In a thrilling Super 8 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka fell agonizingly short by 5 runs against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026. Yet, amid the heartbreak, captain Dasun Shanaka etched his name into history books. Batting at number seven, Shanaka unleashed a blistering unbeaten 76 off just 31 balls, smashing 8 sixes and 2 fours. This explosive knock propelled him to the top of the list for most sixes hit by a captain in T20 World Cup history, surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma’s mark of 19 with his own tally reaching 21.
Shanaka’s eight sixes in a single T20 innings now stand as the highest ever by a Sri Lankan batter, eclipsing Kusal Perera’s 7 against India in 2017. His heroics came too late to haul Sri Lanka over the line, but they ensured the match would be remembered for his captain’s knock rather than the defeat.
Pakistan had set a daunting target of 212 for 8 after winning the toss. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan scripted a record-breaking 176-run stand in just 15.5 overs. Zaman fell for 84 off 42 balls, laced with 4 sixes and 9 fours, triggering a collapse. Farhan, however, carried on to a magnificent century with 100 runs from 5 sixes and 9 fours, but no other Pakistani batter crossed double figures.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back with Dilshan Madushanka claiming 3 wickets, Shanaka grabbing 2, and Dushmantha Chameera one. Chasing 213, Sri Lanka managed 207 for 6, powered by Pavan Rathnayake’s 58 off 37 and Shanaka’s fireworks. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed starred with 3 wickets, supported by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Nawaz.
Shanaka’s record-breaking performance not only overshadowed the loss but also highlighted his evolution as a match-winner. Chris Gayle and Jos Buttler share third place with 17 sixes each as captains, while MS Dhoni has 16. As Sri Lanka eyes recovery, Shanaka’s feat stands as a beacon of resilience in T20 cricket’s high-stakes arena.