Pakistan make it to T20 World Cup semifinals with five-wicket win over Bangladesh

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi bowls to Bangladesh's Afif Hossain (L) during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2022 cricket match between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Credit: AFP Photo

Pakistan qualified for the semifinals of the T20 World Cup after defeating Bangladesh by five wickets here on Sunday.

In their high-stake last Super 12 match, Pakistan rode on Shaheen Afridi's four for 22, his career-best T20I figures, to first restrict Bangladesh to 127 for eight and then chased down the target in 11 balls to spare.

Opting to bat, Bangladesh opener Najmul Hossain Shanto made 54, while Afif Hossain remained unbeaten on 24.

Later, Pakistan chased down the target with consummate ease, reaching 128 for five in 18.1 overs.

Mohammad Rizwan made a run-a-ball 32, while Mohammad Haris scored an 18-ball 31.

Nasum Ahmed (1/14) was the best bowler for Bangladesh.

Pakistan join India from Group 2 in the semifinals.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh: 127 for 8 in 20 overs (Najmul Hossain Shanto 54; Shaheen Afridi 4/22, Shadab Khan 2/30).

Pakistan: 128 for 5 in 18.1 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 32, Mohammad Haris 31; Nasum Ahmed 1/14).