Pakistan crashed out of the FIFA T20 World Cup on Saturday despite a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in their Super Eights match as New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals on the back of a higher net rate.Pakistan needed to keep Sri Lanka to 147 or less to move ahead of New Zealand in Group 2. Despite posting 212 for 8 after being sent in to bat, Sri Lanka finished on 207 for 6, which was enough to keep Pakistan behind in pure run-rate. Both teams finished the Super Eights stage with three points, but New Zealand progressed second from the group.Pakistan reduced Sri Lanka to 101 for 5 in the 12th over, putting them in a strong position. However, Pavan Rathnayake and skipper Dasun Shanaka quickly added runs 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 total of 212 in the T20 World Cup. 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 the last two deliveries.Shanaka missed trying to scoop on the fifth ball and left the final delivery, a yorker, expecting to be called a wide. It wasn’t. Pakistan secured victory in five rounds but still fell short of a place in the semi-finals, finishing one point behind New Zealand.Sri Lanka had already been eliminated from semi-final contention but closed their campaign with a competitive performance in front of their home crowd.England, New Zealand and South Africa secured their place in the semi-finals. The final ranking will be decided between India and West Indies on Sunday.Earlier, Pakistan had 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. Pakistan’s top bowler was Abrar Ahmed with 3 for 23.Quick Score: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).
