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T20 World Cup 2026

PAK vs SL Highlights, T20 World Cup Super 8s: Pakistan register thrilling 5-run victory but get knocked out

India Today Sports Desk
Kandy,UPDATED: Feb 28, 2026 23:22 IST

PAK vs SL Highlights, T20 World Cup Super 8s: Pakistan have registered a thrilling five-run victory against Sri Lanka, despite Dasun Shanaka's herculean effort in the final over. However, Pakistan have been knocked out of the tournament.

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Sri Lanka's captain Dasun Shanaka plays a shot (AP Photo)
PAK vs SL Live Score, T20 World Cup Super 8s. (Image: AP)

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

Pakistan's net run rate currently stands at -0.461, while New Zealand sit comfortably at +1.390. That is a gap of 1.851 — and closing it in a single game is an enormous ask.

The 63-run victory requirement is the minimum threshold, but that figure is not fixed. It shifts depending on how many runs Pakistan post and how quickly Sri Lanka are bowled out. A higher total gives Pakistan more runway to build a bigger margin, which in turn does more damage to the net run rate deficit.

Every over matters too. If Pakistan post 180 and bowl Sri Lanka out for 110 in 18 overs, the calculation looks very different compared to Sri Lanka surviving all 20. Wickets and overs are just as important as the final run margin.

For a full breakdown of exactly how the scenarios play out depending on Pakistan's total, [read about it here].

In simple terms, Pakistan need to bat big, bowl disciplined and finish the job as emphatically as possible. Half measures will not move the needle enough.

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23:22 IST:
What's next on the menu? A Super Sunday awaits on 29th February, with a double dose of high-octane cricket lined up. It is also the last day of the Super Eights stage in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. The day kicks off with a so-called 'dead rubber' as South Africa face Zimbabwe in Delhi, with the first ball scheduled for 9.30 am GMT. Later, all eyes turn to Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where India take on the West Indies in a blockbuster clash that will decide the fourth semifinalist, starting at 1.30 pm GMT. The winner of that game will advance, and the team that faces a defeat goes back home. Do not forget to mark your presence an hour earlier for all our buildup and pre-match analysis. Until then, we take your leave, only to meet again. Cheers!
23:23 IST:
End of the journey - And just like that, the road ends here for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It has been an underwhelming campaign for both sides. For Sri Lanka, it is now five editions without a semifinal appearance in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan, meanwhile, continue their disappointing run in major tournaments, having missed out in 2024 edition and again this time around.
23:20 IST:
The captain of Pakistan - Salman Agha says that when they lost the toss, it was always going to be difficult to defend with the dew factor. Adds that they tried their best but it wasn't meant to be, and if he won the toss, the story could have been different. Mentions that dew was a big factor. Tells that Usman had an off day but he has been exceptional for them in the last few months. Shares that batting let them down in this World Cup, as, except for Farhan, no one could make any real impact and the middle order also could not contribute. Ends by saying that they could not finish well with the bat, or the story could have been different.
23:10 IST:
The captain of Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka says that it was a such a close game but unfortunate for them, kudos to Shaheen. Mentions that it's been a tough campaign, they have had a few injuries and feels that they have let the crowd down. Assures that without injuries, this squad will achieve a lot more in the future and those injured players are a big loss in terms of such a big tournament and hopefully, they will come back fitter and do well for Sri Lankan cricket. Takes responsibility for his team's performance and feels disheartened for the fans. Lauds the likes of Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage, who are coming through the ranks well. End by thanking the crowd in Sinhalese.
23:12 IST:
... It is time to hear from both the captains ...
23:11 IST:
The partnership broke Pakistani hearts - There is a name rising swiftly through the ranks in Sri Lankan cricket, and it is beginning to carry real weight. Pavan Rathnayake. Coming in with momentum from a couple of impressive knocks, he delivered again, bringing up his second fifty of the tournament with authority. He then forged a decisive 61-run stand off just 33 balls alongside skipper Dasun Shanaka. And just like that, the 147-run mark was breached by Sri Lanka, which knocked Pakistan out of the semifinal race. It was then the fight for a win or a loss. Sri Lanka were still 52 runs adrift in the last 3 overs, but it was Dasun Shanaka who refused to throw in the towel. Despite Rathnayake gone, the skipper stepped up with a blistering knock, smashing 8 audacious sixes to shrink the equation down to 6 needed off the last 2 balls. But unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
23:04 IST:
Lack of control hurt Pakistan - Pakistan’s start with the ball was disciplined but lacked the conviction required to truly disrupt Sri Lanka’s progress. Abrar Ahmed provided a breakthrough by removing Asalanka and ending a steady stand, reducing Sri Lanka from 75/2 to 101/5. However, just when sustained pressure was needed, it faded. Usman Tariq endured a rare off day, struggling to adapt to the dew and failing to extract any control or penetration. He went wicketless after a long time, conceding 43 runs, a spell that allowed Sri Lanka to regain their footing in the game.
23:01 IST:
A game inside a game - Sri Lanka were chasing 213, but Pakistan were really defending 147 to keep their semifinal hopes alive. That invisible line carried more weight than the actual target. With dew settling in, the pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers was relentless. Mishara sparkled early with a few crisp strokes, but Sri Lanka lost both openers inside the Powerplay, slipping to 48/2 and forcing a rebuild. Asalanka and Rathnayake then stepped up and steadied things with a composed stand for the third wicket. The surface still looked good for batting, offering little assistance even to the spinners early on because of the dew factor creeping in.
22:59 IST:
An inning that broke records - With semifinal hopes hanging by a thread, Pakistan had a dream run with the bat for almost 17-18 overs. Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman tore into Sri Lanka with a record-breaking 176-run opening stand that felt less like batting and more like controlled demolition. Every bowler was lined up and picked apart. The timing was pure, the footwork decisive, the running sharp. Both openers brought up commanding fifties as Sri Lanka unravelled in the field, misfields crept in and chances slipped away. Farhan then raised his second century of the tournament, oozing authority. At 176 for nought, Pakistan were staring at a total that could have crushed Sri Lanka. And then it all cracked. From 176 without loss to 210/8, the innings spiralled into a full-blown collapse. Wickets fell in heaps. Momentum vanished. They crawled to 212, a number that should have felt imposing but instead carried frustration. Not a single batter beyond the two openers managed to reach double figures. A near-perfect launch was undone by a staggering nosedive in the backend.
23:08 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH -  Playing a knock for the ages, Sahibzada Farhan (100 off 60 balls) receives the award. Farhan says that the way Fakhar was playing, he was hoping he gets the hundred but he was lucky he himself got the milestone. Adds that in the end, this knock only helped him individually but not the team. Mentions that he was just focused on playing simple cricket and hitting whatever was in his range, as he had a couple of good net sessions. Says that domestic cricket has helped him a lot. He was among the top-scorers in the Asia Cup and the leading scorer here, and credits all of this to playing a lot of domestic matches and making scoring hundreds more like a habit.
22:53 IST:
Cricket at its absolute best - That surely is going to be a much-debated last ball, which wasn't given as a wide by the umpire, but the line belongs to him. Dasun Shanaka is in anguish and shock. Pakistan, rattled, despite the win. Shanaka acknowledges the crowd on his walk back, and result aside, the support for cricket remains unwavering in this part of the world. Pakistan and Sri Lanka both, cannot progress ahead in this tournament, but we got to witness another T20 World Cup classic, this time in Kandy. It really got so close in the end and the possibilities of a super over were being drawn as well.
Score 207/6
BatsmanDasun Shanaka 76(31b 2*4 8*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 4-0-48-1
22:46 IST:
19.6: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, Oooh, that's touch and go, brave call from the umpire. Shaheen Afridi goes full and fast and slants it wide outside the line of off stump. Dasun Shanaka leaves it alone in hopes of a wide and the ball darts through to the keeper. It is called a fair delivery and Shanaka cannot believe it. Pin drop silence in Pallekele and Shanaka is down on his haunches, being consoled by Dunith Wellalage. Pakistan win by 5 runs!
22:45 IST:
19.5: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, Oh, no, what have you done, Dasun Shanaka? Full and wide outside off, in fact, it might have been a low full toss as well. Shanaka brings out the reverse scoop but fails to connect and Sri Lanka still need 6 runs off just one ball now.
22:56 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live score: Pakistan fans unhappy with team's performance

22:47 IST:
Absolute scenes here in Pallekelle. 6 needed in 2 balls now. Dasun Shanaka has lit up this stadium, but the job is not yet done.
22:44 IST:
19.4: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! This could end up being one of the greatest run chases in T20 World Cup history. Shaheen Afridi goes for the wide yorker but misses his length again and serves it in the slot. Dasun Shanaka nails it over deep cover for a biggie. Sri Lanka are just one hit away from the win now as Shanaka makes it a hat-trick of sixes.
22:57 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live: Pakistan fans express disappointment

22:43 IST:
19.3: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! OUTTA HERE! A leg cutter from Shaheen, but the length is all wrong. On a good length and at the stumps, right in the hitting arc. Dasun Shanaka stays put and just smokes it over deep mid-wicket with absolute disdain. 12 needed off 3 balls.
22:42 IST:
19.2: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Wow, what a shot! What a time to pull it off as well from the Lankan skipper. Shaheen misses the yorker outside off and Dasun Shanaka just opens the face of the blade and dumps it over covers for a huge six. That's travelled well over 90 meters. 18 needed now off 4 balls.
22:42 IST:
19.1: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Goes away to the fence. Back of a length and outside off, Dasun Shanaka throws the hands at it and slices it over short third for a boundary.
22:42 IST:
28 needed in the last over then. Can Dasun Shanaka pull off something special here, or will Shaheen Afridi get the job done for Pakistan? Let's find out.
Score 185/6
BatsmanDunith Wellalage 2(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 2-0-33-0
22:40 IST:
18.6: Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage, Oh, not sure about that shot from Dunith Wellalage. Tossed up, fuller on off, Wellalage has a free hit but he goes for the reverse sweep and misses.
22:40 IST:
18.5: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Shorter one outside off, lofted down to wide long off for just a single.
22:40 IST:
18.4: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Can you believe it? Dasun Shanaka pulls off another big hit and brings up his FIFTY in style. A drag-down from Shadab, wide outside off, Shanaka keeps his shape and slaps it up and over extra cover for a six. 29 needed off 8 balls.
22:39 IST:
18.4: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE. Flatter delivery, flirting with the tramline outside off. Left alone for a wide.
22:38 IST:
18.3: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Dragged length, wide outside off, Shanaka reaches out and hits it off the toe end of the blade, chipping it through covers for a couple of runs.
22:38 IST:
18.2: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Dasun Shanaka doesn't want to throw in the towel just yet. Tossed up, full and on off, it is the leg break as well. Shanaka backs away to open up the off side and whacks it over wide long off for a 99-meter biggie.
22:37 IST:
18.1: Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage, Nagging length on leg, nurdled down to short fine leg for a single.
22:37 IST:
18.1: Shadab Khan to Dunith Wellalage, WIDE. A googly from Shadab, tossed up wide outside off and left alone by Dunith Wellalage.
22:38 IST:
Who bowls the 19th? Salman Agha has two spinners, either Shadab Khan or Mohammad Nawaz and it will be Shadab. Sri Lanka have to target this over.
Score 167/6
BatsmanDasun Shanaka 39(21b 1*4 3*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 3-0-26-1
22:36 IST:
17.6: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, A dot to end, 46 needed now off 12 balls. Slower one from around the wicket, Shanaka looks to tap and run but ends up nudging it back to the bowler.
22:35 IST:
17.5: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! Sri Lanka still hanging in the chase. Yorker-length delivery, slightly wide outside off, Dasun Shanaka reaches out and squeezes it away through backward point for a boundary.
22:34 IST:
17.4: Shaheen Afridi to Dunith Wellalage, A low full toss, on the pads, flicked down to deep backward square leg for one.
22:34 IST:
Silence here in Pallekelle. The threatening 61-run stand has been broken here. That brings Dunith Wellalage out to the middle now.
22:33 IST:
17.3: Shaheen Afridi to Pavan Rathnayake, OUT! CAUGHT! A few overs too late for Pakistan and they don't even celebrate the wicket at all. Hard length from Shaheen Afridi, on middle and leg and bowls it slower too. Pavan Rathnayake stays put, clears the front leg and launches it high up towards long on. The ball just doesn't have the legs to clear the ropes and the substitute fielder, Saim Ayub pouches it comfortably. End of a fighting knock from Rathnayake.
22:32 IST:
17.2: Shaheen Afridi to Pavan Rathnayake, Fine delivery from Shaheen. Another yorker, just outside off, Rathnayake hangs back to drive but the ball slips under the willow and goes through.
22:31 IST:
17.1: Shaheen Afridi to Dasun Shanaka, A yorker on leg stump, a bit of reverse swing on offer as well. Dasun Shanaka clips it away to deep square leg for a run.
22:35 IST:
55 runs in the last 4 overs for Sri Lanka. They are still far behind the target, but you just never know in T20 cricket. Shaheen Afridi (2-0-20-0) is back on.
Score 161/5
BatsmanDasun Shanaka 34(18b 0*4 3*6)
BowlerNaseem Shah 4-0-36-1
22:31 IST:
16.6: Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka, A single to end and Sri Lanka now need 52 off 18 balls. Full and straight, jammed down to long on for a run, 11 off the over.
22:29 IST:
16.5: Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka, Slower one, just back of a length and in the channel, Shanaka has a poke at it but gets beaten.
22:29 IST:
16.4: Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake, Good-length delivery, Rathnayake looks to slog it away but miscues it through square leg for a run.
22:28 IST:
16.3: Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake, DROPPED! Nearly a fabulous catch but Fakhar Zaman spills it out. Another slower delivery, wide outside off, Pavan Rathnayake walks across the off stump and goes on one knee, lapping it over short fine. Zaman runs back over his head and lunges to pouch it but the ball pops out as the elbows make the impact with the ground. Two taken.
22:27 IST:
16.2: Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka, Banged in short over leg stump, Shanaka goes for the pull but gets an under edge down to short fine leg for a single.
22:27 IST:
16.1: Naseem Shah to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Pumped away for another biggie. Slower one, on a length and outside off, slides on well onto the bat. Dasun Shanaka smacks it flat over extra cover for a maximum.
22:29 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live score: Pakistan knocked out

Pakistan have been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026, after failing to restrict Sri Lanka to 147. They needed to beat Sri Lanka by 65 runs to beat New Zealand's net run rate and qualify for semi final. However, as Sri Lanka have crossed the 147-run mark, New Zealand have qualifiied for semi final from Super 8 Group 2 along with England.

Score 150/5
BatsmanPavan Rathnayake 55(33b 4*4 3*6)
BowlerUsman Tariq 4-0-43-0
22:25 IST:
15.6: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Quicker, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake tucks it away through mid-wicket and comes back for another double. 63 needed in 24 balls now.
22:29 IST:
There it is. The World Cup is done and dusted for Pakistan now. They cannot qualify as the 147-run mark is breached by Sri Lanka. Which means, NEW ZEALAND HAVE OFFICIALLY QUALIFIED FOR THE SEMIFINAL. They become the third team after South Africa and England to book their semifinal spot in this ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. Disappointment for Mike Hesson, the Pakistani head coach. But to be very fair, Pakistan were pretty average when it mattered most and their washout against New Zealand didn't help their cause either. Overall, a disappointing campaign for the Men in Green.
22:24 IST:
15.5: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Pakistan are officially out of the World Cup! Shortish and on off, Dasun Shanaka stabs it back to the bowler, where Usman Tariq only makes a half-stop and allows one.
22:24 IST:
15.4: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Sticks to the short length, outside off, Dasun Shanaka slaps it to sweeper cover for a third couple in a row.
22:23 IST:
15.3: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Dragged down and on middle, Dasun Shanaka rocks back swats it over the bowler's head, wide of long on for a couple of runs.
22:23 IST:
15.2: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Short and around leg, Dasun Shanaka nudges it towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.
22:22 IST:
15.1: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Into the crowd! Short and around middle. Dasun Shanaka clears his front leg away and smashes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie. The Kiwis are almost there, and Pakistan are almost out.
22:23 IST:
That pretty much looks like it for Pakistan. Sri Lanka need to score just 12 runs to play a spoilsport on Pakistan's hopes. Usman Tariq (3-0-28-0) to bowl out. The last throw on the dice for the Men in Green.
Score 135/5
BatsmanPavan Rathnayake 53(32b 4*4 3*6)
BowlerShadab Khan 1-0-15-0
22:21 IST:
14.6: Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake, SIX! FIFTY FOR RATHNAYAKE! A fantastic knock from the youngster and he is keeping his team in the chase. His second half-century in this World Cup. This is looped up, full and on middle. Pavan Rathnayake goes down and nails the slog sweep from the middle of the bat, over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen more. 15 from the over. 
22:20 IST:
14.5: Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake, Swing and a miss! Slows it up, full and around off, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep again but misses.
22:20 IST:
14.4: Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake, SIX! Just over! Flighted, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake goes down across to slog sweep but hits it from the bottom half of the bat. The fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game, but the ball just goes over his head for a six.
22:19 IST:
14.3: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Tossed up, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and drags it long on for another run.
22:18 IST:
14.2: Shadab Khan to Pavan Rathnayake, Short again and around off, Pavan Rathnayake punches it to sweeper cover for a run.
22:18 IST:
14.1: Shadab Khan to Dasun Shanaka, Floated, short and outside off, turns away, Dasun Shanaka steers it through point for a single.
22:19 IST:
DRINKS BREAK! Plenty of deadpan faces in the Pakistani camp right now. It is really slipping out of their grasp and the 14-run previous over hasn't helped their cause either. Sri Lanka might be well out of the contest, needing 93 from the final six overs, but the real squeeze is on Pakistan. To stay alive, they must restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or below, and they have just 27 runs or fewer in hand before that line is crossed. Agha now tosses the ball to Shadab Khan who replaces Usman Tariq.
Score 120/5
BatsmanPavan Rathnayake 40(28b 4*4 1*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 2-0-21-1
22:15 IST:
13.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! It's drifting away from Pakistan quickly now! Flighted delivery, full and around off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away to create a bit of room, extends his arms and carves it past extra cover for a boundary. 14 off the over, a hefty one from Pakistan's point of view.
22:14 IST:
13.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, Another short delivery, on off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for one.
22:14 IST:
13.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! Oh..that will hurt Pakistan a lot! A half-tracker from Nawaz, on leg, begging to be put away. Dasun Shanaka opens up his stance and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
22:13 IST:
13.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, Drags his length back, on middle, Pavan Rathnayake heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for one.
22:12 IST:
13.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Dasun Shanaka, Tossed up, full and on middle, Dasun Shanaka uses his feet and eases it to long off fo a run.
22:12 IST:
13.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, Shorter in length, on off, Pavan Rathnayake steps across and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Score 106/5
BatsmanDasun Shanaka 3(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerUsman Tariq 3-0-28-0
22:10 IST:
12.6: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Loopy delivery, full and on off, Dasun Shanaka taps it to the off side. Pakistan just have 41 runs or less to play with now.
22:10 IST:
12.5: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Shorter once more, on off, Dasun Shanaka stays back and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
22:09 IST:
12.4: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Dragged back and outside off, Dasun Shanaka cuts it away to deep point for a brace.
22:09 IST:
12.3: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake drives it away to sweeper cover for another run.
22:08 IST:
12.2: Usman Tariq to Dasun Shanaka, Drops it short and on off, turns in, Dasun Shanaka nudges it to mid-wicket. The fielder only makes a half-stop and allows a run.
22:07 IST:
12.1: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Floated, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
22:15 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live: Mohammad Nawaz keeps Pakistan's hopes alive

Mohammad Nawaz has struck at a crucial time for Pakistan. He cleans up Janith Liyanage with a beauty. Pakistan find a ray of hope, but the qualification is slipping out of their hands. They need to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 to qualify for the semi-final.

22:08 IST:
Well, this is getting interesting now. Pakistan need 5 wickets, with 46 runs or fewer left. The skipper Dasun Shanaka walks in at number 7.
Score 101/5
BatsmanJanith Liyanage 5(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerMohammad Nawaz 1-0-7-1
22:07 IST:
11.6: Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, OUT! GONE! Back of a length on middle, gripping and turning away at 86.8 kph. Liyanage makes room but plays down the wrong line, shaping to punch it straight. He is beaten on the outside edge and the ball crashes into the top of middle stump. Sri Lanka are half a side down on 101, needing 112 more.
22:05 IST:
11.5: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, Drifted into the pads, clipped away to deep mid-wicket for one more.
22:05 IST:
11.4: Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, Good length, wide outside off, cut away to deep point for a single.
22:04 IST:
11.3: Mohammad Nawaz to Janith Liyanage, FOUR! Edged away, a painful one for Pakistan. Nagging length on off, Janith Liyanage hops back to defend but gets an outside edge that rolls down and goes away into the deep third fence.
22:04 IST:
11.2: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, Dragged length outside off, Rathnayake walks across to the off side and hoicks it towards deep square leg for a run.
22:03 IST:
11.1: Mohammad Nawaz to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter one on off, pushed away square towards cover-point.
22:06 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live score: Abrar Ahmed gets his third wicket!

Abrar Ahmed has continued to chip away with wickets as he shatters Kamindu Mendis' stumps. Abrar gets his third wicket and finishes with figures of 3/23 in four overs. However, Sri Lanka are showing no signs of slowing down and are running away with the game. 

 

22:04 IST:
What a spell from Abrar Ahmed for his country under extreme pressure. He finishes off with figures of 4-0-23-3. However, runs are slipping like sand in hand for Pakistan. They have only 53 runs or fewer left to play with. Janith Liyanage is in at number 6. With two right-handers at the crease, Mohammad Nawaz is introduced into the attack, replacing Usman Tariq.
Score 94/4
BatsmanKamindu Mendis 3(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 4-0-23-3
22:02 IST:
10.6: Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! TIMBER! Abrar Ahmed finishes his spell with his third wicket and keeps his team in the contest. Floated up, slower and on a length around off. Kamindu Mendis looks to pull but the ball never arrives and stays low as well. Mendis swings his blade past the ball and the ball goes on to hit the off stump. Sri Lanka are 94/4, needing 119 more to win.
22:00 IST:
10.5: Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, blocked off by Mendis.
22:00 IST:
10.4: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted ball on middle, Rathnayake comes forward and eases it down to long on for one.
21:59 IST:
10.3: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, SIX! Pakistan's hopes are dwindling now. Fired in on the pads, Pavan Rathnayake sits down, gets inside the line and sweeps it flat over deep backward square leg for a biggie.
21:59 IST:
10.2: Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Dragged short on the pads, swivel-pulled through backward square leg for a single.
21:58 IST:
10.1: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Flatter one on middle, tucked away through square leg for one.
21:59 IST:
Halfway reached. Sri Lanka are 85/3. Pakistan have 62 runs or less to defend. Abrar Ahmed to bowl out. 3-0-14-2 so far are his bowling figures.
Score 85/3
BatsmanPavan Rathnayake 22(17b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerUsman Tariq 2-0-23-0
21:57 IST:
9.6: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Flat and full, right at the batter, Rathnayake comes forward and pushes it through mid on for one.
21:57 IST:
9.5: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! Excellent adjustment from Rathnayake. Tossed up on middle and leg, Pavan Rathnayake sets up for the reverse sweep but sees the line and changes to the conventional sweep and paddles it down to fine leg for a boundary.
21:56 IST:
9.4: Usman Tariq to Kamindu Mendis, Good length outside off, punched off the back foot through backward point for one.
21:55 IST:
9.3: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Length and outside off, holds in the pitch, pushed through covers for one.
21:55 IST:
9.2: Usman Tariq to Kamindu Mendis, Tap and run. Floated up full on off, bunted in front of covers for a quick single.
21:54 IST:
9.1: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Shortish length outside off, cut away in front of point for a single.
21:54 IST:
9.1: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, WIDE. The wicket-keeper is trying to distract the umpire with his appeal for a catch, but the latter is having none of it. Floated up, well down leg, Rathnayake looks to sweep but misses.
Score 75/3
BatsmanKamindu Mendis 0(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 3-0-14-2
21:58 IST:
8.6: Abrar Ahmed to Kamindu Mendis, Two in two for Abrar Ahmed, or is it? The appeal for LBW is acknowledged by the umpire but Kamindu Mendis has reviewed it. This is bowled flatter and drifted into the stumps, Mendis goes for the reverse sweep but misses and gets rapped on the pads. The third umpire checks UltraEdge first and finds that there is a slight inside edge. The decision is changed to NOT OUT.
21:52 IST:
The 42-run stand is broken now. Kamindu Mendis is the next man in.
21:51 IST:
8.5: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pakistan get a massive wicket with 72 runs still to play with. Flighted up, full and around off, Charith Asalanka sits down for the sweep but fails to connect. The ball dips and skids on to hit the off stump and Abrar has his second wicket. Sri Lanka are 75/3, needing 138 more. 
21:51 IST:
It looks like Charith Asalanka has hurt his right wrist while putting in that dive on the previous ball. The physio comes in to check on him. He applies the magic spray and we are good to go again.
21:50 IST:
8.4: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, A risky single but well-judged. Quicker one around off, Pavan Rathnayake plays all around it and gets it off the pads to short third, scampering through for a leg bye. The fielder throws it at the keeper's end, where Usman Khan breaks the stumps, but Charith Asalanka puts in a desperate dive to make his ground.
21:47 IST:
8.3: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! That's well struck. Tossed up around middle, Pavan Rathnayake lunges ahead and hits the sweep flat and hard towards deep square leg for a boundary.
21:47 IST:
8.2: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, DROPPED! Valiant effort but it goes in vain. Slow and wide outside off, Charith Asalanka reaches out and slaps it a bit uppishly to the right of cover. Khawaja Nafay dives and gets both hands on it, but fails to hang on. The batters go for the single and Nafay has a shy at the bowler's end but misses that as well. Salman Agha backs it up and has a go at Abrar for not getting back to the stumps.
21:46 IST:
8.1: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, Fullish length, angling in from outside off, Charith Asalanka gets across and pushes it down to mid on.
Score 69/2
BatsmanCharith Asalanka 24(15b 1*4 2*6)
BowlerUsman Tariq 1-0-13-0
21:45 IST:
7.6: Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka, Pushed through quicker, short once more and around off, Charith Asalanka steers it to short third for one more. 13 runs from Tariq's first over!
21:45 IST:
7.5: Usman Tariq to Pavan Rathnayake, Shortish and on off, Pavan Rathnayake stabs it out towards extra cover for another run.
21:44 IST:
7.4: Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka, Goes short and outside off, Charith Asalanka cuts it away to deep point for a single.
21:46 IST:
7.3: Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka, SIX! Top shot! Flighted delivery, full and around off, right in the slot. Charith Asalanka crouches low, extends his arms to reach out for it. He launches it against the spin and well over long off for a biggie.
21:46 IST:
7.2: Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Gets it away! Tossed up, full and on middle. Charith Asalanka goes down on one knee and nails the sweep between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
21:42 IST:
7.1: Usman Tariq to Charith Asalanka, Almost! A googly, full and on middle, turns away. Charith Asalanka waits for it to guide it away. Gets a thin outside edge that deflects off the keeper's thigh to the off side.
21:43 IST:
Pakistan have 91 runs or less to play with now. They need 8 wickets. And here's Pakistan's trump card into the attack. Usman Tariq replaces Naseem Shah.
Score 56/2
BatsmanPavan Rathnayake 10(10b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 2-0-9-1
21:41 IST:
6.6: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Great effort in the deep! Abrar Ahmed gives this one some more air, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake goes down for the slog sweep and hits it aerially towards deep mid-wicket. Khawaja Nafay comes forward but realises he cannot reach for the catch. Stops and reads the spin on the ball, dives to his right to save two runs for his team.
21:40 IST:
6.5: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, Short and around off, Charith Asalanka punches it through cover-point for one more.
21:40 IST:
6.4: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Uppish but safe! Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns away. Pavan Rathnayake looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs up but flies well wide of the bowler, towards long off for one.
21:39 IST:
6.3: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, Flatter, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka goes down and reverse sweeps it towards backward point for a run.
21:39 IST:
6.2: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted, full and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.
21:38 IST:
6.2: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, WIDE! Floated, short and around off, turns further away, Pavan Rathnayake lets it go. Wided. Also, 50 up for Sri Lanka!
21:38 IST:
6.1: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, A googly, short and on middle, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the back thigh.
21:37 IST:
DRINKS! Pakistan certainly out in front but Sri Lanka aren't doing too bad either. Pakistan need wickets in the middle phase or else that number of 147 will start looking very low. Shaheen Afridi has misfired a bit and Pakistan will now be hoping that the spinners come good. Looks like a tough task at the moment but you never know, things can change very quickly.
Score 49/2
BatsmanCharith Asalanka 10(8b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerNaseem Shah 3-0-25-1
21:36 IST:
5.6: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, SIX! Sri Lanka ends the Powerplay with a bang! Naseem Shah tries the slower one again, short but this one sits up for the batter. Charith Asalanka waits for it before hammering it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie. Sri Lanka are 49/2 after 6 overs.
21:34 IST:
5.5: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, Follows it up with a perfect yorker, on middle, Charith Asalanka gets his bat down and digs it out well.
21:33 IST:
5.4: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, An off-cutter, bangs this into the surface, on middle. Charith Asalanka goes through his pull way early and toe-ends it on the pitch.
21:33 IST:
5.3: Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake, Short of a length and on off, takes pace off. Pavan Rathnayake backs away and stabs it towards extra cover, where the fielder lets it through for a run.
21:32 IST:
5.2: Naseem Shah to Pavan Rathnayake, FOUR! Nice shot! Naseem Shah hits the length hard, on middle. Pavan Rathnayake picks up the length early, hangs back and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. 
21:31 IST:
5.1: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka heaves it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Score 37/2
BatsmanCharith Asalanka 3(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerAbrar Ahmed 1-0-2-1
21:30 IST:
4.6: Abrar Ahmed to Charith Asalanka, Run out chance...missed! Slows it up, full and on middle, turns in. Charith Asalanka looks to clip it away but gets an inside edge as the ball lobs up to the leg side. There is a huge mix-up between the batters and Pavan sets off very late for the run. Shadab Khan from square leg gets to the ball, takes aim but misses his shy at the batter's end, with Pavan not even in the frame.
21:29 IST:
4.5: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Goes short and on middle, Pavan Rathnayake nudges it towards mid-wicket for one.
21:29 IST:
4.4: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Fires this one full, angling down the leg side. Pavan Rathnayake looks to paddle it away but it goes off his pads to the right of short fine. Two leg byes taken.
21:28 IST:
4.3: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Flighted, full and on off, Pavan Rathnayake pushes it wide of short cover. Salman Agha dives to his left to make a fine stop.
21:28 IST:
4.2: Abrar Ahmed to Pavan Rathnayake, Floated, short and on off, turns in, Pavan Rathnayake cuts it away to point.
21:28 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live Score: Abrar strikes immediately!

Abrar Ahmed has removed Kamil Mishara on his very first delivery, smashing his stumps. The southpaw was looking to rebuild Sri Lanka's innings after the early wicket of Pathum Nissanka. It's a crucial passage of play for Pakistan, as they employ their spinners with a hope to trigger Sri Lanka's batting collapse.

21:27 IST:
Sri Lanka lose both their openers now. Pavan Rathnayake walks out to bat next.
21:26 IST:
4.1: Abrar Ahmed to Kamil Mishara, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Abrar Ahmed comes into the attack and strikes right away. He bowls this flatter, shortish and on off, skids through and goes with the arm. Kamil Mishara backs away and looks to cut it away but gets late on the shot. The ball goes through and hits the top of off pole.  Sri Lanka are 33/2, still needing 180 runs in 95 balls.
21:25 IST:
Abrar Ahmed comes on to replace Shaheen Afridi.
Score 33/1
BatsmanKamil Mishara 26(14b 4*4 1*6)
BowlerNaseem Shah 2-0-13-1
21:24 IST:
3.6: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, On a good length, around off, Mishara backs away and slaps it to deep cover for a run.
21:24 IST:
3.5: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, Deception to perfection! The back-of-the-hand slower one, on a good length, over middle and off. Kamil Mishara is completely deceived by the lack of pace and is beaten all ends up on the pull shot. The ball teases the stumps and bounces back to the keeper.
21:23 IST:
3.4: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, Speared full and on middle, Mishara drives it straight to the cover fielder.
21:22 IST:
3.3: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! That's a seriously good shot by Mishara! Half tracker from Naseem, angling outside off. Kamil Mishara stays put, lets his hands through and punches it on the up between mid off and cover for a boundary.
21:21 IST:
3.2: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, Hard length, on middle, heaved off the back foot to deep square leg for a single.
21:21 IST:
3.2: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, WIDE! The slower one, but way too short and over the head height. Charith feels for it initially, probably looks to uppercut, but aborts and lets it pass. Wide called for height. Naseem is a bit perplexed.
21:20 IST:
3.1: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, Back of a length, outside off, Kamil Mishara square cuts it to deep point for a run.
Score 25/1
BatsmanKamil Mishara 20(9b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 2-0-20-0
21:19 IST:
2.6: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, A very tight single! Straight and full, on middle, Mishara drives it to the cover-point region and calls his partner through for a single. The fielder, Khawaja Nafay, with one stump to aim at, swoops to his right from cover and throws it to the batting end, but misses his shy. Charith Asalanka is forced to put in a desperate dive to get in. Direct hit would have had Asalanka in serious trouble there.
21:18 IST:
2.5: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Through the gap! This is turning out to be a massive over for the Islanders. Short of a good length, outside off, Kamil hits it through the line and punches it crisply through the point and cover gap for another boundary.
21:17 IST:
2.4: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, Slips in a low full toss, at knee height. It tails in a touch and Mishara taps it to the cover fielder.
21:17 IST:
2.3: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Gloriously struck! Overcompensates this time around, does Shaheen. Pushes it full and wide on off. Kamil Mishara uses the width to his benefit and cracks the cover drive for a boundary.
21:16 IST:
2.2: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, SIX! All class! At 135.2 kph, this is slammed hard into the pitch, over middle. Kamil Mishara presses back, plays with a flat bat and clubs it cleanly downtown for a cracking six.
21:15 IST:
2.1: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, A sharp inswinger on a hard length, on leg. Kamil Mishara is pinned in the crease, tries to work it across, but the ball zips past his inside edge and pings him on the back thigh pad.
21:16 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

PAK vs SL Live: Sri Lanka lose Nissanka cheaply

Sri Lanka are off to a poor start in their run chase of 213 as Pathum Nissanka has lost his wicket against Naseem Shah. Pakistan only have 147 runs in the bank, and their bowlers have been right on the money from the get-go. There's massive belief in the Pakistan camp. Can Sri Lanka spoil their party tonight? 

Score 10/1
BatsmanKamil Mishara 5(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerNaseem Shah 1-0-5-1
21:14 IST:
1.6: Naseem Shah to Kamil Mishara, Slower length delivery, on top of off, Kamil hangs back and taps it between cover and point for a single.
21:13 IST:
1.5: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, On a length, on leg, Asalanka wrists it through square leg for a single.
21:12 IST:
1.4: Naseem Shah to Charith Asalanka, Good length, outside off, defended to the cover region.
21:12 IST:
The next batter is Charith Asalanka in at number 3.
21:13 IST:
1.3: Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Absolutely outsmarted the batter and Pakistan have their first breakthrough. Naseem cunningly goes pace off and throws it wide outside off, away from the batter's arc as Pathum moves away early. Pathum Nissanka backs a bit to carve it through the off side, but is way too early in his shot and ends up tamely chipping it toward the cover fielder. Mohammad Nawaz backtracks a bit and takes a fine-judged catch at the edge of the ring with a reverse cup. Showed all his cards early, did Nissanka and paid the price. Sri Lanka are 8/1.
21:10 IST:
1.2: Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka, Straight up in the air, but lands safely! On a fullish length, nips away a shy bit on off. Pathum Nissanka walks forward to negate any movement, and lofts it over mid-wicket. There is no timing at all on the shot, but he manages to clear the in-field and the ball lands in the vast open space in the deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
21:09 IST:
1.2: Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Slower delivery, going down leg, Nissanka tries to whip it to the leg side, but it cuts down and beats him. Wide called.
21:08 IST:
1.1: Naseem Shah to Pathum Nissanka, Full and straight, lasered on the off pole, Pathum Nissanka leans on and crisply drives it, but finds the man at mid off. A confident-looking shot though.
21:08 IST:
Naseem Shah to operate from the other end.
Score 5/0
BatsmanKamil Mishara 4(2b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerShaheen Afridi 1-0-5-0
21:08 IST:
0.6: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, FOUR! Edgy stuff but runs are runs! Nips away with bounce, outside off, on a length. Kamil Mishara tries to punch it on the rise through cover, but gets a fat outside edge and the ball flies over short third for a boundary. So 5 from the opening over. Sri Lanka need 208 runs from 114 balls.
21:06 IST:
0.5: Shaheen Afridi to Kamil Mishara, Hard length, around off, doesn't rise much. Kamil Mishara mistimes the back foot punch to mid off.
21:06 IST:
0.4: Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, taking the pace off, on leg, Nissanka dinks it wide of mid-wicket and takes a quick single. Sri Lanka and Nissanka are off the mark.
21:05 IST:
0.3: Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, Swing and a miss! Shapes the other way now, on a hard length, outside off. Nissanka looks to pull it across, but fails to connect as the ball bounces and moves away from him.
21:04 IST:
0.2: Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, A slight inswinger, full and on middle and leg, Pathum presses in front and eases it to mid on.
21:04 IST:
0.1: Shaheen Afridi to Pathum Nissanka, On the money! Good length ball, angling across off, Pathum Nissanka hangs back and stabs it to cover.
21:04 IST:
We are back for the chase! The umpires and the players of Pakistan are back out on the field. It will be the duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Shaheen Afridi will get proceedings underway with the ball. Let's go...
21:02 IST:
... The Run Chase ...
21:08 IST:
Sri Lanka strike back at the death - Sri Lanka were well below their best with both ball and in the field, putting down multiple chances and leaking runs far too easily. Nothing seemed to click for them, and they had to wait until the 16th over to finally make the first breakthrough. However, they roared back at the death. Dasun Shanaka bowled a superb penultimate over, conceding just five runs and striking twice, before Dilshan Madushanka capped it off with a disciplined final over of nine runs to finish with three wickets. With dew setting in, Sri Lanka will fancy their chances of mounting a strong chase, while New Zealand will be keeping a close eye on every run. Join us in a bit for the second essay.
21:13 IST:
Flying start, stumbling end - Pakistan were off to a fiery start as both openers went all out. Fakhar was outstanding on his return to the top, while Sahibzada Farhan continued his dream run, with both scoring fifties. Farhan also went past Virat Kohli for most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition, and their 176-run stand became the highest partnership in the tournament's history, with Farhan bringing up his second hundred of the edition. But from a position where 220-230 looked certain, Pakistan lost wickets in a heap and fell well short of a truly massive total.
21:07 IST:
Big start, late blow, clear equation - Pakistan rode a massive opening stand to post a strong total but would feel they fell short after Sri Lanka's superb fightback at the death, where 49/8 in the last five overs shifted the momentum. The equation is simple now - Pakistan must keep Sri Lanka to 147 or less to reach the semis, according to Ramiz Raza on air, or New Zealand will go through.
Score 212/8
BatsmanUsman Khan 8(4b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerDilshan Madushanka 4-0-33-3
20:52 IST:
19.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Usman Khan, Two runs to end the first innings. Full and wide outside off, Usman Khan goes after it and squirts it away wide of short third. The ball rolls into the deep and the batters manage to scamper through for the second run. Pakistan finish with 212/8 on the board.
20:51 IST:
Last ball coming up. Abrar Ahmed walks in,  but it will be Usman Khan who will be on strike.
20:50 IST:
19.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Usman Khan, OUT! NASEEM SHAH IS RUN OUT! Fuller one outside off, Usman Khan swats it away to deep cover, where the fielder lets it slip through his hands. The batters pinch the second run but get a bit greedy and look for the third run, which is never there. Naseem ends up at the keeper's end just as Usman and Kamindu Mendis throws the ball back to the bowler. The bails are dislogded but there is some confusion regarding who is actually out here. Replays show that Usman grounded his bat, whereas Naseem had his willow dangling in the air.
20:54 IST:
A lot of confusion out there in the middle as to who is run out? Naseem Shah is already near the ropes but has been requested to stop as the third umpire is called into action to check which batter is out. Did Naseem cross Usman at the batting end? Both the batters were stranded at the batting end. The side on replay shows that Usman's bat is grounded inside the popping crease just in the nick of time while Naseem is out by a bare margin. He didn't try to drag or slide his bat in and is deemed run out.
20:47 IST:
19.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Naseem Shah, Length ball outside off, Naseem Shah reaches out and lofts it on the bounce to sweeper cover for a single.
20:47 IST:
A total nosedive for Pakistan in the last 3 overs or so. Not a single batter, barring the two openers have managed to cross double digits. Naseem Shah comes out at number 9.
20:46 IST:
19.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, OUT! LBW! Too hot to handle for the batter and Shaheen Afridi starts walking off, not before signalling for the DRS, though. A straight yorker, right in the blockhole, tails back in a bit as well. Shaheen Afridi fails to dig it out and gets pinged on the back leg. Looked plumb to the naked eye and Ball Tracking confirms the same.
20:44 IST:
19.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Shaheen Afridi, FOUR! Oh, that's slipped out of the hands. A high full toss, around the waist, Shaheen Afridi reacts well and manages to flick it away, past short fine leg for a boundary. The umpires go upstairs for a No Ball check but it is deemed as a fair delivery.
20:43 IST:
And suddenly, a flurry of wickets out there. Sri Lanka have kind of prevented Pakistan from getting a desired finish. Shaheen Afridi is in at number 8.
20:42 IST:
19.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder and that marks the end of a fine, fine knock from Sahibzada Farhan. Dilshan Madushanka goes full and wide, in search of the yorker but doesn't get it spot-on. Farhan hangs back and looks to smoke it over long off but gets merely any elevation. Hits it firmly but straight to extra cover where Janith Liyanage takes a sharp catch right around his face.
20:42 IST:
That was such a fantastic penultimate over from Dasun Shanaka. 5 runs and a couple of wickets from it. Dilshan Madushanka (3-0-24-0) will bowl the final over of the innings. How much can Pakistan squeeze from here?
Score 203/5
BatsmanUsman Khan 4(2b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerDasun Shanaka 4-0-42-2
20:41 IST:
18.6: Dasun Shanaka to Usman Khan, What an over from Shanaka! Slower one, fuller and outside off, Usman Khan reaches out but fails to connect. Usman even tries to scamper for a run but is sent back.
20:40 IST:
18.5: Dasun Shanaka to Usman Khan, FOUR! A streaky boundary but the 200 is now up for Pakistan. Banged in short and at the batter, Usman Khan charges down the track, swings aimlessly and gets a top edge that flies over short fine leg for a boundary.
20:40 IST:
A bit of a comeback from Sri Lanka as they have picked up 3 wickets in the last 5 balls. Usman Khan comes out to the middle now.
20:40 IST:
18.4: Dasun Shanaka to Salman Agha, OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust and 176/0 has become 199/5 in a flash. Dasun Shanaka bowls it back of a length again and bangs it into the deck, wide outside off. Salman Agha reaches out to go big but splices it over the cover region. Maheesh Theekshana tracks back and takes a simple catch at the edge of the ring.
20:38 IST:
18.3: Dasun Shanaka to Salman Agha, Play and a miss! A slower short ball, outside off, Salman Agha hops up to cut but fails to connect.
20:39 IST:
Out goes Mohammad Nawaz, in walks skipper Salman Agha.
20:37 IST:
18.2: Dasun Shanaka to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! CAUGHT! A golden duck for Mohammad Nawaz and Sri Lanka keep chipping away with late wickets. Dasun Shanaka bowls this full and angles it well across off, Nawaz extends the arms to drive but does so in the air and hits it straight to extra cover. Maheesh Theekshana takes a smart low catch. Pakistan losing steam at the backend. They are 199/4.
20:36 IST:
18.1: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, What a moment, and what a knock from Sahibzada Farhan. A 2ND HUNDRED IN THIS WORLD CUP. This is bowled full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan drills it to long off for a single. Farhan punches the air in delight and this knock is one for the history books.
20:40 IST:
Amar Panicker says

Sahibzada Farhan's curtain call, but Pakistan lose momentum

What a tournament. What a player. Sahibzada Farhan departs to a roar of his own making — and rightly so. He has been the heartbeat of this Pakistan batting line-up throughout this campaign, and tonight was no different.

From record-breaking runs to anchoring a historic partnership, Farhan has given everything and then some. The celebration said it all.

But the timing of these wickets is a concern. Pakistan have lost a bit of the fluency that made the first half of this innings so breathtaking, and the asking rate to reach that 200-plus total has become a little more complicated.

The platform was built by two brilliant batters. It is now up to the middle order to make sure it does not go to waste.

20:40 IST:

Sahibzada Farhan's curtain call, but Pakistan lose momentum

What a tournament. What a player. Sahibzada Farhan departs to a roar of his own making — and rightly so. He has been the heartbeat of this Pakistan batting line-up throughout this campaign, and tonight was no different.

From record-breaking runs to anchoring a historic partnership, Farhan has given everything and then some. The celebration said it all.

But the timing of these wickets is a concern. Pakistan have lost a bit of the fluency that made the first half of this innings so breathtaking, and the asking rate to reach that 200-plus total has become a little more complicated.

The platform was built by two brilliant batters. It is now up to the middle order to make sure it does not go to waste.

20:36 IST:
The next batter in is....Mohammad Nawaz. Also, Dasun Shanaka to bowl the penultimate over. He has conceded 37 runs in his 3 overs so far.
Score 198/3
BatsmanShadab Khan 7(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerDushmantha Chameera 4-0-48-1
20:35 IST:
17.6: Dushmantha Chameera to Shadab Khan, OUT! SHADAB KHAN IS RUN OUT! A sacrificial wicket but it doesn't matter much at this stage. Low full toss and angled into the toes, Shadab Khan flicks it away wide of deep square leg for a single. Dilshan Madushanka in the deep is almost undone by the spin but does well to adjust and latch onto the ball to his left. The batters attempt for the second run but Madushanka throws it to the keeper, and Kamil Mishara whips off the bails with Shadab not even in the frame. Pakistan are 198/3.
20:33 IST:
17.5: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of length and wide outside off, Farhan reaches out and taps it in front of point for a single.
20:31 IST:
17.4: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Belted down the ground. A low full toss, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan gets low and drills it to the right of mid off for a boundary.
20:31 IST:
17.4: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, WIDE. Chameera looks for the wide yorker but spills it way beyond the tramline outside off.
20:30 IST:
17.3: Dushmantha Chameera to Shadab Khan, Bowled full and at the stumps, clipped away to deep square leg for a single.
20:29 IST:
17.2: Dushmantha Chameera to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Predictable bowling and Shadab Khan puts it away. Back of a length, slanted well across off from around the stumps, Khan manages to slash it up and over backward point and the ball lands just inside the ropes for a one-bounce boundary.
20:28 IST:
17.1: Dushmantha Chameera to Shadab Khan, LBW SHOUT! Pitched up, full and around leg, Shadab Khan walks right across the off stump to flick but is beaten for pace. The ball thuds off his pads and rolls through backward square leg and the batters complete two runs. There is an appeal for LBW, which is turned down and it is reviewed as well. Nothing on UltraEdge but Ball Tracking shows that the ball is pitching outside the line of leg stump. The on-field call of NOT OUT stands. Leg byes added to the total. 
20:29 IST:
Is that out? The Sri Lankan players look confident about this LBW appeal, not given on-field. Oh! Ball Tracking shows it is pitching outside leg. Not Out it is and the hosts lose a review.
20:27 IST:
Dushmantha Chameera (3-0-36-1) to bowl out here.
Score 184/2
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 94(56b 8*4 5*6)
BowlerDilshan Madushanka 3-0-24-1
20:26 IST:
16.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Much-needed for Pakistan. Full-length delivery, on middle, Farhan takes a step to the off side and drills it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Still, just 7 runs and a wicket off the over.
20:25 IST:
16.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Should have been put away. A knee-high full toss, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan walks past the off stump and mistimes the shot straight to extra cover.
20:25 IST:
16.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Shadab Khan, Oh, that's a fine stop. Full and outside off again, Shadab Khan shuffles across and laps it wide of short fine leg but the fielder over there, Dushmantha Chameera, dives to his left and makes the stop. Just a single.
20:25 IST:
Two wickets in two consecutive overs for Sri Lanka. Shadab Khan gets a promotion and comes out to the middle now.
20:24 IST:
16.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Khawaja Nafay, OUT! CAUGHT! When it rains, it pours and just like that, one wicket brings two for Sri Lanka. Overpitched delivery from Dilshan Madushanka, missing his mark with the wide yorker. Khawaja Nafay walks across and down the pitch and gets low, looking to hammer it over long on but doesn't get the desired connection. Hits it down the throat of Charith Asalanka at long on and he makes no mistake.
20:23 IST:
16.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, A low full toss, pushed wide outside off, Farhan walks across and reaches out, slicing it away to deep cover for just one more.
20:22 IST:
16.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Khawaja Nafay, Top bowling. A wide yorker to kickstart the new spell from Dilshan Madushanka. Khawaja Nafay hangs back and smears it through covers for a single.
Score 177/1
BatsmanKhawaja Nafay 1(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerDushmantha Chameera 3-0-36-1
20:21 IST:
15.6: Dushmantha Chameera to Khawaja Nafay, From around the stump. Low full toss again, outside off, Nafay looks to go downtown but inside edges it through mid on for a single.
20:20 IST:
Finally, the end of a mammoth first-wicket stand for Pakistan. Out walks Khawaja Nafay at number 3.
20:23 IST:
15.5: Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, OUT! PLAYED ON! Sri Lanka finally, finally have a wicket. But the damage is done. Chameera bowls a low full toss and far outside off,  Fakhar shuffles to whip it across to the leg side, but gets beaten by the pace and inside edges it back onto the stumps behind. Farhan pats Fakhar's back as the latter makes his way back to the dugout after an enterprising knock for his country. A whirlwind inning from Fakhar Zaman comes to an end and Pakistan are 176/1.
20:24 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Fakhar Zaman dismissed

Fakhar Zaman is back in the pavilion but he walks off to nothing but admiration tonight.

He could have played it safe. The hundred was there for the taking and few would have begrudged him going after a personal milestone. But Fakhar knew what was at stake for his side and kept his foot firmly on the accelerator — and that is the mark of a team player.

It has been an absolutely brilliant knock that has transformed this innings and given Pakistan a platform they simply did not have at the start of this campaign.

The partnership is broken, the record is set and the memories are made. Now it falls to those who follow to finish the job Fakhar started.

20:19 IST:
15.4: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Wide yorker, outside off, carved to deep extra cover for a single.
20:22 IST:
Amar Panicker says

SL vs PAK Live: Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan create history

As if this innings needed anything more to elevate it, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman have just written themselves into the record books.

This is now the highest partnership ever recorded by Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. A remarkable achievement that surpasses the previous record held by none other than Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — set during that iconic clash against India at Dubai in 2021.

That partnership is etched in Pakistan cricket folklore. But tonight, on an evening where everything is on the line, Farhan and Fakhar have gone one better.

Two batters. One unforgettable stand. And Pakistan are not done yet.

20:18 IST:
15.3: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Low full toss, outside off, Farhan slaps it to deep cover for a couple of quick runs.
20:17 IST:
15.2: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Crashed! Too full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan uses the pace and blazes it over the cover fielder for a cracking boundary.
20:16 IST:
15.1: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, DROPPED AND SIX! Speechless stuff from Sri Lanka. From around the wicket, a good-length delivery, wide outside off. Farhan goes through the line and lofts it towards the wide long off region. Liyanage moves a bit to his left, settles under it near the boundary but steps onto the cushions while completing the catch. Unable to release the ball in time, it results in six runs. The replay confirms the same.
20:15 IST:
Dushmantha Chameera comes back on to bowl. 22 runs in his 2 overs so far.
Score 163/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 76(49b 6*4 4*6)
BowlerDasun Shanaka 3-0-37-0
20:14 IST:
14.6: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, DROPPED AGAIN! Dasun Shanaka is shellshocked and so are the Sri Lankan fans. Short of a good length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan waits for the pace off ball to arrive, swats it aerially, but from the toe end of the blade. It goes only as far as long on where Dunith Wellalage dives low to his left to catch, but puts it down. Two taken. Looks like Wellalage has hurt himself while attempting the catch. But that pretty much sums up the evening for Sri Lanka so far.
20:17 IST:
Amar Panicker says

SL vs PAK Live: History In The Making

As if this innings needed anything more to elevate it, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman have just written themselves into the record books.

This is now the highest partnership ever recorded by Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. A remarkable achievement that surpasses the previous record held by none other than Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — set during that iconic clash against India at Dubai in 2021.

That partnership is etched in Pakistan cricket folklore. But tonight, on an evening where everything is on the line, Farhan and Fakhar have gone one better.

Two batters. One unforgettable stand. And Pakistan are not done yet.

20:13 IST:
14.5: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, Low full toss, outside off, Fakhar slaps it to the cover region and steals a run.
20:13 IST:
14.4: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! The carnage continues! Slower length delivery from Dasun, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman moves in the box and pulls it over short fine leg for a boundary.
20:12 IST:
14.3: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, Slower bouncer, outside off, Fakhar tries to slash it up and over point but misses.
20:12 IST:
14.2: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, DROPPED! Oopsie, that has hit Dasun Shanaka flush on the left thumb. Full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan blasts it flatly to the left of the bowler. Dasun Shanaka sticks out his left hand to catch, but parries it to long off for a single.
20:10 IST:
14.1: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Straight as an arrow! On a back of a length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan flat bats it aerially and dumps it down the ground for a six.
20:10 IST:
DRINKS! With 6 overs left in the innings, Pakistan are already 150/0. But, how much will they be comfortable defending? As any total they get, they will have to shave 65 runs off it. One feels that it has to be at least 220 or more. Sri Lanka have been a shadow of the side from the previous stage of the competition and all they can do now is damage control. Let's see if there's any late momentum shift in the first innings or not. Also, Dasun Shanaka (2-0-24-0) is back into the attack.
Score 150/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 68(46b 6*4 3*6)
BowlerJanith Liyanage 1-0-14-0
20:07 IST:
13.6: Janith Liyanage to Sahibzada Farhan, Too full, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it to long off for a single. Expensive start for Liyanage. 14 runs from the over. 150 UP FOR PAKISTAN!
20:10 IST:
Amar Panicker says

SL vs PAK Live: Punishment of the highest order

If you were a Sri Lankan fan, you would have been optimistic about the team's chances, considering how Shanaka rallied the fans together. But this is not the kind of performance expected. There is no plan in place, and it looks like they are just bowling out the innings as is. Totally dissapointing from the co-hosts. 

20:06 IST:
13.5: Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Goes wide outside off, full in length, Fakhar maneuvers in the crease, shuffling outside off and whips it to widish square leg for a single.
20:06 IST:
13.4: Janith Liyanage to Sahibzada Farhan, Another full ball, wide outside off, Farhan expands his arms wide and drills it down to long off for one more.
20:05 IST:
13.3: Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, Full and outside off, carved through cover for a single.
20:04 IST:
13.2: Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Absolute mayhem at Pallekele! Slower ball, far outside off, on a good length. Fakhar Zaman moves a long way outside off, fetches the ball and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. The camera pans out on the Sri Lankan head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and he can only watch this onslaught helplessly.
20:04 IST:
13.1: Janith Liyanage to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! Easy peasy! A gentle-paced delivery, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman shuffles outside off, goes down on his knee and scoops it over deep fine leg for a six.
20:04 IST:
Dasun Shanaka has now thrown the ball to Janith Liyanage. A daunting time to come in for your first over.
Score 136/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 67(34b 7*4 3*6)
BowlerMaheesh Theekshana 4-0-35-0
20:02 IST:
12.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Slips in another full toss, but it dips below the waist, outside off. Fakhar stands tall and slaps it uppishly and wide of cover for a single. 11 off the over. ​​Maheesh Theekshana is done with his spell, with his figures reading 4-0-35-0.
20:07 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Fakhar Zaman not holding back now

Fakhar Zaman is looking to throw his bat at everything here. And so far, he has been clobbering everything he sees. You know that is the case when he is moving around in the crease. Theekshana was his latest victim, and a 220+ score could be on the cards. 

20:01 IST:
12.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Slower through the air, on a length, on off, Sahibzada Farhan stays put and knocks it to long on for a single.
20:01 IST:
12.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Pushed outside off, on a fullish length, Zaman dances down the track and drags it to long on for a single.
20:01 IST:
12.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Slows it up a bit, full and drifting down leg. Fakhar gets down on his knee to sweep it away, but misses and gets hit on the front pad. A slight appeal for LBW, but dies down almost instantly the moment umpire shakes his head.
20:00 IST:
12.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! BOOM! A loosener from Maheesh. Low full toss, outside off, Fakhar middles it to perfection and sends it sailing over Dunith Wellalage at long off for a cracking six. Sri Lanka are looking absolutely flat out there. 
19:59 IST:
12.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Flat, quick, full, outside off, Fakhar throws his hands at it and blasts it to deep point's left. Kamindu Mendis runs across and dives to cut it off. Saves two for his side.
19:59 IST:
This is turning into a clutch batting performance from the two Pakistani openers. How far can they take their side? Still 8 overs to go. Maheesh Theekshana will bowl out here...
Score 125/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 57(29b 7*4 2*6)
BowlerDunith Wellalage 3-0-37-0
19:58 IST:
11.6: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Fired in full, on off, Fakhar Zaman drills it to long off for one. 18 off the over! 
19:57 IST:
11.5: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! Just over! Tossed up, full and just outside off. Fakhar Zaman goes down and drags his slog sweep. He connects well but hits it a lot flatter. The fielder at deep mid-wicket thinks he is in the game, but only watches it sail over his head for a biggie.
19:56 IST:
11.4: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! FIFTY FOR FAKHAR! A splendid knock from the southpaw and it has come when his team needed the most. Dunith Wellalage bowls this quicker and fuller, but on the pads. Fakhar Zaman opens up his stance and whips it away to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary. Just a raise of the bat as he knows he needs to keep going here.
19:55 IST:
11.3: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter, full and around off, Sahibzada Farhan drills it away to long off for a single.
19:55 IST:
11.2: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and around off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it out towards extra cover.
19:54 IST:
11.1: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Excellent shot! Flighted, full and on middle, Sahibzada Farhan gets his front leg away and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Score 107/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 46(26b 6*4 1*6)
BowlerMaheesh Theekshana 3-0-24-0
19:56 IST:
10.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Nicely bowled! Maheesh Theekshana fires in a wide yorker, outside off. Fakhar Zaman backs away a bit too much, throws his bat but cannot get it away. Kamil Mishara, the keeper, grabs it and appeals but the sound was probably from the bat hitting the ground. Oh..wow! UltraEdge after the over shows a spike when the ball is close to the toe-end of the bat. Mishara did not get any support in his appeal and the chance has gone away from Sri Lanka.
19:52 IST:
10.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Maheesh Theekshana sees the batter advance and darts this full, outside off. Fakhar Zaman does well to reach out for it and squeezes it wide of deep point for a brace.
19:51 IST:
10.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Drags his length back and on off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it uppishly but safely towards extra cover for a single.
19:51 IST:
10.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Swing and a miss! A carrom ball, full and around off, turns away a bit. Sahibzada Farhan goes down for the big sweep but gets nowhere near the ball.
19:50 IST:
10.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Shorter in length and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it away to extra cover.
19:50 IST:
10.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Floated, full and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan crouches low and drags his sweep wide of long on for a couple of runs.
19:51 IST:
Halfway reached. A fantastic batting exhibition by Farhan and Fakhar so far. They have timed the ball to perfection, ran well between the wickets and have kept the scorecard ticking at a consistent rate. Absolutely contrasting with Sri Lanka. They have been sloppy in the ground fielding and have bowled a bit too many bad balls to be put away. They still crave for their first breakthrough and Maheesh Theekshana (2-0-19-0) is back on, replacing Dasun Shanaka.
Score 102/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 44(24b 6*4 1*6)
BowlerDunith Wellalage 2-0-19-0
19:48 IST:
9.6: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Good effort in the deep! Goes back to his shorter length, on middle and off. Fakhar Zaman backs away and punches it away wide of long off. Pathum Nissanka runs to his right and dives to make a fine stop. Saves a couple of runs for his side.
19:53 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: What is Sri Lanka doing?

Something has gone seriously wrong in the Sri Lanka camp and they need to fix it fast.

Dunith Wellalage has been giving runs away with alarming generosity, and there is a worrying lack of clarity and structure to Sri Lanka's bowling plans right now. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what their strategy is — because it does not look like there is one.

Pakistan, to their credit, are making them pay in the most ruthless fashion. The bat is swinging freely, the boundaries are coming and Sri Lanka have no answers.

At some point, Shanaka needs to call his troops together and restore some order. Because right now, this is beginning to look like a very long evening for the hosts.

19:48 IST:
9.5: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Quicker one, full and on leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it away towards deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. 100 UP FOR PAKISTAN!
19:47 IST:
9.4: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Top shot! Fires this one, but bowls this a bit too full, on off. Fakhar Zaman extends his arms to reach out for it and smashes it away wide of long off for a boundary.
19:47 IST:
9.3: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, Another short delivery, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan cuts it away through cover-point for a run.
19:46 IST:
9.2: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, Dragged back and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it hard but finds extra cover. That was there to be put away.
19:46 IST:
9.1: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Short and around off, Fakhar Zaman punches it through covers for a single.
19:45 IST:
9.1: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! And again! Fires this full and outside off, but over the guideline, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone. Another wide.
19:45 IST:
9.1: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, WIDE! Flatter, full and outside off, near the tramline, Fakhar Zaman lets it go. Called a wide.
Score 90/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 35(20b 5*4 1*6)
BowlerDasun Shanaka 2-0-24-0
19:44 IST:
8.6: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, Length again and on middle, Fakhar Zaman steers it towards backward point for one more. 12 runs off the over!
19:44 IST:
8.5: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Put away! Dasun Shanaka bowls a slower one, lands this short and just outside off. Fakhar Zaman waits for it and frees his arms to crunch it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.
19:43 IST:
8.4: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length and on off, Sahibzada Farhan stabs it out towards extra cover for one.
19:42 IST:
8.3: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, Sloppy fielding! Short of a length and on middle, Fakhar Zaman backs away and dabs it towards short third, where Dushmantha Chameera lets it through and allows a single. Shanaka is not happy with the effort.
19:42 IST:
8.2: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, Buzzers! This is on a hard length and around off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it towards sweeper cover again and pushes for the second. The fielder throws it at the bowler's end, where Dasun Shanaka only manages to parry it away, allowing the batters to get the third.
19:41 IST:
8.1: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, FIFTY FOR FARHAN! Another match, another half-century for Sahibzada Farhan. His fourth in this World Cup, and he is making it a habit of scoring runs for fun. Back of a length and around off, Farhan punches it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.
19:41 IST:
Change of ends for skipper, Dasun Shanaka. Went for 12 in his first over. He replaces Maheesh Theekshana.
Score 78/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 48(31b 6*4 2*6)
BowlerDunith Wellalage 1-0-7-0
19:40 IST:
7.6: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, Dragged length at the stumps, Farhan rocks back and hoicks it wide of deep mid-wicket for a single.
19:39 IST:
7.5: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Oh, that's well played by Farhan. Nagging length on middle, drifting in, Sahibzada Farhan backs away and cuts it right off the stumps, through backward point and picks up a boundary. The fielder at deep point could have and probably should have put in a better attempt, though.
19:38 IST:
7.4: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Full and quick again, wide outside off, Zaman jams the drive down to long off and picks up a single.
19:38 IST:
7.3: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, Good variation from Dunith. Fires it in, full and at the toes, Fakhar Zaman plays all over it and fails to get it away.
19:38 IST:
7.2: Dunith Wellalage to Fakhar Zaman, On a length and angled well across the off stump, Zaman reaches out to cut but is beaten past the outside edge.
19:37 IST:
7.1: Dunith Wellalage to Sahibzada Farhan, A flighted delivery to begin with, looped up wide outside off and Farhan flat-bats it down to long off for just a single.
19:39 IST:
Easily going at 10s an over, are Pakistan. At this rate, they can easily get to 200. And here comes Dunith Wellalage into the attack, replacing Dasun Shanaka.
Score 71/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 42(28b 5*4 2*6)
BowlerMaheesh Theekshana 2-0-19-0
19:36 IST:
6.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Dragged length on middle and leg, worked away towards wide long on for one. Just 7 runs off the over, a decent one for Sri Lanka given the current state of the game.
19:38 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Pakistan not letting up now

No let-up from Pakistan as they move into the post-powerplay phase. The momentum built in those first six overs has not been surrendered — if anything, the two batters look even more settled.

What is particularly encouraging is the maturity on show. Pakistan are not throwing caution to the wind and swinging at everything, but they are not retreating into their shell either. The shots are still coming, the gaps are still being found and the scoreboard keeps ticking along nicely.

For a side that has so often struggled to maintain momentum through the middle overs in this tournament, this is a very different and very welcome sight.

19:35 IST:
6.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Fuller in length, pushed through at 99 kph, Farhan drives it back and Theekshana makes a sharp stop down to his left in the followthrough.
19:35 IST:
6.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Slightly short on middle, Zaman rocks back and pushes it down through mid on for a single.
19:34 IST:
6.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Slides this one into the pads, does Theekshana and Zaman fails to get it away.
19:34 IST:
6.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Both batters are now going at a fiery pace. Slightly tossed up, wide outside off, Zaman shimmies dow the pitch, makes room and swats it towards the vacant extra cover fence for a boundary.
19:33 IST:
6.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter one around off, Farhan stays back and compact, tapping it down to long on for a run.
19:34 IST:
DRINKS! It has been an incredible Powerplay for Pakistan, and that is exactly what they needed to push for a massive score. They took a couple of overs to get their eye in, but never looked back since, scoring in double-digits in the next four overs. Both Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman have made their intentions pretty clear, they will go after everything. Sri Lanka need to break this partnership quickly to get back in this game. With the field restrictions lifted and given Pakistan's struggle in the middle overs, Lanka will hope that they can pull things back in this phase. Also, Maheesh Theekshana is to bowl after the break.
Score 64/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 23(11b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerDasun Shanaka 1-0-12-0
19:30 IST:
5.6: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR MORE! Fakhar Zaman ends the Powerplay in style and Pakistan are flying at 64/0. Back of a length and outside off, enough width on offer. Fakhar comes down the pitch again and hammers it down between cover-point and extra cover for four runs.
19:33 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Perfect powerplay for Pakistan

That is as good a power play as you will see from Pakistan in a high-pressure knockout situation. 64 runs on the board and the two batters at the crease are in absolute imperious form.

Fakhar Zaman has slotted into the opener's role as if he never left it — natural, aggressive and completely at ease. Alongside him, Sahibzada Farhan continues to set the tempo after his record-breaking heroics moments ago.

The target of 200+ score is now very much in sight, and if Pakistan can reach that landmark, they will fancy their chances of putting this game — and their semi-final hopes — beyond doubt.

The foundation has been laid. Now it is about building something truly special.
 

19:29 IST:
5.5: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, DROPPED AND FOUR! Oh, that's burst through the hands. Dug in shorter and around off, Zaman charges down the track and slams it just over the cover-point fielder. Maheesh Theekshana doesn't time his leap well and spills it behind for a boundary.
19:29 IST:
5.4: Dasun Shanaka to Fakhar Zaman, Fullish length, slanted across off, Fakhar Zaman stays back and opens the stance to heave but gets an under edge back to the keeper.
19:32 IST:
5.3: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, Half an appeal for LBW, turned down. Missing leg stump by a long way. This is bowled slower and angled into the pads, Sahibzada Farhan clears the front leg to swing across the line but gets hit on the thigh pad. The ball rolls away behind point for a leg bye.
19:27 IST:
5.2: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, Better line from Dasun. Back of a length, over off and middle, Farhan blocks it down the pitch.
19:26 IST:
5.1: Dasun Shanaka to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! That's the record for Sahibzada Farhan! This is bowled short and angled down leg, Farhan gets inside the line and hoicks it well behind square leg for a boundary. Farhan is now the outright leading scorer in a single edition of the Men's T20 World Cup.
19:28 IST:
Dasun Shanaka brings himself into the attack now. Also, Sahibzada Farhan is just one run away from breaking Virat Kohli's record of the most runs (319) in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.
Score 51/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 36(22b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerDushmantha Chameera 2-0-22-0
19:25 IST:
4.6: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Looking for two but Farhan will have to settle for the single. Back of a length, over middle, jammed down back past the bowler and down to long on for one. Farhan now moves level with Virat Kohli for the most runs in a single edition of the Men's T20 World Cups with 319 runs to his name now.
19:29 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Sahibzada Farhan makes history

Two more boundaries from Sahibzada Farhan and the runs are flowing now — but the bigger story is what those runs represent.

Farhan has officially broken Virat Kohli's record for the most runs scored in a single T20 World Cup campaign. Kohli set the benchmark with 319 runs back in the 2014 edition, a record that has stood for over a decade. Tonight, Farhan has surpassed it — and he is not done yet.

To break a record held by one of the greatest batters the game has ever seen, in a must-win match, under this kind of pressure, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Pakistan will hope he has plenty more to give. On this form, it looks very much like he does.

19:24 IST:
4.5: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length in the channel, hits the deck hard, Sahibzada Farhan taps it down to cover.
19:24 IST:
4.4: Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Tap and run. Just back of a length, on middle and leg, no room to work with. Fakhar plays it close to the body and dabs it into the off side for a single. 50 UP FOR PAKISTAN.
19:23 IST:
4.3: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length, straighter in line, tucked away through square leg for a single.
19:22 IST:
4.2: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! This is now turning out to be the perfect Powerplay for Pakistan. Hard length now from Chameera, around the top of off. Farhan stays leg side of the ball and just slams it away between covers and mid off for a boundary. 10 off the first 2 deliveries.
19:21 IST:
4.1: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Oh, that's sailed over the fence. Good-length delivery, skidding through on middle, Sahibzada Farhan takes the front leg out and just punches the lofted shot, nailing it over long on for a biggie.
19:21 IST:
Change of ends for Dushmantha Chameera.
Score 38/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 14(7b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerMaheesh Theekshana 1-0-12-0
19:20 IST:
3.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, Drags the length back, outside off, Fakhar plays it deliberately late, but cannot get it past the short third fielder. 12 runs from Theekshana's first over then.
19:19 IST:
3.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, SIX! That has flown outta here! Theekshana serves a half volley, on off, Fakhar Zaman shimmies down the track, stays leg side of the ball and clubs it massively over the wide long off fence for a huge six.
19:19 IST:
3.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, An in-angler, on a fuller length, on middle. Farhan tries to go inside out, but inside edges it to the mid on region for a single.
19:18 IST:
3.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! That has been crrrrunched away! Flatter ball, short and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan reads the carrom ball this time, stays on the back foot and smashes it through the point and cover gap for a boundary. Farhan moves into his 20s now.
19:17 IST:
3.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Sahibzada Farhan, From over the stump now. The carrom ball, on a length, around off, Sahibzada Farhan watches it closely and taps it to the off side, to the left of the bowler.
19:17 IST:
3.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Fakhar Zaman, From around the wicket. This is pushed fuller and on off, Fakhar Zaman drives it all along the ground to long off for a single.
19:16 IST:
Bowling change? Yes! Maheesh Theekshana comes in to replace Dushmantha Chameera.
Score 26/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 19(14b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerDilshan Madushanka 2-0-17-0
19:15 IST:
2.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Again a slower delivery, full and around off, Farhan smashes it away, but straight to the fielder at mid off. Farhan is frustrated for not putting that away in the gap. 10 runs from the over.
19:15 IST:
2.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Change of angle now as Madushanka comes from around the stump. At 115.7 kph, this is slammed on the pitch, short and outside off, Farhan slashes it off the back foot to cover.
19:14 IST:
2.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Fires it full and in front of the sticks, Farhan shuffles across in the crease and flicks it to the square leg fielder.
19:14 IST:
2.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Goes all the way! Slower delivery from Madushanka, full and outside off. Sahibzada Farhan has plenty of time to clear his front leg and smoke it over the long off fence for the first six of the match. He moves to 19 (11).
19:13 IST:
2.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Back of a length, the cutter, on off, Sahibzada Farhan stands tall and shanks it back to the bowler off the inner half of the blade.
19:11 IST:
2.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Intent! Pitched fuller and outside off, Sahibzada Farhan jumps out of his crease, gets under the ball and lofts it over cover for a cracking boundary.
19:11 IST:
A decent start for Pakistan, not as explosive as they would have liked, though. They will be looking to capitalize and make the most of the fielding restrictions.
Score 16/0
BatsmanSahibzada Farhan 9(8b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerDushmantha Chameera 1-0-9-0
19:11 IST:
1.6: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, At pace this time, full and on off, Farhan drills it down the ground and the mid off fielder dives to his right. Half stops and parries the ball to his right. A single taken.
19:13 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Sahibzada Farhan gets going

If Pakistan are going to make this happen, Sahibzada Farhan looks the most likely architect.

He has been the standout presence at the crease so far, though even he has kept things measured — picking gaps intelligently rather than going after the big shots. It is smart batting, but Pakistan will need him to shift into a higher gear sooner rather than later.

Farhan has been the one consistent performer throughout this campaign and tonight is no different. He is reading the situation well, but there will come a moment where he needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

That moment cannot be too far away.

19:10 IST:
1.5: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Quality shot! Chameera slows the pace by a few clicks, and lands it short, on top of off. Sahibzada Farhan gives himself a bit of room by staying leg side and bisects the backward point and cover-point fielders for a boundary.
19:09 IST:
1.4: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Aims the pads and it drifts further down leg, Farhan tries to whip that full ball over square leg, but misses and is rapped on the front pad. The ball then rolls to short fine leg.
19:08 IST:
1.3: Dushmantha Chameera to Fakhar Zaman, Bangs it short, outside off, Fakhar rides the bounce, and square cuts it to deep point for a single.
19:08 IST:
1.2: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, Slanted on the leg stump line, on a hard length. Sahibzada Farhan hops and tucks it to long on for one more.
19:07 IST:
1.1: Dushmantha Chameera to Sahibzada Farhan, A bit too straight at the pads, on a good length, Sahibzada Farhan uses his wrists to flick it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
19:07 IST:
Dushmantha Chameera to steam in from the other end.
Score 7/0
BatsmanFakhar Zaman 6(3b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerDilshan Madushanka 1-0-7-0
19:05 IST:
0.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Fakhar Zaman, Slips in a full toss, a slower one that moves away from off, Fakhar Zaman drives it to the cover fielder. So 7 from the first over.
19:09 IST:
Amar Panicker says

PAK vs SL Live: Steady start in powerplay

It has been a measured opening from Pakistan, but measured is not really what this situation calls for.

Just the one boundary so far, with the rest coming in singles and twos. The two openers have found their footing, which is encouraging, but Pakistan cannot afford to let too many overs tick by without putting the scoreboard under pressure.

The hope is that this is calculated patience rather than hesitancy — that the pair are settling in before shifting through the gears. But with a 63-run winning margin required, every over without a boundary is an over Pakistan may come to regret.

More is needed. And it is needed soon.

19:05 IST:
0.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Fakhar Zaman, FOUR! Not a good-looking shot, but four is a four! Back of a length, swinging from middle to off, Fakhar Zaman advances down the track and heaves it off the inner half of the bat. Plays it in the gap at deep mid-wicket for a boundary. 
19:04 IST:
0.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Fakhar Zaman, Drags the length back by a couple of yards, on middle and leg. Fakhar Zaman stays back and nudges it past the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.
19:03 IST:
0.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Farhan and Pakistan are off the mark! Goes full again, does Madushanka, around off. Sahibzada Farhan pushes it to the right of mid off and takes a quick single as Shanaka dives and cuts it off in the ring.
19:03 IST:
0.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Very full again, but outside off, Farhan carves it straight to the short cover fielder.
19:02 IST:
0.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Sahibzada Farhan, Swing straightaway! Madushanka bowls an inswinging delivery, too full, on middle. Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to short mid-wicket.
19:02 IST:
Done and dusted with the pre-match formalities and it is now time to get the play underway. The umpires are out in the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. Fakhar Zaman is back at the top of the order and is all set to open the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan for Pakistan. Dilshan Madushanka has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...
18:54 IST:
Time for the anthems - We are just a few minutes away from the start of the game, but first, the flags of both countries are unfurled and the two sets of players line up along with their mascots for their respective national anthems. It will be the national anthem of Pakistan, followed by that of Sri Lanka.
18:46 IST:
The equation is now clear - Now that the toss is done and we know that Pakistan are batting first, they need to win by a margin of 65 runs or more. This literally means Pakistan will need a score of around 200 and even that might not be enough as the dew will come into play later on, aiding the Lankan batters a bit more. A mountain to climb but cricket is a funny sport and Pakistan are definitely the most unpredictable outfit in the game.
18:44 IST:
The skipper of Pakistan - Salman Agha says it is a massive opportunity for them. Stresses on batting, bowling and fielding well in this game. Agha also adds that they need to put up a good total and try to restrict Sri Lanka to as low a score as possible. Speaking about the approach for this game, he says it is about going out and playing their strokes. He also accepts that sometimes it comes easy, while at other times it can be challenging. He informs that the team is making three changes, with Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Salman Mirza missing out.
18:51 IST:
The captain of Sri Lanka - Dasun Shanaka says that it looks like a good pitch and he expects dew later on. Adds that they have some good players in the squad but they have to do the basic rights, which they couldn't do in the last couple of games. Mentions that the fans always support them regardless of the results, which is a great motivation. Shanaka informs that they have made a couple of changes with Kamil Mishara coming in for Kusal Mendis, who pulled out with an injury and also Dushan Hemantha is not playing as Janith Liyanage comes in for him.
18:38 IST:
Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (C), Khawaja Nafay (In for Babar Azam), Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah (In for Salman Mirza), Abrar Ahmed (In for Saim Ayub), and Usman Tariq.
18:37 IST:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (WK) (In for Kusal Mendis), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Janith Liyanage (In for Dushan Hemantha), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Dilshan Madushanka.
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