Knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday, a disappointed Pakistan captain, Salman Agha, admitted that his batters, except for Sahibzada Farhan, failed to do well in the tournament. He also stated that the middle-order batting has been a problem for them, with senior batter Babar Azam and Saim Ayub being dropped from Saturday’s Super Eights match due to poor form as well.
“We couldn’t bat well throughout the tournament. If Farhan had more support, it’d have been better. Middle order has been a problem for a few years now, we’ll have to look at that,” Agha said at the post-match presentation.
“Couldn’t finish the way we wanted to. We batted well 18 overs, opposition did well in the other two. Even 160 would’ve been difficult to defend,” Agha said. “(It) was always challenging after losing the toss because of dew. Could’ve been a different story had we won the toss. Dew was a factor. We couldn’t execute plans. Usman (Tariq) had an off-day, it can happen.”
Invited to bat, Pakistan scored 212 for 8. Pakistan had 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 as well. But they failed to do so as co-hosts, Sri Lanka ended at 207 for 6.
“I wanted to do well for the team” – Farhan
Adjudged the Player of the Match, Farhan also said that he felt sad as his ton could not help his team reach the semifinals.
“(I) wanted to do well for the team, wanted Fakhar to ton up actually. The ton didn’t work for the team, that’s why I’m sad,” he said. “I have been feeling well, that brings confidence. Knew I could hit whatever was in my arc. All credit goes to domestic cricket, it’s brought out the habit of scoring at pace and scoring big.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka, who almost snatched a win for his side with a stunning late onslaught of 76 not out off just 31 balls, said that he could have finished the game.
“It was a close game, I could’ve finished it. Well bowled to Shaheen,” said Shanaka. “Yes, we’re disappointed. I want to say sorry to the fans. Unfortunately, we fell down to injuries. In the future, I hope there are no injuries. Missing two key bowlers in (Wanindu) Hasaranga and (Matheesha) Pathirana. Hope they’ll return soon and do well for Sri Lankan cricket.”
“Sometimes, as players, we feel pressure. It was a mistake, I’m sorry to fans for disheartening them. We’re all thankful for all the support. (Pavan) Rathnayake is consistent, uses the crease well. We (also) have (Dunith) Wellalage, they (young players) are growing,” he concluded.
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