Pallekele, February 28 Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on Saturday, despite winning against Sri Lanka by five runs in their Super Eights match here, with New Zealand qualifying for the semifinals based on a better net run rate.
Invited to bat, Pakistan scored a formidable 212 for 8, with Sahibzada Farhan (100) hitting a stunning century and his opening partner Fakhar Zaman scoring 84.
Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to surpass New Zealand's net run rate and reach the semifinals from Group 2 of the Super Eights.
However, they failed to do so as co-hosts Sri Lanka, who were already out of contention for a semifinal spot, finished at 207 for 6.
Pakistan and New Zealand ended with three points each in the Super Eights stage, but the Kiwis qualified for the semifinals as the second-placed team from the group based on a better net run rate.
England have already qualified for the semifinals after winning all three of their Super Eights matches.
Captain Dasun Shanaka led the scoring with 76 not out off just 31 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 58.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 23 runs.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 212 for 8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madushanka 3/33, Dasun Shanaka 2/42)
Sri Lanka: 207 for 6 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 76 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3/23)
