T20 World Cup: Pakistan eye semi-final berth with 213-run target against Sri Lanka

KANDY (Dunya News) – Pakistan have completed their innings in the Super Eight clash against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, posting a challenging total of 212–8 from 20 overs.

The strong batting display keeps their slim semi-final hopes alive in the T20 World Cup.

Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with a commanding 100 off 60 balls before falling to Dushmantha Chameera. Fakhar Zaman followed with a scintillating 84 from 42 deliveries, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total despite middle-order struggles. Khawaja Nafay managed just 2 runs, while Shadab Khan added 7 before being run out by Madushanka. Mohammad Nawaz and Salman Ali Agha contributed little, scoring 0 each, while Usman Khan remained not out on 8. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck 4, and Naseem Shah was run out for 1. Abrar Ahmed remained unbeaten without scoring. Pakistan also collected 6 extras in their 20 overs.

With this total, Pakistan now require Sri Lanka to be restricted to 147 or fewer for their semi-final qualification hopes to remain alive. A bigger margin would significantly improve Pakistan’s net run rate in Group 2, which currently stands at minus 0.461.

Sri Lanka, captained by Dasun Shanaka, have already been eliminated from the tournament after defeats to England and New Zealand in the Super Eight stage. They will be aiming to play with pride in the second innings, but Pakistan’s target puts pressure firmly on the hosts.

A strong bowling and fielding performance from Pakistan will be crucial if they are to secure the comprehensive win needed to advance to the semi-finals, keeping fans on the edge as the chase gets underway.

Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.