Dasun Shanaka Sets New T20 World Cup Records Despite Sri Lanka's Loss

In a dramatic finish to the 2026 T20 World Cup, Dasun Shanaka's remarkable performance set several records, even as Sri Lanka faced a narrow defeat against Pakistan. With an unbeaten 76 runs and eight sixes, Shanaka not only showcased his batting skills but also broke long-standing records, including the most sixes by a player batting at number five or lower. His achievements have etched his name in cricket history, making this match unforgettable despite the team's overall loss.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 1, 2026, 10:42 IST

Shanaka's Record-Breaking Performance

In a thrilling encounter at the Pallekele International Stadium on February 28, Dasun Shanaka made headlines by setting multiple world records, even as Sri Lanka faced a narrow defeat against Pakistan by five runs in their final match of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The loss meant that Sri Lanka exited the Super Eight stage without a single victory. Shanaka showcased his batting prowess with an impressive unbeaten score of 76 runs off just 31 deliveries, featuring two fours and eight sixes. Coming in at a precarious 101-5 after 12 overs, he formed a crucial 61-run partnership with Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 58 runs off 37 balls. This partnership not only brought Sri Lanka back into contention but also eliminated Pakistan from the tournament, paving the way for New Zealand's semi-final qualification. In a remarkable finish, Shanaka scored 50 runs in the last four overs, including a staggering 22 runs in the final over. Although Sri Lanka fell short, Shanaka's performance will be remembered in the annals of cricket history.

Historic Achievements by Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka Creates History

Shanaka's eight sixes in this innings surpassed the previous record held by Yuvraj Singh for 19 years, who famously hit six sixes in an over against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup. This achievement marks Shanaka as the player with the most sixes in a single innings while batting at number five or lower in T20 World Cup history.

Most Sixes By Number Five Or Lower Batter In T20 WC History In An Innings

Player	Sixes	Team	Opponent	Venue	Year
Dasun Shanaka	8	Sri Lanka	Pakistan	Pallekele	2026
Yuvraj Singh	7	India	England	Durban	2007
Sherfane Rutherford	7	West Indies	England	Mumbai	2007

Additionally, Shanaka broke Michael Hussey's long-standing record from 2010, becoming the first player to score over 70 runs while batting at number seven or below in a T20 World Cup match.

Most Runs From Number 7 Or Below In T20 WC History In An Innings

Player	Runs	Team	Opponent	Venue	Year
Dasun Shanaka	76*	Sri Lanka	Pakistan	Pallekele	2026
Mike Hussey	60*	Australia	Pakistan	Gros Islet	2010
David Wiese	55	Namibia	UAE	Geelong	2022

Shanaka also made history as the first captain to hit over 20 sixes in T20 World Cup history, surpassing Rohit Sharma's previous record.

Most Sixes By A Captain In T20 WC History

Player	Innings	Sixes
Dasun Shanaka	19	21
Rohit Sharma	14	19
Jos Buttler	13	17
Chris Gayle	9	17
MS Dhoni	29	16

Moreover, during this innings, Shanaka became the first Sri Lankan cricketer to hit over 100 sixes in T20 internationals, a milestone achieved by only 37 players globally.