocked out of the tournament. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's opener Kamil Mishara slammed a jaw-dropping six against Shaheen Afridi that left the bowler surprised. In the third over, he hit a six down the ground on a back of a length and on off.

He played a lofted drive towards the long on. Mishara scored 26 off 15 balls, including four boundaries and one six. He was later dismissed by Abrar Ahmed in the match. Sri Lanka did some wonderful batting in the game but it wasn't sufficient. 

Watch the video here:

What a shot! 🎯

Shaheen Shan Afridi can only watch as Kamil Mishara hits one down the ground in sensational style. 👏

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup, SUPER 8, #SLvPAK | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/kkgEVdjA6Z pic.twitter.com/lECGTlPUOX

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 28, 2026

See Also: Watch: Record Alert! Sahibzada Farhan creates history with back-to-back tons in T20 World Cup 2026

Captain Dasun Shanaka played an incredible knock and was a lone warrior in today's match. He did mention about beating Pakistan in the previous game but couldn't fulfil his dream. However, his performance was a huge takeaway for the team from his T20 World Cup 2026.

Pakistan are eliminated from T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan are finally out of the tournament despite scoring 212 runs in the first innings against Sri Lanka. Their opening batters, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave a solid start but the rest of the team fell like a pack of cards. Hence, they ended up 20-30 runs short.

Sri Lanka lost the game by just five runs as skipper Dasun Shanaka slammed an unbeaten 76 runs. He did everything he could to steal the victory from Pakistan. However, he didn't get the support from his teammates which led to their defear. They did knockout Pakistan from the competition. Now, England and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals. 

Pakistan are taking on Sri Lanka in the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. In a must-win game against Sri Lanka, Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan slammed a century in 59 balls. He hit nine boundaries and five sixes to reach the milestone. 

Moreover, he also became the first batter to hit two centuries in the T20 World Cup history. This was also his second T20I century. His performance has been outstanding throughout the tournament and credit goes to him for continuing the same intent. He started hitting from the first over, making his intentions clear. 

Farhan also surpassed Virat Kohli to become highest run-scorer in a single edition of T20 World Cup history. It was an incredible century and came at the perfect time. In six games, he has scored 383 runs at an average of 76.60. He is the highest run-scorer this season and batted at a strike rate of 160.25. 

Watch the video here:

Hit with authority! 🙌

Fakhar Zaman & Sahibzada Farhan have brought up their fifties!

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup, SUPER 8, #SLvPAK | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/kkgEVdjA6Z pic.twitter.com/I39MrYN8La

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 28, 2026

See Also: Watch: Dushmantha Chameera dismisses Fakhar Zaman for 84 during PAK vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s

Pakistan put 212 runs on the board in the first innings. A strong opening partnership between Farhan and Fakhar Zaman helped the team set a solid total on the board. Fakhar scored 84 in 42 balls, including nine boundaries and four sixes. The rest of the batting lineup fell like a pack of cards. 

What is Pakistan's qualification scenario for semi-finals?

The Men in Green are in a tough stage in the tournament where a win is not sufficient. They will have to win the match by a margin of 60 runs to win and beat New Zealand's NRR to qualify for the semi-finals. The Kiwis lost their game against England yesterday and hence, are stuck at the selection. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan are playing two extra bowlers today which might help them win the match. Naseem Shah is back in the team and in an important game like this, all eyes will be on him and Shaheen Shah. If Pakistan win the game by 60 runs, they'll through to the semi-finals and meet South Africa. 

While Pakistan need a big win against the hosts Sri Lanka to secure their spot for the Semi-finals in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan openers provided a strong start, where Fakhar Zaman slammed a long six inside the crucial powerplay. 

Pakistan need to win their last Super Eights (Group 2) match by at least 65 runs, Sri Lanka chose to field first at Pallekele on Saturday night (February 28).

Watch: Fakhar Zaman slammed 94m long six to Maheesh Theekshana

Pakistani openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, provided a strong start in the game, as they scored 64/0 at the end of the powerplay. In the fourth over, Fakhar slammed a long 94-meter six after stepping out to the Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, as the ball traveled huge distance over the long-off. 

Fakhar Zaman steps down and launches one past the long-off boundary.

Pakistan aim to make the most of the powerplay!

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup, SUPER 8, #SLvPAK | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/kkgEVdjA6Z pic.twitter.com/PZjuduM02m

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 28, 2026

Pakistan openers set new partnership record in T20 World Cup

Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan slammed a 176-run partnership for the first wicket, which set a new record for the highest partnership for any wicket in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. While Fakhar scored 84 off 42 balls with nine fours and four sixes, Shahibzada just recorded his second century in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Shahibzada was dismissed for 100 off 60 balls with nine fours and five sixes. 

Earlier, during the crucial must-win group stage match against Namibia, Sahibzada Farhan slammed a match-winning hundred, where they claimed a strong win to qualify for the Super Eight stage. In that game, the Pakistan opener scored 100 not out. 

After the former Caribbean cricketer Chris Gayle, Sahibzada Farhan became the second batter to hit two centuries in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. However, the Pakistan opener is the first cricketer to slam more than one century in an edition of the Men's T20 World Cup. 

It is the crucial Group 2 Super Eights match, England vs New Zealand, in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is set to host this fixture on Friday night (February 27).

England are currently on top of the Group 2 Super Eights points table by winning their first two matches of the group. After beating the hosts Sri Lanka by 51 runs, they edged out Pakistan by two wickets to secure their qualification for the Semi-finals. However, they need to win the match against New Zealand to secure the top spot in Group 2. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand had a washout fixture with no result in their first Group 2 game against Pakistan, and then beat the hosts Sri Lanka by 61 runs. They are in second position in Group 2 with three points. A win or no result against England will be enough for them to secure the Semi-final position, while they will move on top of the points table with a victory.

If New Zealand suffer a defeat against New Zealand, they have to wait for the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match result, where Pakistan must win, along with making the net run rate better than the Blackcaps. 

See Also: Sunil Gavaskar snubs India, names top two contenders to win T20 World Cup 2026

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 2, Super Eights - ENG vs NZ: Toss Update

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bat first. 

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Group 2, Super Eights - ENG vs NZ: Playing XIs

New Zealand are unchanged for the match. 

New Zealand playing XI

Indian cricketer Rinku Singh's father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday, February 27, at the Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. He was admitted to the hospital, where he was battling with stage 4 liver cancer. He had been under medication and proper medical care ever since he was diagnosed with cancer last year. However, in the past few days, his condition deteriorated. 

The news is quite saddening for everyone as the left-handed batter has a great bond with his father. He was his support system throughout his cricketing journey. Speaking about the sorrowful incident, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla extended his deepest condolences to Rinku and his family. 

"The news of Rinku Singh's father's passing is very heartbreaking. He had been ill for a year... He struggled a lot in his life... Rinku is also very upset... This is very sad... I pay my tributes to him," said Rajeev Shukla as quoted by ANI. 

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Delhi: On the demise of cricketer Rinku Singh's father, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla says, "The news of Rinku Singh's father's passing is very heartbreaking. He had been ill for a year... He struggled a lot in his life... Rinku is also very upset... This is very… pic.twitter.com/b9zYuRyMIu

— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2026

Rinku went to visit his father a couple of days back, before the match against Zimbabwe yesterday. He has been battling advanced-stage liver cancer and was in the terminal phase of the illness. He was under ventilator support for the past few days. 

"His condition had deteriorated significantly in recent days, following which he had been admitted to the hospital on February 21. He was placed on ventilator support and breathed his last early this morning," said Dr. Sunil Kumar, spokesperson of Yatharth Hospital.

How was Rinku Singh and his father's bond?

Rinku Singh has seen a lot of struggle in his career, even before playing for India. His family struggled financially, but his father never gave up. He always supported his cricket career and hence, was there beside him when Rinku played for India. 

Even when he was ill, he attended his son's engagement with Priya Saroj. He was the cricketer's biggest cheerleader, and in his absence, it will not be an easy job for Rinku to handle the pain and grief. Rinku Singh last played for India in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against South Africa. He then returned to meet his family and rejoined the team before the Zimbabwe clash. 

Pakistan cricket is currently in full chaos, where the team is struggling to perform on the field, while the former Pakistan cricketers are bashing the current players, especially criticizing the senior cricketers. Moeen Ali, the former English cricketer of Pakistani descent, has come up with his feelings about the Pakistan cricketers during this tough time.

The T20 World Cup 2009 champions Pakistan are close to being eliminated from the Super Eights, except for some miracle happening with England thrashing New Zealand and Pakistan winning against Sri Lanka by a significant margin to snatch the Semi-finals spot in the tournament. 

After finishing as the runners-up in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, Pakistan have mainly struggled to perform in tournaments, such as in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan were even eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage after losing against the United States of America and India.

Watch: Viral! BOL News trolls Pakistan with Saqlain Mushtaq mimicry after disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign

Pakistan cricket is facing heat

In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, which India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting, and Pakistan are playing all their matches in Sri Lanka under familiar conditions, the Men in Green have struggled to perform. They managed to record close wins against the Netherlands and the United States of America, while India thrashed them, and they needed to win the match against Namibia to qualify for the Super Eights, which they won dominantly.

In the Super Eights Group 2, Pakistan had a rain washout no result against New Zealand, while they suffered a defeat against England despite having some good moments. 

Just like previous tournaments, former Pakistan cricketers have once again raised their voices against the present national team players, especially against the senior cricketers and the captain. 

I do feel like they carry that pressure: Moeen Ali

On the other hand, former English cricketer Moeen Ali feels that Pakistan cricketers are carrying a lot of pressure for any big tournament, which creates a burden in their game; as a result, they are failing mostly. 

At Beard Before Wicket, Moeen Ali said, "I feel for the Pakistan players because there's so much negativity around them from ex-players and pundits. I do feel like they carry that pressure or burden sometimes from those guys & they're worried about what they're going to say because there are so many channels and so many, I guess, podcasts or TV shows where people are talking about the game, the buildup and the post-match & they just get battered." 

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, India are taking on Zimbabwe in a crucial encounter in the Super 8 stage. Batting first, the Men in Blue slammed 256 runs in the first innings, thanks to contributions from Hardik Pandya, Abhishek Sharma, and cameos from Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma. 

After an incredible batting performance, it was time for Zimbabwe's batters to showcase their performance in the ongoing match. They started the innings really well without losing wickets in the first six overs. Against a bowling line-up including Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah, Zimbabwe's openers did a brilliant job in saving the wicket. 

Amidst the batting, an incident occurred when Brian Bennett saved his wicket by using his presence of mind. When Bumrah was bowling, he delivered a perfect yorker, which Bennett played perfectly, but the ball rose around the stumps. But the batter used his mind and threw the ball away, saving his wicket. 

Watch the video here:

Lightning reflexes from Brian Bennett! ⚡

In a split second, he reacts and kicks the ball away to the leg side — saving his wickets in dramatic fashion.

Presence of mind under pressure. Pure instinct. 🏏🔥pic.twitter.com/QUgpNkvXBG

— Tapish (@crictapish) February 26, 2026

It was a good batting performance by Brian Bennett, who ended up scoring an unbeaten 97 runs. He didn't get the support from the other end. Despite that, chasing a mammoth total is never easy, especially in high-pressure matches like these. 

India won by 72 runs against Zimbabwe

It was a clinical win by India against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup 2026. They won the match by 72 runs, thanks to Arshdeep Singh's tight bowling performance and an incredible batting show by the Indian batters. Arshdeep claimed three wickets and conceded just 24 runs in four overs. 

Now, the last match against West Indies on March 1 will be the virtual semi-final. The team that wins will qualify for the semi-finals. However, if it rains, the West Indies will qualify since they have a higher NRR than India. The match is at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

After a hard outing against South Africa in their previous game of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, the hosts and defending champions India have made a strong comeback with a fiery batting performance in their crucial second match of the Super Eights in the tournament. While Chennai is hosting the match on Thursday night (February 26), the Men in Blues recorded the second-highest total in the T20 World Cup history

All the Indian batters performed dominantly after Zimbabwe sent the hosts to bat first at Chennai. At first, the Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma provided a strong start with a 48-run partnership in just 3.4 overs, where Sanju was dismissed after scoring 24 off 15 balls (1 four and 2 sixes). 

Later, Abhishek had a 72-run partnership with Ishan Kishan for the second wicket. The opener Abhishek slammed his first T20 World Cup half-century, as the left-handed batter scored 55 off 30 balls (4 fours and 4 sixes).

While Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav had a quick 30-run partnership for the third wicket, Ishan lost his wicket after scoring 38 off 24 balls (4 fours and 1 six). Suryakumar had another small 22-run fourth wicket partnership with Hardik Pandya, before the skipper lost his wicket for 33 runs in 13 balls (3 fours and 2 sixes).

In the slog overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma were brutal with an 84-run partnership for the unbroken fifth wicket. While Hardik scored 50 not out off 23 balls (2 fours and 4 sixes), Tilak slammed 44 not out off 16 balls (3 fours and 4 sixes).

While India slammed 17 sixes in the innings, the Men in Blues scored 256/4 in 20 overs, the second-highest total in the history of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. 

Highest totals in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 

• Sri Lanka 260/4 vs Kenya (2007)
• India 256/4 vs Zimbabwe (2026)
• West Indies 254/6 vs Zimbabwe (2026)
• Ireland 235/5 vs Oman (2026)
• England 230/8 vs South Africa (2016)

Meanwhile, India recorded their fifth highest T20I total in the match. 

Highest T20I totals for India

• 297/6 vs Bangladesh at Hyderabad in 2024
• 283/1 vs South Africa at Johannesburg in 2024
• 271/5 vs New Zealand at Thiruvananthapuram in 2026
• 260/5 vs Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017
• 256/4 vs Zimbabwe at Chennai in 2026