Despite Shanakas heroics, Pakistan knocked out despite victory

Sri Lanka needed 28 runs in the final over for victory, with Dasun Shanaka at the crease. On the very first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shanaka struck a boundary. He then smashed three consecutive sixes off the next three deliveries, bringing an almost impossible equation to the brink of reality. With 6 runs needed from the final two balls, the match hung in the balance. However, Shanaka failed to score off the last two deliveries, resulting in a 5-run defeat. Despite winning the match, Pakistan could not secure a place in the semi-finals, as they were eliminated from the Super Eight stage due to an inferior net run rate.

At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan were sent in to bat after losing the toss. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman launched a fierce assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, adding 64 runs in the powerplay.

The first breakthrough came at 176 when Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Fakhar. He played a brilliant knock of 84 off 42 balls, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes. Farhan continued at the other end.

Although Dilshan Madushanka and Dasun Shanaka picked up a few wickets in quick succession, Farhan maintained the scoring momentum. He brought up his century before being dismissed by Madushanka for 100 off 60 balls. Pakistan finished their innings at 212 for 8 in the allotted overs.

Madushanka claimed three wickets for Sri Lanka, while Shanaka took two.

Chasing a daunting target of 213, Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka early to Nasim Shah. Abrar Ahmed then struck twice, removing Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Sri Lanka were reduced to 105 for 5, seemingly out of contention. Pavan Rathnayake tried to steady the innings and found support from Shanaka.

Rathnayake scored 58 off 37 balls before getting out. Shanaka remained unbeaten on a blazing 76 off 31 deliveries. Abrar Ahmed was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers with three wickets.