Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by five runs in a heart-stopping Super 8 encounter at Pallekele, but controversy erupted over two contentious wide calls in the final over as Dasun Shanaka nearly pulled off one of the greatest chases in T20 World Cup history before questionable umpiring decisions ended Sri Lanka’s miraculous comeback attempt.
Shanaka’s Hat-Trick of Sixes Creates Drama
Chasing 213, Sri Lanka needed 28 runs off the final over bowled by Shaheen Afridi. Captain Dasun Shanaka, already on 58 off 27 balls, launched three consecutive sixes to bring the equation down to just 6 runs needed off 2 balls, sending the Pallekele crowd into delirium and Pakistan into panic mode.
Controversial Final Two Deliveries
The fifth ball proved decisive and contentious. Shaheen Afridi came over the wicket and bowled a low full-toss angling away outside off. Shanaka attempted a scoop but missed completely. He immediately appealed for a wide, believing the ball was beyond the tramline, but umpire Rod Tucker remained unmoved.
The final ball mirrored the controversy, another low full-toss bang on the off-side tramline. Shanaka left it alone, expecting a wide call that never came. Pakistan celebrated victory, but Sri Lankan players and coaching staff were furious.
Jayasuriya Questions Umpiring Decision
Live visuals showed Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya confronting umpire Rod Tucker immediately after the match, asking why the last two deliveries weren’t called wide. Jayasuriya watched replays on the big screen, shaking his head in disbelief. Shanaka closed his eyes in disappointment before graciously thanking the crowd.
Pakistan Win But Exit the Tournament
Despite the victory, Pakistan were eliminated as they failed to restrict Sri Lanka below 147 — the target needed to qualify on net run rate. New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals instead. Sahibzada Farhan’s historic second century of the tournament (100 off 60) and Fakhar Zaman’s 84 off 42 couldn’t save Pakistan’s campaign, overshadowed by Shanaka’s breathtaking 76 off 31 balls and the umpiring controversy that denied Sri Lanka a miracle finish.
