Even in defeat, Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka shone brightest in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against Pakistan at Pallekele. Losing by a mere 5 runs, Shanaka’s unbeaten 76 (31 balls, 8×6, 2×4) made him the T20 World Cup’s top six-hitting captain with 21 maximums, leapfrogging Rohit Sharma (19), while Gayle and Buttler lag at 17 and Dhoni at 16.
This wasn’t just any knock; Shanaka’s 8 sixes are now Sri Lanka’s T20 record, topping Perera’s mark. His late surge electrified the crowd, though it couldn’t bridge the gap to 213.
Pakistan’s total of 212/8 stemmed from openers’ mastery: Zaman’s 84 and Farhan’s 100 in a 176-run blitz. The rest faltered badly. Lanka’s attack was spearheaded by Madushanka (3 wkts), Shanaka (2), Chameera (1).
Chasing, Rathnayake’s 58 laid foundation, but Abrar’s 3 wickets for Pakistan, plus one each from Shaheen, Naseem, and Nawaz, proved decisive at 207/6.
Shanaka’s milestone transcends the loss, marking him as a record-breaker under pressure. It bodes well for Sri Lanka’s campaign ahead, proving their captain thrives when it matters most.