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Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 5 runs but eliminated from World Cup

February 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

Pakistan secured a thrilling five-run victory over Sri Lanka national cricket team in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Kandy, but the win was not enough to seal a semi-final berth.

After winning the toss, the Sri Lankan captain invited Pakistan to bat first in the crucial encounter.

For the must-win match, Pakistan dropped Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza from the playing XI. They were replaced by Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay and Abrar Ahmed.

Pakistan posted a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs, powered by outstanding knocks from Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman.

Farhan scored a brilliant 100, while Fakhar contributed 84 runs, with the duo stitching together a record 176-run partnership.

No other batter reached double figures. Khawaja Nafay made 2, Shadab Khan 7, while Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha were dismissed for ducks.

This marked Farhan’s second century of the 2026 T20 World Cup, making him the first player in the tournament’s history to score two centuries in a single edition.

Sri Lanka’s Chase

Chasing 213, Sri Lanka fought valiantly and managed 207/6 in 20 overs.

Captain Shanaka led the resistance with 76 runs, while Pawan Ratnayake added 58.

For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets, while Nawaz, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi picked up one wicket each.

Pakistan Eliminated Despite Victory

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer to boost their net run rate. However, the bowlers were unable to achieve the required margin, resulting in Pakistan’s elimination.

From Group 2, New Zealand national cricket team advanced to the semi-finals with three points and a superior net run rate, while England cricket team had already secured their place in the final four.

Despite the dramatic win, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end at the Super 8 stage.

T20 World Cup: Pakistan face net run rate test against Sri Lanka

February 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

Colombo: Following New Zealand’s defeat to England in a thrilling Super 8 encounter of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan national cricket team have kept their semi-final hopes alive — but a daunting challenge now awaits the Green Shirts.

England’s dramatic victory over the New Zealand cricket team has opened the door for Pakistan to qualify for the last four. However, Pakistan must overcome significant hurdles in their final Super 8 fixture.

Pakistan will play their decisive match in Kandy on Saturday, effectively a knockout contest to stay in the tournament. The equation is clear yet demanding: Pakistan must not only secure victory but also improve their net run rate substantially.

To qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan need to defeat the Sri Lanka national cricket team by at least 65 runs if batting first. In case of a run chase, Pakistan must reach the target within 13 overs to surpass New Zealand on net run rate.

Meanwhile, tournament hosts Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of the crucial clash. Star batter Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of the match against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury and is expected to remain sidelined for four weeks.

With qualification hanging in the balance, all eyes will now be on Kandy as Pakistan aim to keep their title dreams alive.

Record four centuries scored in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

February 26, 2026 by Newsdesk

A new record for the most centuries in a single edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has been set during the ongoing tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

So far, four centuries have been scored in the 2026 edition — the highest ever in one T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka struck a century against Australia, while Canada’s Yuvraj Samra reached three figures against New Zealand.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan then scored a century against Namibia, setting a new record of three hundreds in a single edition of the tournament.

The tally rose to four after England captain Harry Brook smashed a century against Pakistan during the Super 8 stage.

Previously, no T20 World Cup edition had produced more than two centuries.

In the inaugural 2007 tournament, only one century was recorded, while none were scored in 2009. The 2010 edition saw two centuries, followed by one in 2012. Both the 2014 and 2016 editions produced two centuries each.

There was one century in 2021 and two in 2022, while no hundreds were registered in the 2024 edition.

With several key matches still to be played, the 2026 tournament could see the record extended even further.

New Zealand sends Sri Lanka home in Super Eight clash

February 25, 2026 by Newsdesk

COLOMBO: In the sixth match of the Super Eight stage, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs, eliminating the host team from the tournament.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 168 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted overs. Captain Mitchell Santner top-scored with 47 runs, while Colin McConchie remained unbeaten on 31. Other contributors included Rachin Ravindra (32), Finn Allen (23), Glenn Phillips (18), Tim Seifert (8), Daryl Mitchell (3), and Mark Chapman (0).

From Sri Lanka’s bowling side, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera took three wickets each, while Dunith Wellalage claimed one.

Chasing 169, Sri Lanka could manage only 107 for eight in their allotted overs, handing the Kiwis a 61-run victory. Dunith Wellalage was the top scorer with 29 runs, followed by Komandoo Mendis with 31. Other individual scores were: Kusal Mendis 11, Pon Ratanayake 10, Charith Asalanka 5, captain Dasun Shanaka 3, Dushan Himanta 3, and Pathum Nissanka 0. Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana remained not out with one run each.

For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra took four wickets and Matt Henry two, while Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips picked one wicket each.

Zimbabwe outclass Sri Lanka by six wickets

February 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

Colombo: Zimbabwe delivered a commanding performance to defeat hosts Sri Lanka by six wickets in a Group B clash of the ICC T20 World Cup.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first and posted 178 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka led the charge with a solid 62 runs, while Rathnayake contributed a valuable 44 runs to anchor the innings.

Confident Run Chase

In reply, Zimbabwe chased down the 179-run target comfortably in the final over, losing just four wickets.

Opener Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 63, guiding his side home with composure. He was well supported by: Sikandar Raza – 45 runs, Marumani – 34 runs and Ryan Burl – 23 runs.

Zimbabwe Top Group B

With this victory, Zimbabwe finished top of Group B with seven points, remaining unbeaten in the group stage.

Zimbabwe won three out of four matches, registering victories over Australia and Sri Lanka, while one match was washed out due to rain.

It is worth noting that both Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka had already qualified for the Super 8 stage from Group B prior to this encounter.

Sri Lanka defeat Australia by 8 wickets to seal Super Eight spot

February 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

In the 30th match of the ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka national cricket team defeated Australia national cricket team by eight wickets to qualify for the Super Eight stage.

The match was played in Kandy, where Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.

Australia, batting first, posted 181 runs in their allotted 20 overs but were bowled out in the final over. Travis Head scored 56 runs, while Mitchell Marsh contributed 54.

For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed three wickets, and Dushmantha Chameera picked up two crucial scalps.

In response, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the 182-run target in just 18 overs, losing only two wickets to confirm their qualification from Group B.

The highlight of the match was a magnificent unbeaten century by Pathum Nissanka, who smashed 100 runs off 52 balls, including 10 fours and five sixes. He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who scored 52 off 38 deliveries.

With this dominant victory, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Eight phase of the tournament.

Salman Ali Agha creates new milestone in T20 cricket

January 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The third T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka proved disappointing for the national side in terms of result, but Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s sensational and aggressive batting display won the hearts of cricket fans.

Played in Dambulla, the match saw Salman Ali Agha produce an extraordinary innings, scoring 45 runs off just 12 deliveries, an effort that included five fours and three towering sixes. His blistering knock came at a staggering strike rate of 375.0.

This performance set a new world record in T20 International cricket, marking the highest strike rate ever achieved by a captain (minimum 10 balls faced) against a full-member team.

Previously, the record belonged to Kieron Pollard, who scored 38 runs off 11 balls at a strike rate of 345.5 against Sri Lanka in 2021. Salman Ali Agha has now surpassed that milestone with his breathtaking innings.

Notably, the elite list of fastest T20I innings by captains also features renowned batters such as Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Darren Sammy, but Salman Ali Agha’s explosive knock has propelled him to the top.

Although Pakistan failed to secure victory in the match, the captain’s historic batting effort is expected to be remembered for a long time and is being seen as a positive sign for the team’s future.

Pakistan defeat Sri Lanka in first T20I

January 7, 2026 by Newsdesk

Dambulla: Pakistan made a winning start to the three-match T20 series by defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in the opening match, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing a modest target of 129 runs, Pakistan reached the total in the 17th over with the loss of four wickets. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid dividends as the bowlers delivered a disciplined performance.

Pakistan’s playing XI saw the return of all-rounder Shadab Khan, alongside Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Fakhar Zaman and Usman Khan. The bowling unit included Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed.

ri Lanka were bowled out for 128 in 19.2 overs, struggling against Pakistan’s incisive bowling attack. Janith Liyanage top-scored for the hosts with 40 runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka chipped in with 18 runs each.

For Pakistan, Salman Mirza and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets apiece, while Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr picked up two wickets each.

Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, led by a composed half-century from Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 51 off 36 balls. Saim Ayub contributed 24 runs, while Salman Ali Agha scored 16 and Fakhar Zaman managed five before being dismissed.

Shadab Khan (18*) and Usman Khan (7*) remained unbeaten to see Pakistan home, sealing a convincing victory in the series opener.

Sri Lanka announce 18-member squad for T20I series against Pakistan

January 6, 2026 by Newsdesk

Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, marking the return of a key player ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sri Lankan side will be led by Dasun Shanaka, while Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has been recalled to the T20 squad.

De Silva last featured in a T20I for Sri Lanka in June 2024 against the Netherlands and now makes his return at a crucial stage before the global tournament.

The Pakistan series is being seen as an important preparation opportunity for Sri Lanka as they fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Selectors have opted for a balanced squad, blending experience with emerging talent, as Sri Lanka aim to test their depth against a strong Pakistan side in high-intensity conditions.

Sri Lanka make big move ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

December 20, 2025 by Newsdesk

Colombo: Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Sri Lankan cricket team has made a significant leadership change by replacing Charith Asalanka with Dasun Shanaka, who has been reinstated as the T20 team captain.

According to Cricinfo, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board announced that Shanaka will lead the team for the tournament scheduled in February next year and will continue as captain until the conclusion of the event.

The decision on captaincy was delayed due to the expiration of the former selection committee, which was chaired by Appul Tharanga.

Upon announcing the preliminary squad for the World Cup, Sri Lanka’s new chief selector, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, confirmed that Shanaka would helm the team. The choice was made in consultation with head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

The chief selector stated that the 25-member squad prepared by the previous selection committee has been retained as the initial squad.

After detailed discussions with high-performance head Jerome J. Ratnayake and the coaching staff, this squad was deemed optimal for the tournament.

Wickramasinghe added that Dasun Shanaka is considered as an all-rounder, and his role will be finalized in consultation with the coaching staff in the coming days.

It is noteworthy that Shanaka had been appointed vice-captain during the tri-nation series in Pakistan last month, as Charith Asalanka had to leave the series midway due to illness.

During that tournament, Sri Lanka suffered a defeat against Zimbabwe but managed to reach the final, where they lost to hosts Pakistan.