Pakistan took advantage of South Africa’s shock loss and completed a remarkable turnaround to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup after a five-wicket win over Bangladesh on Sunday.
Heading into the final group stage matches, South Africa looked certain to progress from Group 2 but fell to a 13-run defeat to the Netherlands, meaning the winner of the Pakistan-Bangladesh match in Adelaide The Oval would reach the final four.
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled 4-22 for Pakistan, who lost their opening two World Cup matches, after restricting Bangladesh to 127-8 before chasing down the target with 11 balls to spare.
Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 32), Mohammad Haris (31 off 18) and Shan Masood (24 * off 14) contributed to the successful chase, which was by no means smooth sailing.
Bangladesh were left frustrated after a controversial decision by third umpire Langton Rusere, who dismissed captain Shakib Al Hasan LBW for a golden duck despite appearing to hit the ball.
Shakib’s wicket was one of two to fall at Shadab Khan’s end as Bangladesh were 70-1 at the 10-over mark, appearing destined for a much bigger total. Opener Najmul Hossain Shanton top scored for the Tigers with 54 off 48 balls but Bangladesh lost their way after being dismissed at 91-4 in the 14th over.
Shakib is reluctant to walk after the questionable call
Shakib’s dismissal was a pivotal moment and was controversial, with the Bangladesh captain reluctant to walk despite being given a go by the on-field umpire and the third umpire.
Bangladesh were set to set off for a 150-plus total at the halfway mark before losing Soumya Sarkar and Shakib in successive deliveries. After being given LBW, Shakib quickly reviewed the decision. The review showed a mark on the Ultra Edge coinciding with the path of the ball past the bat, however Langton felt no bat was involved, believing Shakib had instead hit the ground with the bat.
Pakistan advances against all odds
Pakistan’s World Cup looked over after they lost two final thrillers to rivals India and lowly Zimbabwe to open their tournament, however they have responded by progressing to the semi-finals. That didn’t seem possible after South Africa knocked out India last Sunday, but the 2009 champions remain in the hunt for a second title.
This is all the more surprising given that gunslinger Babar Azam failed again, scoring 25 off 33 balls, managing just 39 runs at 7.80 in five matches.
