Farhan ton keeps semi-final hopes alive as Pakistan sets target of 213 against Sri Lanka

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman put on a scintillating opening partnership to propel Pakistan to a target of 213 in their Super Eights Group 2 clash against hosts Sri Lanka at Pallekele.

In a thrilling contest, Sahibzada Farhan once again proved his class, scoring a brilliant 100 off 60 balls, guiding Pakistan to a competitive total of 212/8 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka. Farhan’s innings, studded with 9 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 166.66.

Fakhar Zaman provided solid support at the top, smashing 84 off 42 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining an astonishing strike rate of 200.00. However, the middle order struggled to build partnerships, with Khawaja Nafay contributing only 2 runs, and both Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Agha dismissed without scoring.

Shadab Khan added a quickfire 7 off 5 balls, and Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 8, keeping the innings moving toward a challenging total. Late contributions from Shaheen Shah Afridi (4) and Naseem Shah (1) helped push the score past 210. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first.

Pakistan made three changes to their side, with Babar, Saim Ayub, and Salman Mirza not playing. Sri Lanka made two changes to their line-up, with Mishara coming in for Kusal Mendis, who misses out due to injury, while Hemantha is out and Janith comes in.

Sri Lankan captain said, "It's a good pitch. Might be dew later in the day. We've got some good players in our line-up. We've got to do our basics right. Here, we need to do well in all three departments."

Pakistan captain Salman Agha said, "Massive opportunity. We would have bowled first... [The goal now?] Put up a good total and restrict them. It's a mix: it can be tough, sometimes you can have freedom to play your shots."

Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 remain alive but fragile. After two matches, Pakistan sit third in the group with one point from a washed-out match against New Zealand and a defeat to England.

England, with two wins from two, has already secured a semi-final spot and leads the table on four points.

At present, Pakistan’s NRR stands at -0.461, placing added pressure on them to secure a convincing victory against Sri Lanka should qualification come down to margins.

Sri Lanka, at the bottom of the group with no points and an NRR of -2.550, still has matches against both New Zealand and Pakistan, giving them a potential role as spoilers.

Pakistan have an inferior run rate so need to win by 65 runs or inside 13 overs to overtake the Kiwis and deny them a place in the final four. If Pakistan qualify then the semi-final would be played in Colombo.

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

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