The Black Caps have snuck into the semifinals of this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, despite Pakistan defeating Sri Lanka in Palekelle.
Following Saturday’s four-wicket defeat to England in Colombo, New Zealand’s chances of advancing to the semifinals were dependent on the co-hosts being able to either defeat Pakistan outright, orlose within the right window.
Pakistan needed to either win by 65 or more runs batting first, or chase down any target in 13.1 or fewer overs batting second.
And while they were able to win on the night, Sri Lanka still did enough for New Zealand to advance, even as they lost by five runs.
After winning the toss and batting, Pakistan’s openers added 176 together, as part of a total of 212-8 from their 20 overs. Sahibzada Farhan scored 100 from 60 deliveries, his second century of the tournament, while Fakhar Zaman made 84 from 42.
That meant Sri Lanka had to at the very least score 147 to send the Kiwis through, which looked doubtful after falling to 101-5 in the 12th over.
However, Pavan Rathnayake slamming a 32-ball half-century, on his way to 58 of 37, saw Pakistan’s equation at defending 12 runs from the last 30 deliveries of the innings - which they failed to do.
And in almost fitting fashion, a misfield from Usman Tariq off his own bowling saw Sri Lanka’s captain Dasun Shanaka (76 not out off 31) complete the single run needed to send New Zealand into the knockouts, in the 16th over.
The Black Caps have snuck into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup on net run rate. Photo / Photosport
Shanaka had the chance to snatch victory for Sri Lanka, and hit 22 off the final over, but couldn’t clear the ropes on the last ball, as his side finished with 207-6.
Knocking out Pakistan comes at a huge cost to Sri Lanka. Had they conspired to throw the game, Sri Lanka would have been able to host a semifinal, given Pakistan’s refusal to travel to India for this year’s tournament.
Instead, India will now host both semifinals on March 5 and 6, and the final on March 9.
Defeats to England and the Black Caps meant Sri Lanka were already out of contention for a semifinal spot, regardless of Sunday’s result.
Progression will bring a huge sigh of relief for the Black Caps, after having England on the ropes in Colombo, only for a last gasp 44-run stand between Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Speaking after the defeat to England, Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner outlined that while his side would watch to learn their fate, it was accepted that they had not done their part.
“[I’m] pretty nervous,” Santner conceded after defeat to England. “It’s out of our control.
“We can’t really do much, just wait and see. We’ll either get on a plane to India or New Zealand.
“We had it in our control, it would have made things a lot easier if we’d won tonight. There will be some nervous watching tomorrow to see what happens.
On the other side of the draw, two of South Africa, the West Indies and India will make up the other semifinalists, depending on results overnight on Monday (NZT).
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.
