Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by five runs in a tense Super 8 contest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, but the narrow victory was not enough to keep them in the tournament.

Batting first at Kandy, Pakistan piled up 212 for 8 after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field. The hosts replied with 207 for 6.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with his second century of the tournament, reaching the landmark in 58 balls.

He added a record 176-run opening partnership with Fakhar Zaman, the highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history. Fakhar struck a rapid 84 off 42 deliveries.

In the chase, Abrar Ahmed spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling with 3 for 23, while Naseem Shah claimed one wicket.

Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka’s resistance came late. Captain Dasun Shanaka blasted an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls, sharing a brisk 61-run stand for the sixth wicket with Rathnayake, who made 58 off 37 with four fours and three sixes.

Kamil Mishara (26) and Charith Asalanka (25) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

Afridi held his nerve in the final over, successfully defending 28 despite conceding three sixes, to seal the win.

However, Pakistan were eliminated as they needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to progress.

New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals from the group, while England had already qualified.

Sri Lanka were also knocked out.