Pakistan slipped into the Twenty20 World Cup semifials after beating Bangladesh by five wickets on a dramatic final day of group play at the Adelaide Oval.
South Africa had earlier Sunday crashed out of the tournament after a shock 13-run loss to the Netherlands which opened the door for either Pakistan or Bangladesh to take the last remaining semifinal spot in Group 2.
Shaheen Afridi produced an inspired spell of fast bowling to restrict Bangladesh to 127-8, before star opening batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan combined for a 57-run partnership — their highest this tournament — to set up Pakistan’s third win of the Super 12 stage and their sixth T20 World Cup semifinal appearance in eight editions of the tournament.
Bangladesh had won the toss and batted and opener Najmul Shanto top-scored with 54 from 48 balls, including seven boundaries.
Bangladesh’s innings lost momentum in the 11th over when Soumya Sarkar and captain Shakib Al Hasan were dismissed by Pakistan spinner Shadab Khan (2-30) on consecutive deliveries.
Those wickets sparked a collapse of 6-36 as Bangladesh’s hopes of a more competitive target faded in a hostile spell of pace bowling from Afridi, wo took 4-22 off four overs.
Rizwan made 32 from as many balls and Babar made 25 (off 33 balls) to help Pakistan off to a solid, if not labored start to its run chase.
Late power hitting by Mohammad Haris (31 off 18 balls) and Sham Masood (24 off 14) saw Pakistan to victory with 11 balls remaining.