Pakistan beat Sri Lanka but crash out of the World Cup
Posting 212-8 Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 but they did not do that which enabled New Zealand to blast their way into the pre-final
By Alam Zeb Safi
KANDY: A blistering century from Sahibzada Farhan and Abrar Ahmed’s fine bowling helped Pakistan to seal a dramatic five-run victory over Sri Lanka in a Super Eights clash at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday.
However this turned out to be a consolation victory as Pakistan failed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 after posting 212-8 in a bid to qualify for the semi-finals. The outcome helped New Zealand who blasted their way into the pre-final.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand finished with three points each but the latter progressed due to better net run-rate.
In a high-scoring contest at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan posted 212 for eight before restricting Sri Lanka to 207 for six despite a ferocious late assault from home captain Dasun Shanaka.
Farhan struck 100 off 60 balls, combining with Fakhar Zaman for a commanding 176-run opening partnership that put Pakistan in control after they were asked to bat.
The pair tore into Sri Lanka’s attack from the outset, racing to 64 without loss in the powerplay and bringing up 150 in the 14th over. Fakhar hammered 84 off 42 deliveries, reaching his half-century in 27 balls, as the hosts struggled for a breakthrough.
Sri Lanka clawed back after dismissing Fakhar in the 16th over, triggering a collapse that saw Pakistan slump from 176 without loss to 210 for eight. Dilshan Madushanka claimed three wickets and Shanaka took two to restrict the damage, but Pakistan’s early dominance ensured a formidable total.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost early wickets and were 75 for three before Pavan Rathnayake steadied the innings with 58 off 37 balls.
Leg-spinner Abrar turned the tide with figures of three for 23, removing Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis to leave the hosts wobbling at 94 for four and later 162 for six.
Shanaka then launched a counter-attack, smashing an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, including eight sixes, to revive Sri Lanka’s hopes in front of a vocal home crowd.
With 28 required off the final over from Shaheen Afridi Shanaka hit the left-armer for a four and then three successive sixes to leave the hosts needing six off the final two balls. However Shaheen bowled two dot balls to seal a consolation win for the Green-shirts.
Summarised scores:
Pakistan 212-8 (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madushanka 3-33)
Sri Lanka 207-6 (Dasun Shanaka 76 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3-23)
Pakistan won by five runs.
