Cricket fans across Pakistan woke up to an electrifying Saturday as the Pakistan national cricket team delivered a heart-stopping thriller at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
In a high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash, Pakistan edged past Sri Lanka by just 5 runs in what will surely be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes of this tournament.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka , With ICC rankings on the line and the all-important semi-final berths still up for grabs, both teams knew exactly what was at stake. Sahibzada Farhan’s sensational hundred and Abrar Ahmed’s crafty spell made the difference as Pakistan moved a step closer to the knockout rounds.
Current T20 World Cup 2026 Group Standings
Group Stage : as of February 28, 2026
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
| Pakistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.25 |
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.20 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -0.25 |
Standings are updated based on results from February 27–28, 2026. England won their group-stage match on February 27 by 4 wickets (161/6 vs 159/7).
Match Scorecard : Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, T20 World Cup 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka Date: February 28, 2026 Format: T20 International , T20 World Cup 2026, Group Stage Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl Result: Pakistan won by 5 runs
🇵🇰 Pakistan Innings : 212/8 (20 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Sahibzada Farhan | c sub b Madushanka | 100 | 60 | 9 | 5 | 166.67 |
| Fakhar Zaman | b Chameera | 84 | 42 | 9 | 4 | 200.00 |
| Khawaja Muhammad Nafay | c sub b Madushanka | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Shadab Khan | run out (Madushanka/Theekshana) | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 140.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | c sub b Shanaka | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Agha Salman | c sub b Shanaka | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Usman Ahmed Khan | not out | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | lbw b Madushanka | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Naseem Shah | run out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (lb 3, w 3) | 6 | ||||
| Total | 212/8 | (20 overs) | RR: 10.60 |
Partnership Highlight: Farhan & Fakhar put on a blistering 176-run opening stand off just 95 balls one of the highest opening partnerships in T20 World Cup history.
Sri Lanka Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
| Dilshan Madushanka | 4 | 0 | 33 | 3 | 8.25 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 4 | 0 | 42 | 2 | 10.50 |
| Dushmantha Chameera | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 12.00 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 4 | 0 | 35 | 0 | 8.75 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 3 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 12.33 |
| Janith Liyanage | 1 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14.00 |
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Innings : 207/6 (20 overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Pathum Nissanka | c Nawaz b Naseem | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Kamil Mishara | b Abrar Ahmed | 26 | 15 | 4 | 1 | 173.33 |
| Charith Asalanka | b Abrar Ahmed | 25 | 18 | 1 | 2 | 138.89 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | c sub b Shaheen | 58 | 37 | 4 | 3 | 156.76 |
| Kamindu Mendis | b Abrar Ahmed | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Janith Liyanage | b Mohammad Nawaz | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 166.67 |
| Dasun Shanaka* | not out | 76 | 31 | 4 | 8 | 245.16 |
| Dunith Wellalage | not out | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Extras | (lb 3, w 6) | 9 | ||||
| Total | 207/6 | (20 overs) | RR: 10.35 |
Pakistan Bowling
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | Econ |
| Abrar Ahmed | 4 | 0 | 23 | 3 | 5.75 |
| Naseem Shah | 4 | 0 | 36 | 1 | 9.00 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 12.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 2 | 0 | 21 | 1 | 10.50 |
| Usman Tariq | 4 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 10.75 |
| Shadab Khan | 2 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 16.50 |
Key Performers
Sahibzada Farhan : Star of the Match
Sahibzada Farhan was simply unstoppable today. The 25-year-old opener crafted a stunning 100 off 60 balls, his maiden T20 International century studded with 9 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 166.67. What made his knock even more remarkable was the composure he showed in the death overs after Fakhar’s departure, holding the innings together single-handedly until the final ball. He is undoubtedly the player of the match and one of the hottest names in Pakistani cricket right now.
Fakhar Zaman : Explosive Opener
Fakhar played one of the most breathtaking cameos you’ll see in a T20. His 84 off just 42 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 200 helped Pakistan race to a powerplay total that put immense pressure on Sri Lanka from ball one.
Abrar Ahmed : Match-Winning Spell
When Sri Lanka looked dangerous at around the halfway mark of their chase, Abrar Ahmed turned the tide. The mystery spinner finished with 3 wickets for just 23 runs in 4 overs at an economy rate of 5.75 outstanding figures by any standard. He dismissed the key trio of Mishara, Asalanka, and Mendis to repeatedly break Sri Lankan partnerships.
Dasun Shanaka : Valiant in Defeat
Despite being on the losing side, Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka produced a captain’s knock of the highest order an astonishing 76 off 31 balls with 4 fours and 8 sixes. He almost pulled off the impossible and single-handedly dragged Sri Lanka within striking distance of a 213-run target.
Pavan Rathnayake : Promising Performance
The young Sri Lankan batter Pavan Rathnayake showed tremendous maturity with 58 off 37 balls, making a strong case for his future importance to the Sri Lankan side. His partnership with Shanaka was the most dangerous phase of Sri Lanka’s innings.
Head-to-Head Record : Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Last 10 T20Is)
| # | Date | Winner | Margin | Venue |
| 1 | 28 Feb 2026 | Pakistan | 5 runs | Kandy |
| 2 | 2024 | Pakistan | 21 runs | Lahore |
| 3 | 2024 | Sri Lanka | 6 wickets | Colombo |
| 4 | 2023 | Pakistan | 3 wickets | Karachi |
| 5 | 2023 | Sri Lanka | 5 wickets | Colombo |
| 6 | 2022 T20 WC | Pakistan | 23 runs | Sydney |
| 7 | 2022 | Sri Lanka | 18 runs | Lahore |
| 8 | 2021 | Pakistan | 6 runs | Sharjah |
| 9 | 2021 | Pakistan | 3 wickets | Sharjah |
| 10 | 2019 | Sri Lanka | 35 runs | Lahore |
Overall T20I record (all-time): Pakistan lead 19–14 against Sri Lanka
Pakistan have won 5 of the last 7 T20Is between these two sides, demonstrating a clear edge in the shortest format of the game. However, Sri Lanka remain a dangerous opponent, especially on home soil in conditions that suit their spinners and aggressive batters.
ICC T20I Rankings Impact
This result has meaningful consequences for both sides on the ICC T20I rankings:
Pakistan moved up with this crucial win at the T20 World Cup. With 2 points on the board from their opening group game, Pakistan are well-positioned to qualify for the semi-finals. A strong net run rate (+0.25 currently) means they also have a buffer should a close game arise later in the group stage.
Sri Lanka opened their campaign with a painful defeat but are far from out of contention. Shanaka’s late blitz showed this batting line-up is capable of chasing any total, and if their bowlers particularly Madushanka (3/33) and Theekshana can contain better in future matches, they can bounce back strongly.
The ICC T20I World Cup standings for this group are still in flux, with multiple matches yet to be played across February and the first week of March 2026.
What’s Next : Upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
| March 1, 2026 | New Zealand vs Zimbabwe (Women’s T20) | — |
| March 2–3, 2026 | Group Stage Matches Continue | Various |
| March 5–6, 2026 | Pakistan next group game (TBC) | TBC |
| March 7–8, 2026 | Sri Lanka next group game (TBC) | TBC |
| March 8, 2026 | T20 World Cup Final | TBC |
Pakistan fans will be eager to see Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman carry this form into their upcoming group games. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly and show the same fighting spirit they displayed in the final 5 overs today.
FAQs
Who won the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match today (February 28, 2026)?
Pakistan won the T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Sri Lanka by 5 runs. Pakistan scored 212/8 and Sri Lanka fell short at 207/6 in 20 overs.
Where to watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka live score?
The T20 World Cup 2026 is being broadcast on PTV Sports and Geo Super in Pakistan. International viewers can watch on ESPN, Sky Sports, or stream on the ICC’s official digital platforms.
What were the top scores in today’s Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match?
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 100 off 60 balls for Pakistan. For Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka’s devastating 76 off 31 balls nearly won the game.
Who took the most wickets in today’s match?
Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler with 3 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs at an economy rate of 5.75 the best bowling figures of the match. Dilshan Madushanka took 3 wickets for 33 runs for Sri Lanka.
What is the T20 World Cup 2026 schedule for Pakistan?
Pakistan have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 group stage and play their first match on February 28 vs Sri Lanka. Their remaining group fixtures will be confirmed as the tournament progresses. The final is scheduled for March 8, 2026.
What is the current T20 World Cup 2026 points table?
Pakistan are top of their group with 2 points after defeating Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka have 0 points after their opening loss. England are also on 2 points after their February 27 win.
Where was the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match played?
The match was played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, a ground with a capacity of 35,000 and known for its picturesque mountain backdrop and batting-friendly pitches.
Is Sahibzada Farhan in the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad 2026?
Sahibzada Farhan is part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad and opened the batting brilliantly today, scoring his maiden T20I century (100 off 60 balls) against Sri Lanka.
Marvi Channa is the author at DailyNewsHub.site, sharing breaking news, tech updates, sports highlights, and trending global stories with clarity and credibility. She’s passionate about timely reporting and keeping readers informed fast