Pakistan beat Bangladesh to reach T20 World Cup semis

Gulf Today Report

Shaheen Shah Afridi returned career-best figures of 4-22 to lead Pakistan into the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals with a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in a do-or-die clash on Sunday.

Chasing a modest 128 for victory in Adelaide, Pakistan achieved their target with 11 balls to spare and join arch-rivals India in the final four from Group 2.

Shaheen struck early for Pakistan as the left-arm quick sent back Liton Das for 10 after Bangladesh elected to bat first.

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Das, who gave India a scare with his 27-ball 60 in a narrow defeat at the Adelaide Oval, looked dangerous with a six off Shaheen but three balls later gave away a catch at gully.

Najmul Hossain Shanto capitalised on a reprieve when the usually safe Shadab Khan dropped the left-handed batsman on 11 at short extra. The opener went on to top-score with 54.

Pakistan’s Shan Masood bats during the T20 World Cup cricket match against Bangladesh in Adelaide. AP

Shanto put on 52 runs with Soumya Sarkar, who came out attacking.

Soumya hit 20 off 17 before an attempted reverse paddle sweep cost him his wicket off Shadab, who struck again on the next delivery, albeit amid controversy.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was given out lbw but he reviewed the decision and it appeared from replays that the ball grazed the bat before it hit the pad, but the third umpire upheld the on-field call.

Shakib looked stunned, waved his hands and didn't want to walk off.

A Shadab hat-trick was averted by Afif Hossain.

Pakistan players celebrate after the T20 World Cup cricket match against Bangladesh in Adelaide on Sunday. AP

Shakib's wicket seemed to affect the Bangladesh batsmen, who suddenly looked out of sorts.

Off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed bowled Shanto soon after the batsman reached his second T20 fifty.

Bangladesh lost regular wickets and Shaheen struck twice in one over and then picked a fourth for the first time in his T20 career.

Afif Hossain hit an unbeaten 24.