4 min learnPallekele/ KandyUp to date: Mar 1, 2026 01:04 AM IST
Knocked out of the T20 World Cup regardless of profitable towards Sri Lanka on Saturday, a disillusioned Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted that his batters, saved for Sahibzada Farhan, did not click on within the event.
He conceded that the center order batting has been an issue for a couple of years now. The likes of senior batter Babar Azam and Saim Ayub had been dropped from Saturday’s Tremendous Eights match as a result of poor type.
“We couldn’t bat effectively all through the event. If Farhan had extra help, it’d have been higher. Center order has been an issue for a couple of years now, we’ll have to have a look at that,” Agha mentioned on the post-match presentation.
At one stage, with openers Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) going hammer and tongs, Pakistan appeared like they might submit least 225 however ultimately ended at 212 for 8.
“Couldn’t end the best way we wished to. We batted effectively 18 overs, opposition did effectively within the different two. Even 160 would’ve been troublesome to defend,” Agha mentioned.
AS IT HAPPENED | PAKISTAN VS SRI LANKA T20 WORLD CUP 2026 SUPER 8 HIGHLIGHTS
“(It) was at all times difficult after shedding the toss due to dew. Might’ve been a unique story had we received the toss. Dew was an element. We couldn’t execute plans. Usman (Tariq) had an off-day, it might occur.” Invited to bat, Pakistan made a formidable 212 for 8 with Farhan and Zaman doing the heavylifting.
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Pakistan wanted to limit Sri Lanka to 147 or much less to surpass New Zealand’s web run price and attain the semifinals from Group 2 of the Tremendous Eights.
However they failed to take action as co-hosts Sri Lanka, who had been already out of reckoning for a semifinal spot, ended at 207 for six.
Pakistan and New Zealand ended on three factors every within the Tremendous Eights stage, however the Kiwis certified for the semifinals because the second-placed group from the group on the premise of higher NRR.
England have already certified for the semifinals after profitable all their three Tremendous Eights matches.
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Adjudged the Participant of the Match, Farhan mentioned he felt unhappy as his ton couldn’t assist his facet attain the semifinals.
“(I) wished to do effectively for the group, wished Fakhar to ton up truly. The ton didn’t work for the group, that’s why I’m unhappy,” he mentioned.
“I’ve been feeling effectively, that brings confidence. Knew I might hit no matter was in my arc. All credit score goes to home cricket, it’s introduced out the behavior of
scoring at tempo and scoring large.” Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, who virtually snatched a win for the islanders with a shocking late onslaught of 76 not out off simply 31 balls, rued that he might have completed the sport.
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“It was an in depth recreation, I might’ve completed it. Nicely bowled to Shaheen,” mentioned Shanaka who wanted simply six runs from the final two balls to win the match.
“Sure, we’re disillusioned. I wish to make an apology to the followers. Sadly, we fell right down to accidents. Sooner or later, I hope there aren’t any accidents. Lacking two key bowlers in (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Matheesha) Pathirana. Hope they’ll return quickly and do effectively for Sri Lankan cricket.
“Typically, as gamers, we really feel stress. It was a mistake, I’m sorry to followers for disheartening them. We’re all grateful for all of the help. (Pavan) Rathnayake is constant, makes use of the crease effectively. We (additionally) have (Dunith) Wellalage, they (younger gamers) are rising.”