Pakistan were eliminated from the T20 World Cup on Saturday despite a five-run win over Sri Lanka in their Super Eights match, as New Zealand progressed to the semifinals on the basis of a superior net run rate.
Pakistan needed to hold Sri Lanka to 147 or fewer to move ahead of New Zealand in Group 2. Although they posted 212 for 8 after being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, which was enough to keep Pakistan behind on net run rate. Both teams ended the Super Eights stage with three points each, but New Zealand advanced as the second-placed side from the group.
Pakistan had reduced Sri Lanka to 101 for 5 in the 12th over, putting themselves in a strong position.
However, Pavan Rathnayake and captain Dasun Shanaka added runs quickly to take Sri Lanka to 148 in the 16th over, effectively ending Pakistan’s qualification hopes.
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 struck 4-6-6-6 off the first four balls. Sri Lanka then needed six runs from the last two deliveries.
Shanaka missed while attempting a scoop on the fifth ball and left the final delivery, a yorker, expecting it to be called wide. It was not. Pakistan secured a five-run win but still fell short of a semifinal spot, finishing one point behind New Zealand.
Sri Lanka had already been ruled out of semifinal contention but closed their campaign with a competitive performance in front of their home crowd.
England, New Zealand and South Africa have secured semifinal berths. The final spot will be decided between India and the West Indies on Sunday.
Earlier, Pakistan made 212 for 8 in 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan scored 100, while Fakhar Zaman made 84. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka returned figures of 3 for 33 and Dasun Shanaka took 2 for 42.
In reply, Sri Lanka posted 207 for 6 in 20 overs. Shanaka remained unbeaten on 76 off 31 balls and Rathnayake made 58. Abrar Ahmed was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 3 for 23.
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 Rathnayake 58; Abrar Ahmed 3/23).
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