Sahibzada Farhan made a superb century as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five runs in the T20 World Cup Super 8s but missed out on a semi-final spot on net run-rate.
Farhan’s 100 off 60 balls featured nine fours and five sixes as Pakistan posted 212-8 – their highest-ever total at a T20 World Cup.
Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer in their reply to ensure their net run-rate was better than New Zealand’s in Group 2.
However, Sri Lanka managed to scrape past the figure in 15.5 overs for the loss of five wickets which saw the Black Caps progress to the knockout phase.
It ensured New Zealand finished with a net run-rate of +1.390 as they claimed second spot ahead of Pakistan (-0.123).
Sri Lanka came up just short of pulling off the second-highest chase in World Cup history after some late big hitting from captain Dasun Shanaka as Pakistan’s players went through the motions.
With 28 needed off the final over Shanaka, who made an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, crashed four and three sixes.
But with six required for a Sri Lanka victory, Shaheen Afridi switched back on and bowled two dots with wide yorkers.
Earlier, a 176-run stand between Farhan and Fakhar Zaman had given Pakistan hope of delivering what had seemed a big ask on paper.
Fakhar, restored to open after batting in the middle order against England, played his part with some crisp ball striking en route to 84 off 42 balls.
In what was just his second innings at this World Cup, Fakhar clubbed nine fours and four sixes as Sri Lanka’s bowlers were flayed to all parts.
But after his dismissal Pakistan struggled to maintain the momentum – as Dilshan Madushanka claimed 3-33 – with 14 runs off the final two overs not quite enough. (BBC)
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