T20 World Cup: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka of 5 runs in a nail biting Super 8 match

Pakistan posted a commanding total against co-hosts Sri Lanka in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 Group 2 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, hoping to put early pressure on the visitors.

Pakistan’s top order fired impressively, with opener Sahibzada Farhan leading the charge. Farhan struck a commanding 89 off 53 balls with seven fours and five sixes, anchoring the innings and keeping the scoring rate high throughout. Fakhar Zaman also made a quick contribution with 28 off 16, helping Pakistan reach 178/1 in 16.1 overs — a strong position in the context of the Super 8 stage.

As of the latest update, Pakistan remained well placed in their innings with a solid partnership in progress, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers toiled for breakthroughs. Dilshan Madushanka bowled a tight spell early on, conceding just seven runs in his opening over, but had yet to make the crucial breakthrough at the time of reporting.

The match carries significant implications for Pakistan’s semi-final hopes in a tightly contested Group 2, where they need strong results and a positive net run rate. Sri Lanka, struggling this tournament, face an uphill task to restrict Pakistan and chase down the target in front of their home fans. Both teams will be eyeing a pivotal swing in momentum as this Super 8 encounter unfolds.