T20 World Cup: Pakistan knocked out because of run-rate, New Zealand march into semis

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign ended in bitter fashion as net run rate proved decisive, leaving them stranded despite their final Group 8 encounter of the T20 Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

As the Sri Lankan camp erupted in celebration, the result also sparked joy in New Zealand’s camp, with the outcome sealing the semifinal lineup and confirming that the remaining matches of the tournament will move out of Sri Lanka. The semifinals and final are set to be hosted in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

In contrast, it was heartbreak for Pakistan, with players and supporters left devastated. Spinner Abrar Ahmed was seen in tears, reflecting the disappointment as Pakistan bowed out of the World Cup.


The inferior net run rate meant Pakistan had to win big against Sri Lanka in order to pip New Zealand ⁠and join ‌group leaders England in the semi-finals.

They racked ⁠up 212-8 after Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) combined in a T20 World Cup record 176-run opening stand.

They had to restrict their opponents to 147 or ‌less to make the last four but Sri Lanka finished on ⁠207-6 nearly snatching a victory.

Pavan Rathnayake made 58 and Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka smoked an unbeaten 76 off 31 balls.