Pakistan Wins but Exits T20 World Cup as New Zealand Secures Semifinal Spot

GROS ISLET: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak on Saturday despite a high-scoring five-run victory over Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights fixture. The result confirmed New Zealand’s progression to the semifinals based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), leaving Pakistan eliminated from the tournament.

The Qualification Equation

Entering the match in Group 2, Pakistan faced a steep mathematical challenge. To overtake New Zealand on NRR and secure a semifinal berth, they needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 runs or fewer after being asked to bat first. While the Pakistani batting lineup delivered a formidable total of 212 for 8, the bowlers could not contain the Sri Lankan counterattack early enough.

Sri Lanka, playing for pride after already being ruled out of contention, finished on 207 for 6. Although Pakistan secured the two points, both teams finished the Super Eights stage with three points each, allowing New Zealand to advance as the second-placed side in the group alongside South Africa.

Farhan and Zaman Dominate First Innings

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting order fired on all cylinders. Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a spectacular 100, punishing the Sri Lankan attack with aggressive stroke play. He found an able partner in Fakhar Zaman, who smashed a blistering 84. Their partnership propelled Pakistan to their highest total of the tournament, 212 for 8 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Dilshan Madushanka managed to claim 3 for 33, and captain Dasun Shanaka chipped in with 2 for 42 amidst the carnage. For detailed player rankings and stats, visit the official ICC website.

Sri Lanka’s Fightback Ends Pakistan’s Hopes

Pakistan appeared to be in control when they reduced Sri Lanka to 101 for 5 in the 12th over. At that stage, the target of keeping Sri Lanka under 147 seemed achievable. However, a resilient partnership between Pavan Rathnayake and captain Dasun Shanaka shifted the momentum.

Rathnayake, who scored a composed 58, and Shanaka accelerated the scoring rate significantly. The decisive moment came in the 16th over when Sri Lanka crossed the 148-run mark, mathematically eliminating Pakistan from the tournament regardless of the final match result.

Dramatic Final Over

With qualification hopes dashed, Pakistan still had to fight to save the match. Sri Lanka required massive hitting in the final over bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shanaka launched a brutal assault, striking the first four balls for 4, 6, 6, and 6, bringing the equation down to six runs needed from two balls.

The drama peaked on the final two deliveries. Shanaka attempted a scoop shot on the fifth ball but missed. On the final delivery, Afridi fired in a yorker; Shanaka let it pass, anticipating a wide call, but the umpire ruled it a legal delivery. Pakistan survived by five runs, but the victory was bittersweet.

England, New Zealand, and South Africa have now booked their places in the knockouts. The final semifinal spot will be decided in the clash between India and the West Indies on Sunday.

Match Summary

Pakistan won by 5 runs. New Zealand qualify for Semifinals on NRR.