Pakistan knock Proteas out of World T20

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia: Defending champions Pakistan knocked South Africa out of the World Twenty20 with an 11-run Super Eights win at the Beausejour Stadium here on Monday.

The victory kept Pakistan’s own qualification hopes alive. The result meant England, who have won both opening Super Eight games, would qualify for the semi-finals regardless of the outcome of their final match against New Zealand later here on
Monday.

But, in order for Pakistan to progress to the last four, they have to hope England beat New Zealand by a sufficiently wide margin to go through on net run-rate.

New Zealand, also on two points, will go through with a win over England. Their victory would send them into the knockout stages.

Pakistan and South Africa both have two points from three matches but Pakistan have a superior run-rate.

Umar Akmal struck 51 from 33 balls as Pakistan recovered from a poor start to make 148 for seven.

In reply, South Africa were only 56 for three after 10 overs but a spirited 53 off 41 balls from AB de Villiers gave them a fighting chance which they were unable to make the most of as Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal took four wickets.

Brief scores:
Pakistan 148-7, 20 overs (U Akmal 51; C Langeveldt 4-19)
South Africa 137-7, 20 overs (AB de Villiers 53; S Ajmal 4-26)

Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs.