SL vs PAK: Pakistan knocked out as New Zealand qualify for T20 World Cup semi-finals

KANDY: The SL VS PAK clash saw Pakistan being knocked out of the race for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup’s semi-final, after not being able to restrict the Lions to 147 runs during the clash. The victory for Pakistan came by only 22 runs, as skipper Dasun Shanaka remained on fire back to score 76 off 31 against Pakistan.

Now that Pakistan have been knocked out of the race for the semi-final against South Africa, New Zealand firmly qualified for the second most crucial event of the global T20 cricketing body. India vs West Indies will face off tomorrow, where the qualifier will go in the semi-final against England.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed was a standout performer, clinching three key wickets for 23 runs. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one while Shaheen Shah, who took one wicket, gave 48 from 4 overs. But during their first innings–the innings where Sahibzada Farhan remained on fire brought him an all-time second century tonight.

Being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a 213-run target in the crucial Super Eight Pak vs SL live clash, as both the Shaheens and the Lions are serious to find possibilities of reaching the semi-final after the 50th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match is finished here tonight. During their innings, Sahibzada made his side’s highest 100-run score to post a massive 213-run score.

Pakistan top order Sahibzada Farhan was claimed by Dilshan Madushanka after scoring the second-time 100, with the first unbeaten 100 against Namibia, and the second tonight against Sri Lanka, as SL VS PAK live clash is taking place here.

Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Ibrar Ahmed came under huge pressure and were all crushed by Sri Lanka’s bowling line, leaving the top-order Farhan under pressure. As a result, he was also unable to exceed 100 massive runs, though the total predicted score against SL was earlier expected to be over and above a 250-run total.

Tonight, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, who were playing havoc with their bats from the front, seemed unstoppable, as both contributed a massive 176-run partnership before Fakhar went for 84 in the ongoing ICC SL VS PAK LIVE clash. During their partnership, both the top-order gained renewed energy amid playing well-disciplined batting from the front. Sahibzada’s 100 came with 60 balls (studded with 9 fours and 5 sixes), while Fakhar’s 84 off 45 included 9 fours and 4 sixes.

The bowling line gained a little energy. Mohammad Nawaz and the team’s skipper, Salman Agha, were crushed for a duck and couldn’t stay at the crease to support the 2026 ICC WC’s most scoring batter at the crease.

Khawaja Nafay and all-rounder Shadab were immediately taken after they came in, respectively, to maintain the momentum, as 2 overs were left in their innings.

The total scoring against Sri Lanka may regain a place for Pakistan in the ongoing T20 World Cup, as the team’s total may not be chased, seeing the ground situation, according to cricket experts.

The SL vs PAK live World Cup clash began after Pakistan were asked to bat first, as Sri Lanka had intended to restrict the Shaheens team to a limited total.

The SL VS PAK LIVE clash is a crucial match for Pakistan in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

The ICC T20 World Cup point table highlights that Pakistan need to post a massive total against the Lions, while defeating them by approximately 63 runs.

Historically, Pakistan hold a firm winning record in many of the PAK VS SL clashes. The two sides have met 29 times in T20 Internationals, with Pakistan claiming 17 victories to Sri Lanka’s 12.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara(w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka