NEW DELHI: Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) stitched together a record 176 run partnership for any wicket in ICC Men's T20 World Cup history to propel Pakistan to a commanding 212 for 8 against Sri Lanka in their Super Eights clash on Saturday.

Pakistan now need to restrict Sri Lanka to under 147 to keep hopes of overtaking New Zealand on net run rate alive and seal a semifinal berth. The Salman Ali Agha led side must win by at least 64 runs.

While Pakistan’s openers went hard from the outset in search of a daunting total, Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding through much of the innings only added to their woes.

Sri Lanka’s missed chances prove costly

Zaman, who eventually fell for a 42 ball 84 in the 16th over after dragging one onto his stumps, enjoyed two reprieves as he capitalised on a bowling attack that repeatedly strayed into his arc. He struck nine fours and four sixes in a dominant display.

On 15, he survived when a chance slipped through Maheesh Theekshana’s hands off Dasun Shanaka. Later on 46, Sri Lanka opted against a DRS appeal for a caught behind despite a confident shout from the wicketkeeper.

Farhan, meanwhile, set the early tempo as Pakistan raced past 50 inside five overs, maintaining a scoring rate of at least 10 per over. The right hander not only registered his second century of the tournament but also surpassed Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs in a single T20 World Cup edition.

Sri Lanka appeared short on ideas against a batter in such rich form, repeatedly offering width outside off or straying down the leg side.

Farhan too had fortune on his side. On the final ball of the 15th over, Dunith Wellalage sprinted in from long off only to spill a catch, then momentarily forgot the ball was still in play.

On the first delivery of the 16th over, Janith Liyanage stepped on the boundary cushion while completing a catch, handing Farhan yet another life.

Late collapse halts Pakistan’s surge

However, soon after Farhan reached his hundred, Pakistan lost momentum. A cluster of wickets, including that of the centurion, prevented them from maximising the platform.

From a dominant 176 for no loss in the 16th over, Pakistan slipped dramatically, losing eight wickets for just 36 runs in the final four overs to finish on 212 for 8.

(With PTI Inputs)