Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka delivered a stunning counterattack against Pakistan in a Super 8 clash of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, producing an innings that propelled him to the top of a prestigious tournament record.
Walking in with Sri Lanka reeling at 101/5, Shanaka stitched together a crucial stand with Pavan Rathnayake and nearly pulled off an improbable chase.
Shanaka Sets New Benchmark Among Captains
The skipper remained unbeaten on 76 off 31 balls, striking two fours and eight sixes. In a dramatic finish, he took 18 runs off Shadab Khan and 22 off Shaheen Afridi across the final two overs to keep Sri Lanka’s hopes alive.
Despite his late surge, Sri Lanka fell six runs short of the 213-run target and suffered defeat.
However, Shanaka’s eight sixes ensured he achieved a significant personal milestone. He now holds the record for the most sixes in T20 World Cups among captains, moving ahead of Rohit Sharma.
Most Sixes in T20 World Cup (Among Captains)
- 21 – Dasun Shanaka
- 19 – Rohit Sharma
- 17 – Jos Buttler, Chris Gayle
- 16 – MS Dhoni
- 12 – Aiden Markram, K Williamson, R Berrington
Shanaka surpassed Rohit Sharma’s previous mark of 19 sixes. The list also features prominent names such as Jos Buttler, Chris Gayle and MS Dhoni.
For Shanaka, February 28 ended in mixed emotions. He produced one of his finest T20 innings but could not guide his side over the line.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka Exit Tournament
Although Pakistan secured victory in the contest, it was not enough to book a semi-final berth in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. They concluded the Super 8 stage third in Group 2 with a negative net run rate of -0.123.
New Zealand finished level on three points but progressed thanks to a superior, positive net run rate.
Sri Lanka endured an even tougher campaign. They failed to register a win in the Super 8 phase and ended at the bottom of the table with zero points. From Group 2, England and New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals.
Sanath Jayasuriya Steps Down as Head Coach
Sri Lanka’s disappointing Super 8 performance, in which they did not secure a single victory despite being co-hosts, has led to a major development off the field.
Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has stepped down, taking responsibility for the team’s struggles.
The announcement reportedly came during the post-match press conference, without prior formal communication to Sri Lanka Cricket.
Although his contract was due to run until June 2026, Jayasuriya’s remarks indicated he had accepted the end of his tenure.
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Sri Lanka Cricket is yet to release an official statement, but a successor is expected to be appointed soon. Despite the setback, the side retains a talented core as it looks ahead.
