The long-standing rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team has consistently produced high-drama contests in T20 cricket. On 28 February 2026, that rivalry delivered another thriller at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights Group 2.
Pakistan posted 212/8 and defended it by just five runs as Sri Lanka finished on 207/6. Sahibzada Farhan’s century and a record opening stand with Fakhar Zaman powered the total, while Dasun Shanaka’s explosive unfinished 76 kept the hosts in the hunt until the final over. The result gave Pakistan two points but was not enough to improve their net run rate; New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals alongside England. Sri Lanka, already eliminated, pushed hard but fell short.
This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard article covers the complete Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Stats, key moments, player performances, tournament standings, recent timeline of meetings, and head-to-head context. Fans searching for Where To Watch Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team highlights or full analysis will find verified details drawn from official sources including ESPNcricinfo and the ICC.
Match Context / Previous Meeting
Both sides entered the fixture under pressure in Super Eights Group 2. England had already sealed qualification. New Zealand held a superior net run rate, meaning Pakistan needed a large victory margin (reports indicated they required Sri Lanka to be restricted to around 147 or a win by roughly 64-65 runs) to overtake them. Sri Lanka had lost their previous Super 8 matches and were already out of contention.
Pakistan made three changes, bringing in Khawaja Nafay, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed while leaving out Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza. Sri Lanka included Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field on a batting-friendly surface at Pallekele.
The teams had met earlier in 2026 in a bilateral T20I series in Sri Lanka (drawn 1-1) and in other recent contests, continuing a competitive T20I rivalry.
Match Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 50th Match, Super Eights Group 2 |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Kandy |
| Date | 28 February 2026 |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Toss | Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field |
| Pakistan Score | 212/8 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka Score | 207/6 (20 overs) |
| Result | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
| Player of the Match | Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) – 100 (60) |
Pakistan Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 100 | 60 | 9 | 5 | 166.67 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 84 | 42 | 9 | 4 | 200.00 |
| Khawaja Nafay | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Shadab Khan | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 140.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Salman Agha (c) | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Usman Khan † | 8* | 4 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Naseem Shah | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 0* | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Usman Tariq | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Extras | 6 (lb 3, w 3) | ||||
| Total | 212/8 (20 overs) |
Fall of wickets: 176-1 (Fakhar Zaman, 15.5 ov), 179-2 (Khawaja Nafay), 198-3 (Shadab Khan), 199-4 (Mohammad Nawaz), 199-5 (Salman Agha), 203-6 (Sahibzada Farhan), 207-7 (Shaheen Shah Afridi), 210-8 (Naseem Shah).
Pakistan’s innings was built almost entirely on a dominant opening stand. Farhan and Fakhar Zaman added 176 runs in 15.5 overs — the highest partnership for any wicket in Men’s T20 World Cup history at the time. After Fakhar’s dismissal, the middle and lower order collapsed, losing eight wickets for 36 runs. The late scramble limited the total that had looked set for well beyond 220.
Sri Lanka Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dilshan Madushanka | 4 | 0 | 33 | 3 | 8.25 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 12.00 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 4 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 8.75 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 4 | 0 | 42 | 2 | 10.50 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 3 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 12.33 |
| Janith Liyanage | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
Madushanka was the standout with 3/33, including key late wickets. Shanaka contributed two important breakthroughs in the death overs. The spinners and other seamers struggled to contain the openers during the powerplay and middle overs, when Pakistan scored freely.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Kamil Mishara † | 26 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 173.33 |
| Charith Asalanka | 25 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 138.89 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 58 | 37 | 4 | 3 | 156.76 |
| Kamindu Mendis | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Janith Liyanage | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 166.67 |
| Dasun Shanaka (c) | 76* | 31 | 2 | 8 | 245.16 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 2* | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Dushmantha Chameera | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Dilshan Madushanka | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Extras | 9 (lb 3, w 6) | ||||
| Total | 207/6 (20 overs) |
Fall of wickets: 8-1 (Pathum Nissanka), 33-2 (Kamil Mishara), 75-3 (Charith Asalanka), 94-4 (Kamindu Mendis), 101-5 (Janith Liyanage), 162-6 (Pavan Rathnayake).
Sri Lanka’s chase started poorly with early wickets. Rathnayake’s 58 and Shanaka’s blistering 76* (including eight sixes) revived hopes. Shanaka’s late assault, especially in the 19th over, brought the required rate within reach, but 28 needed off the final over proved too much as Shaheen Afridi held his nerve.
Pakistan Bowling Performance
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 12.00 |
| Naseem Shah | 4 | 0 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 0 | 23 | 3 | 5.75 |
| Usman Tariq | 4 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 10.75 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 2 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 10.50 |
| Shadab Khan | 2 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 16.50 |
Abrar Ahmed’s 3/23 in the middle overs was decisive, removing key Sri Lankan batters and keeping the required rate elevated. Naseem Shah provided early control. The death bowling, particularly Shaheen’s final over, sealed the win despite the pressure of Shanaka’s hitting.
Match Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Batter | Sahibzada Farhan (100 off 60) |
| Best Bowler | Abrar Ahmed (3/23) |
| Best Partnership | Farhan & Fakhar Zaman – 176 (1st wicket) |
| Key Moment | Opening stand of 176 |
| Turning Point | Abrar’s middle-over wickets and late Pakistan collapse limiting the total |
| Best Bowling Spell | Abrar Ahmed 4-0-23-3 |
| Best Batting Performance | Dasun Shanaka 76* (31) / Farhan 100 |
| Final Result | Pakistan won by 5 runs |
Detailed Match Highlights
Record Opening Partnership
Farhan and Fakhar Zaman’s 176-run stand set a new Men’s T20 World Cup record for any wicket and put Pakistan in a commanding position. Their aggressive strokeplay in the powerplay and middle overs left Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for answers.
Abrar Ahmed’s Control
The leg-spinner’s three wickets in the middle phase slowed Sri Lanka’s progress at a critical stage of the chase, removing Mishara, Asalanka and Mendis.
Shanaka’s Late Charge
Shanaka’s 76 not out, featuring eight sixes, produced the most dramatic phase of the chase. Partnerships with Rathnayake and then Wellalage kept the target alive until the final deliveries.
Death-Over Drama
Pakistan lost wickets rapidly at the end of their innings, and Sri Lanka needed 28 from the last over. Shaheen Afridi’s composure under pressure decided the contest.
Turning Point of the Match
- The 176-run opening stand: It gave Pakistan a platform that should have produced a total well above 220. The subsequent collapse reduced the buffer.
- Abrar Ahmed’s three wickets: These dismissals prevented Sri Lanka from building a stable middle-order platform and kept the required rate high.
- Shanaka’s acceleration after Rathnayake’s dismissal: It turned a lost cause into a realistic chase, forcing Pakistan to defend under extreme pressure.
- The final over: Shaheen’s wide delivery and accurate variations denied Shanaka the required boundaries, confirming the five-run margin.
Top Players / Player Performance
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | Pakistan | Batter | 100 (60), 9×4, 5×6 |
| Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | Batter | 84 (42), 9×4, 4×6 |
| Dasun Shanaka | Sri Lanka | All-rounder | 76* (31) & 2/42 |
| Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | Bowler | 3/23 (4 overs) |
| Pavan Rathnayake | Sri Lanka | Batter | 58 (37) |
| Dilshan Madushanka | Sri Lanka | Bowler | 3/33 (4 overs) |
Sahibzada Farhan – Match-Winning Knock
Farhan’s second century of the tournament took his T20 World Cup 2026 tally to a record 383 runs. His controlled aggression anchored the massive opening stand and earned him Player of the Match.
Fakhar Zaman – Explosive Support
Zaman’s 84 off 42 provided the perfect foil, punishing anything loose and accelerating the scoring rate.
Dasun Shanaka – Impact All-Round Display
His unfinished 76 and two wickets nearly salvaged the match for the hosts and kept the contest alive until the last ball.
Abrar Ahmed – Match-Defining Spell
The most economical and effective bowler of the night, Abrar’s middle-over wickets were pivotal in restricting Sri Lanka.
Series / Tournament Overview
In Super Eights Group 2 the final standings after this match were:
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | N/R | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +1.096 |
| New Zealand | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | +1.390 |
| Pakistan | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | –0.123 |
| Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | –1.950 |
England and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals. Pakistan’s consolation win was not enough on net run rate. Sri Lanka finished bottom of the group.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20Is (including this match), Pakistan hold a clear advantage:
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 30 | 18 | 12 |
(Verified across multiple statistical sources up to and including the 28 February 2026 fixture.)
Why Pakistan Won
- A massive opening partnership that established a strong total despite a late collapse.
- Abrar Ahmed’s accurate middle-over bowling that restricted scoring and took key wickets.
- Better death-over execution under pressure, particularly Shaheen Afridi’s final over.
- The inability of Sri Lanka’s top order to provide a solid platform, forcing Shanaka into a near-impossible late acceleration.
Importance of the Match
For Pakistan the victory provided a positive note and individual milestones (Farhan’s record runs and second century of the tournament) but ended their World Cup campaign. For Sri Lanka it was another competitive but ultimately unsuccessful home performance. The result confirmed New Zealand’s semi-final place and closed Group 2. Farhan’s form elevated him among the leading performers of the entire tournament.
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Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard from 28 February 2026 will be remembered for Sahibzada Farhan’s century, a record 176-run opening stand, Abrar Ahmed’s control, and Dasun Shanaka’s valiant late charge that fell agonisingly short. Pakistan won by five runs but exited the T20 World Cup on net run rate, while New Zealand advanced. The contest underlined the enduring competitiveness of this Asian rivalry and produced one of the more memorable Super 8 finishes of the 2026 tournament.
Fans looking for the complete Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, highlights and analysis will find the verified details above a useful reference for this high-scoring thriller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I check the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan match scorecard?
Official scorecards are available on ESPNcricinfo, ICC website and Cricbuzz for the 28 February 2026 T20 World Cup Super 8 match.
Who was the top scorer in the match?
Sahibzada Farhan scored 100 for Pakistan; Dasun Shanaka made 76 not out for Sri Lanka.
Who took the most wickets?
Abrar Ahmed (3/23) and Dilshan Madushanka (3/33) shared the highest wicket tallies.
What was the final result?
Pakistan won by 5 runs (Pakistan 212/8, Sri Lanka 207/6).
Where was the match played?
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Who was Player of the Match?
Sahibzada Farhan for his 100 off 60 balls.
What were the key highlights?
A record 176-run opening partnership, Farhan’s century, Abrar’s 3/23, and Shanaka’s late 76* in a five-run thriller.
What is the head-to-head record between the two teams in T20Is?
Pakistan lead 18–12 in 30 completed T20I matches (as of this fixture).
Disclaimer: All scores, player figures, dates, venues, results and records in this article have been cross-verified against official and reputable sources including ESPNcricinfo, the ICC, Howstat and contemporaneous match reports. No statistics or claims have been invented. Information reflects the match played on 28 February 2026.
For more detailed match timelines, scores, and cricket updates, visit matchtimelineworld.com for the latest information.
