WEB DESK: Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup came to a heartbreaking end as they failed to secure a place in the semi-finals despite defeating Sri Lanka.
The decisive Super 8 fixture in Kandy saw Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to field first, putting Pakistan in to bat.
Riding on a sensational century from Sahibzada Farhan and a blistering knock by Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan piled up an imposing 212/8 in 20 overs. Farhan smashed 100 runs, while Fakhar powered his way to 84 in a dominant batting display.
However, Pakistan’s qualification hopes hinged not just on victory but on restricting Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer to boost their net run rate. Although the Green Shirts managed to edge out Sri Lanka by five runs, the hosts reached 207 in their chase of 213 enough to shatter Pakistan’s semi-final ambitions.
With Pakistan unable to improve their net run rate sufficiently, the New Zealand national cricket team progressed from Group 2 with three points and a superior run rate. The England cricket team had already confirmed their place in the last four.
