Pakistan produced a commanding batting display to post 212 for 8 in their 20 overs, driven by Sahibzada Farhan’s second century of the tournament, but a late collapse prevented them from setting an even steeper target. To secure a place in the semi-finals, Pakistan must now restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer — a victory margin of 65 runs.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan’s openers seized control from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman combined for a record-breaking 176-run partnership, the highest for any wicket in T20 World Cup history.
The pair were watchful early on before accelerating sharply through the middle overs. Pakistan reached 64 without loss in the powerplay — their best opening six overs of the tournament — and continued to dominate Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Fakhar was the aggressor during the surge, striking 84 from 42 deliveries at a strike rate of 200, including nine fours and four sixes. His dismissal in the 16th over finally ended the monumental stand, but by then Sri Lanka were already under severe pressure.
Farhan went on to complete his century with a single in the 19th over, reaching three figures from 59 balls with nine fours and five sixes. It was his second hundred of this World Cup, having earlier struck an unbeaten ton against Namibia in the group stage.
In doing so, Farhan became the first batter to score two centuries in a single edition of the T20 World Cup. Only Chris Gayle has more than one century in the tournament’s overall history.
Farhan was eventually dismissed for 100 from 60 balls at the start of the final over, capping a remarkable innings that once again underlined his form in this competition.
Despite appearing set for an even larger total, Pakistan stumbled badly at the death. The final five overs yielded just 49 runs for the loss of eight wickets, including a particularly quiet 19th over that brought only five runs and two dismissals.
Shadab Khan was run out attempting a second run, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha fell during the closing overs. Pakistan managed only 14 runs from the final two overs, ultimately finishing on 212 for 8.
While the total is formidable, the late collapse may yet prove significant given the qualification equation.
With England already through from Super Eight Group Two, the remaining semi-final place is being contested by Pakistan and New Zealand. To overtake New Zealand on net run rate, Pakistan must win by a substantial margin.
Having posted 212, they now need to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer — effectively a 65-run victory — to book their place in the last four.
