After posting 212 against Sri Lanka, how can Pakan qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals?
2 min readFeb 28, 2026 09:18 PM Riding on an epic opening partnership, Pakan posted a formidable total of 212/8 to boost their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. With their tournament fate back in their hands after New Zealand lost against England in a thriller on Friday, Pakan came into the clash against Sri Lanka knowing they can still reach the final four if they win either 65+ runs after batting first or chase whatever target was
Pakan must restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 to go through. If Sri Lanka cross 147, Pakan will be eliminated even if they win the match.
Pakan were off to a sensational start but from 198/2 at the end of the 18th over, they lost six wickets in the last 2.1 overs. Sahibzada Farhan struck a stunning century while his opening partner Fakhar Zaman made 84 to take Pakan to a solid total.
FOLLOW LIVE | PAKAN VS SRI LANKA T20 WORLD CUP 2026 SUPER 8 MATCH
Invited to bat, Farhan and Zaman took the hapless Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners, hitting boundaries and scoring runs at a frenetic pace. Farhan’s 100 came from 60 balls with nine fours and five sixes, while Zaman struck nine boundaries and four maximums from 42 balls. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka picked three wickets while Dasun Shanaka got two.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka are already eliminated. From this group, England have qualified for the semifinals as toppers and await the result of India vs West Indies on Sunday to see who will finish second behind South Africa. If Pakan do manage to qualify, their semifinal will happen in Colombo against South Africa, while India or West Indies would face England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Pakan staying alive in the tournament would also keep the prospect open of the final happening in Colombo. If Pakan lose in the semifinal, the final would happen in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
(With PTI inputs)
