When 212 Isn’t Enough: Pakistan’s Brutal Net Run-Rate Exit

GUWAHATI: An innings that broke records — and hearts.

With semifinal hopes hanging by a thread at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan produced a dream run with the bat for nearly 17–18 overs in Kandy. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman tore into Sri Lanka with a record-breaking 176-run opening stand that felt less like batting and more like controlled demolition at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Every bowler was lined up and picked apart. The timing was pure, the footwork decisive, the running sharp. Both openers brought up commanding fifties as Sri Lanka unravelled in the field — misfields crept in and chances slipped away. Farhan then raised his second century of the tournament, oozing authority. At 176 for no loss, Pakistan were staring at a total that could have crushed Sri Lanka.

And then it all cracked.

From 176 without loss, the innings spiralled into a full-blown collapse. Pakistan stumbled to 210/8 before eventually finishing on 212/8. Wickets fell in heaps. Momentum vanished. They crawled to 212 — a number that should have felt imposing but instead carried frustration. Not a single batter beyond the two openers managed to reach double figures. A near-perfect launch was undone by a staggering nosedive at the backend.

Record Stand and Personal Milestones

The 176-run partnership between Farhan and Zaman became the highest opening stand for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. Farhan’s 100 off 69 balls made him the only batter to score two centuries in a single edition of a T20 World Cup. During his knock, he also overtook Virat Kohli’s long-standing record for most runs in one T20 World Cup edition, surpassing Kohli’s tally of 319 runs from the 2013/14 tournament in Bangladesh. Farhan has now amassed 383 runs in this edition.

Zaman was equally destructive, smashing 84 off 47 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, before being bowled by Dushmantha Chameera. But once he departed, Pakistan lost eight wickets for just 34 runs in under five overs. Dilshan Madushanka ensured there was no late flourish, claiming three wickets, including that of the centurion Farhan.

Sri Lanka’s Response and Pakistan’s Elimination

Chasing 213, Sri Lanka began cautiously and were restricted to 49/2 in the powerplay. Naseem Shah removed the in-form Pathum Nissanka with a clever slower ball, while Abrar Ahmed delivered a superb spell of 3/23, dismissing Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis.

At 94/4, Pakistan sensed an opening. However, Pavan Rathnayake steadied the innings with a composed half-century and stitched together a crucial 59-run partnership with captain Dasun Shanaka. Their stand revived Sri Lanka and ensured they crossed the 147-run mark — the threshold Pakistan needed to defend to qualify for the semi-finals on net run rate — in the 16th over.

As a result, Pakistan were eliminated despite winning the match, with New Zealand advancing to the final four.

Player of the Match

Playing a knock for the ages, Sahibzada Farhan (100 off 69 balls) was named Player of the Match. Farhan said that the way Fakhar was batting, he was hoping his partner would reach the hundred, but felt fortunate to get to the milestone himself. He admitted that while the knock helped him individually, it did not benefit the team in the larger context.

He mentioned that he focused on playing simple cricket and hitting only deliveries within his range, having had a couple of productive net sessions. Farhan credited domestic cricket for his consistency, noting that he was among the top-scorers in the Asia Cup and the leading scorer in this tournament. According to him, playing numerous domestic matches has made scoring hundreds almost a habit.

A Classic with Controversy

Cricket at its absolute best — and a finish that will be debated for long.

The final moments saw drama unfold, with a last-ball decision not given as a wide by the umpire — a call that left Shanaka in visible anguish and shock. The line, however, belonged to the umpire. Pakistan, though victorious on the scoreboard, looked rattled. Shanaka acknowledged the roaring crowd on his walk back, a reminder that, result aside, support for cricket remains unwavering in this part of the world.

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka bowed out of the tournament, but what unfolded in Kandy will be remembered as another T20 World Cup classic. It came down to the wire, with even the possibility of a Super Over being discussed. In the end, it was a match of soaring highs and crushing turns — an innings that broke records, and a finish that broke dreams.

Also Read: Explained: The Qualification Equation for Pakistan’s Semi-Final Spot