Pakistan’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 came to a dramatic yet painful end on Saturday night, as the Men in Green were knocked out despite defeating Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
In a match filled with explosive batting, tense calculations, and last-over drama, Pakistan did what they could — but not enough. The shortfall in net run rate ultimately denied them a semi-final berth, leaving fans and former cricketers fuming back home.
Batting brilliance but margin heartbreak
Coming into the crucial Super Eights clash, Pakistan needed more than just a win. Sitting third in Group 2, they had to beat Sri Lanka by a significant margin to leapfrog New Zealand on net run rate.
Asked to bat first by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka, Pakistan responded with intent. The new opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman unleashed an attacking masterclass, stitching together a stunning 176-run stand.
Zaman smashed 84 off just 42 deliveries, peppering the boundary ropes with nine fours and four towering sixes before falling in the 16th over. Farhan, however, carried on to complete a magnificent century — 100 off 60 balls — a knock that blended elegance with power. Pakistan finished with a formidable 212/8 in 20 overs. The equation was clear: restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below to secure a semi-final spot.
Sri Lanka’s reply kept Pakistan alive in the contest but alive in anxiety too. The hosts kept chipping away, and with the qualification equation tightening, every run became crucial. Eventually, Sri Lanka crossed the 147 run mark without getting all out and hence denying Pakistan a chance to book a place in the semis. Though Pakistan ended up winning the contest but it was a victory on paper and a defeat in reality.
Ahmed Shehzad questions direction
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad did not mince his words on social media. He expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of progress under the current setup.
Shehzad criticised the constant shuffling of the batting order and alleged that team selections were influenced by external pressures rather than cricketing logic. He pointed out that promises of building a strong middle order had failed to materialize, calling the last three years a period of stagnation instead of growth.
“Pakistan is officially out of the World Cup. We supported you when you backed youngsters in the Asia Cup. You promised a strong middle order, but everything changed, not for balance, but to adjust your own people and bow to social media pressure. Three years of this setup, and still no progress. How much more time do you need? We’re not improving. We’re falling,” Shehzad wrote on X as quoted by Geonews.
Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi demand accountability
Former captain Mohammad Yousuf used sharp sarcasm to sum up the mood. Reflecting on bold pre-tournament claims about reaching the final, he likened the campaign to “the final moments of a sinking ship,” urging serious introspection while hinting that domestic leagues might soon shift public focus.
“We were loud and clear in declaring we were headed for the finals. Turns out, they meant the final moments of a sinking ship. Do we even have enough life jackets, or is this just another Titanic? No worries! #PSL is around the corner, and this embarrassment will soon be forgotten as pride rises again,” Yousuf said.
Meanwhile, ex-skipper Shahid Afridi called for structural reform. He questioned how a cricket-loving nation of over 240 million people continues to struggle at the highest level. Afridi demanded accountability from management and administrators, insisting that Pakistan must rediscover its competitive edge.
“This is a moment to reflect on the future of cricket in Pakistan. How is a nation of our population producing just eleven subpar players at the highest level? Who will take responsibility for restoring the pride and standard of Pakistan national cricket team?,” wrote Afridi.
Shoaib Akhtar raises questions on selection
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar echoed similar concerns on a television show, criticizing recent team combinations. He pointed out that players like Saim Ayub could have offered balance, and questioned why natural roles were ignored earlier in the tournament. According to Akhtar, the strong performances of Fakhar, Farhan, and Abrar Ahmed in this match exposed earlier selection flaws.
“Pakistan’s management looks completely clueless. Today’s team selection only confirmed that the XI picked over the last 15 days was wrong. There was one clear error — Saim Ayub should have played instead of Khawaja Nafay. Saim could have contributed with the ball as well. This selection showed that when you pick the right players for the right roles, they perform. Fakhar Zaman is a natural opener, yet he wasn’t played earlier. Today, Farhan, Fakhar and Abrar all delivered. That tells you everything,” Akhtar said on Tapmad.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Final-over wide triggers debate in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Super 8 clash
