By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Feb 28, 2026 18:23 PM • 7 views
PALLEKELE – Pakistan ended their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a bittersweet note Saturday, securing a tense five-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. However, the narrow margin of victory was not enough to overhaul New Zealand’s superior Net Run Rate (NRR), officially knocking Pakistan out of the tournament and confirming the Black Caps as the second semi-finalists from Group 2.
The Equation: So Close, Yet So Far
Entering the final Super Eight fixture, the mission for Salman Agha’s men was daunting but clear: to leapfrog New Zealand into second place, Pakistan needed to defeat the already-eliminated Sri Lankans by approximately 65 runs or chase down a target within 13.1 overs.
Despite the pressure, Pakistan’s top order showed intent early on, with Sahibzada Farhan providing a blistering start. However, a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana, reined in the scoring during the middle overs. While Pakistan managed to defend their total in a final-over thriller, the five-run margin fell well short of the NRR requirements needed to extend their stay in the tournament.
Super Eight Standings: England and New Zealand Progress
With all Group 2 matches now concluded, England finishes as the undisputed group leaders with a perfect record of three wins from three matches (6 points). New Zealand takes the second spot with 3 points and a superior NRR (+1.390), edging out Pakistan, who also finished on 3 points but with a lower NRR. Co-hosts Sri Lanka finish at the bottom of the table, winless in the Super Eight stage.
What’s Next?
The focus now shifts to the semi-finals on March 4 and 5. England and New Zealand will represent Group 2, joining Group 1 leaders South Africa. The final spot in the last four remains a toss-up between India and the West Indies, who are set for a high-stakes "virtual quarter-final" on Sunday.
