PAK vs SL: Fans Cry ‘Match-Fixing’ After Sri Lanka’s Fielding Errors in T20 World Cup 2026 Clash vs Pakistan

A certain section of fans on the social media platform of X have lashed out at Sri Lanka, alleging them for underperforming on purpose in their T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy. Due to Sri Lanka's sloppy fielding in the game, a section of fans have made their suspicions clear about fixing the match and urged the ICC to investigate.

Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman lay solid foundation for Pakistan

While Sri Lanka are out of the tournament, the fixture is decisive for Pakistan as far as their semi-final chances go. Sri Lanka had the chance to play for pride but most of the innings didn't go their way. Even as Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman had brought up their century-stand, Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka didn't opt for a review in the 11th over of the innings. The final delivery of that over sent down by Maheesh Theekshana saw Zaman make room to cart the ball to the off-side. Kepeer Kamil Mishara was excited but both Theekshana and Shanaka weren't convinced. However, replays showed there was a thin edge.

The 2014 champions had also missed some catches, most notably when Janith Liyange by mistakenly stepped onto the rope after taking the catch off Farhan's bowling in the 16th over of the innings. Meanwhile, fans felt Sri Lanka are underperforming to host the T20 World Cup semi-final, given they can stage the marquee fixture only if Pakistan go through to the Top 4.

Here's how the social media reacted to Sri Lanka's on-field performance:

Yeh Worldcup Sri Lanka ki fixing ke liye janmo janmo tak yaad rakha jayega, ek team thi jo 150 wali team ko 200 karwa deti thi #SLvsPak

— Maximum Power (@bbKhabri2) February 28, 2026

Thankyou Sri Lanka for fixing the match

Ham apke dil se shukar guzar rahain gay#PAKvsSL

— Inspired Analyst (@inspirdanalyst) February 28, 2026

You may have heard the word fixing, but today I am witnessing the fixing live in international cricket.@ICC @BCCI pic.twitter.com/tI3pblISaM

— Space Recorder (@1spacerecorder) February 28, 2026

- Dropping easy catches
- Not even taking DRS
- Stepping over the boundary after taking a catch

Next level fixing from Sri Lanka just to host the T20 World Cup semifinals.

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 28, 2026

Dear Sri Lanka, don't make it so obvious 🥱@ICC should consider banning @SriLankaTweet for obvious fixing

— Big Bakait (@adirectconvo) February 28, 2026

🚨BREAKING NEWS 🚨

🚨SPOT-FIXING ALLEGATIONS🚨

Spot-fixing rumors rock Pakistan vs Sri Lanka game. Allege two players may have had bookie links. ICC expected to investigate. pic.twitter.com/FqyRrX1LJO

— muffatball vikrant (@Vikrant_1589) February 28, 2026

  Pakistan must restrict Sri Lanka to 147 or less to qualify for semi-finals

Although Pakistan's opening partnership was solid, no batter apart from Farhan and Zaman reached double figures. As a result, they lost some steam in the end, losing wickets in clumps. Hence, Pakistan finished with 212, a total that looked like 240+ at one stage.

Hence, the Men in Green must now restrict the Lankans to 147 or less to leave behind New Zealand on net run-rate and qualify for the semi-finals.

Also Read: PAK vs SL, Super 8: Sahibzada Farhan Breaks Virat Kohli’s Massive Record In T20 World Cup 2026