Kandy, February 28, 2026: Sahibzada Farhan’s sensational century, supported by Fakhar Zaman’s blazing fifty, propelled Pakistan to a commanding total of 212/8 against Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Eight clash at Pallekele Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka’s decision to field first backfired as his bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s new opening pair. Farhan and Fakhar put on a mammoth 176-run partnership, with Fakhar scoring 84 off 42 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, before Dushmantha Chameera finally removed him.
Pakistan then lost Khawaja Nafay (2) to Dilshan Madushanka, slipping to 179/2. Farhan stitched a brief 21-run partnership with Shadab Khan, who contributed seven off five balls before being run out in the 18th over.
In a late push, Shanaka struck in the penultimate over, dismissing all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha for ducks, reducing Pakistan to 199/5. Farhan fell to Madushanka on the first ball of the final over after scoring 100 off 60 deliveries, featuring nine fours and five sixes. Shaheen Shah Afridi was also trapped lbw by Madushanka, leaving Pakistan with a total of 212/8.
Madushanka was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 3/33 in four overs, while Shanaka claimed 2 wickets and Chameera 1.
