Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on Saturday despite a five-run win over Sri Lanka in the Super Eights match, with New Zealand qualifying for the semi-finals on the basis of a superior net run rate.Pakistan needed to hold Sri Lanka to 147 or less to take the lead over New Zealand in the second group. Although they scored 212 for 8 after being sent to bat, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, which was enough to keep Pakistan behind in net run rate. The two teams finished the Super Eights stage with three points each, but New Zealand qualified as second place in the group.Pakistan reduced Sri Lanka to 101 for 5 in the 12th over, putting themselves in a strong position.
However, Pavan Rathnayake and skipper Dasun Shanaka added quick runs to take Sri Lanka to 148 in the 16th over, effectively ending Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying.At one stage, Pakistan were also in danger of failing to defend their highest T20 World Cup total of 212. In the final over bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shanaka hit 4-6-6-6 off the first four balls. Sri Lanka then needed six runs from their last two overs.
Shanaka made a mistake while trying to get a scoop on the fifth ball and left the final delivery, a yorker, expecting it to be called wide. It wasn’t. Pakistan cruised to a five-run win but did not reach the semi-finals, finishing one point behind New Zealand.Sri Lanka were actually eliminated from the semi-final competition but finished their campaign with a competitive performance in front of their home crowd.England, New Zealand and South Africa secured semi-final berths.
The final position will be decided between India and West Indies on Sunday.Earlier, Pakistan made 212 for 8 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan scored 100 points, while Fakhar Zaman scored 84 points. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka returned 3 for 33 and Dasun Shanaka took 2 for 42.In response, Sri Lanka posted 207 for 6 in 20 overs. Shanaka remained unbeaten with 76 off 31 balls while Rathnayake made 58.
Abrar Ahmed
He was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3 for 23.Summary scores:Pakistan: 212 for 8 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 100, Fakhar Zaman 84; Dilshan Madushanka 3/33, Dasun Shanaka 2/42).Sri Lanka: 207 for 6 in 20 overs (Dasun Shanaka 76 not out, Pavan Ratnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3/23).