Pakistan make dramatic entry into T20 World Cup semis with 5-wicket win over Bangladesh

Pakistan defied all odds to make a dramatic entry into T20 World Cup semifinals with a clinical five-wicket win over Bangladesh after being handed a fresh lease of life by Nerlands, who stunned South Africa in Adelaide on Sunday.

Standing on verge of an early exit from tournament following defeats against India and Zimbabwe in Super 12 st, Pakistan were handed a lifeline after Nerlands shocked South Africa by 13 runs at same venue earlier in day. That unexpected result also secured semifinal pass for India with a match in hand. Opting to bat, Bangladesh got off to a rollicking start with Najmul Hossain Shanto slamming a counter-attacking 48-ball 54 but lacked final flourish as Pakistan rode on pacer Shaheen Afridi's career-best T20I figures of 4 for 22 to restrict ir opponents to a paltry 127 for eight.

It was t a straightforward chase as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals to find mselves in a tricky position before Shan Masood held his nerves to seal win with 11 balls to spare.

Mohammad Haris played a crucial 18-ball 31 in middle after Pakistan lost both ir openers -- Babar Azam (25) and Mohammad Rizwan (32) in quick succession.

With seven needed, Haris did a harakiri and was dismissed by Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan.

Pakistan lost one more wicket in form of Iftikhar Ahmed with just two required for win. Pakistan employed a watchful strategy while chasing with skipper Babar Azam desperate to get some runs under his belt.

Rizwan got a reprieve on zero when Bangladesh wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan dropped a dolly in first over.

duo held on despite an edgy start and put on 57 runs for opening wicket.

With run-rate pressure, it seemed Pakistan were coasting but contest turned into a nervy one after Nasum Ahmed (1/14) mand to get breakthrough.

left-arm spinner, who was brilliant in Powerplay, returned in 11th over to end Azam's anxious stay.

Ebadot Hossain n dismissed Rizwan in next over.

Pakistan needed 59 off 48 balls as Haris calmed proceedings smashing Ebadot for a boundary and six.

Earlier, on a difficult pitch, Shanto smashed an entertaining half-century before Bangladesh faltered in death overs.

Shanto was at his fluent best and pierced field at ease en route to his second fifty of tournament.

After early dismissal of Litton Das, Shanto and Soumya Sarkar (20) shared 72 runs off 47 balls for second wicket to lay a good platform for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh were easily looking at a 150-plus score when Shadab Khan (2/30) triggered collapse.

leg-spinner took two wickets in two balls, including a dubious DRS dismissal of Bangladesh skipper Shakib for a golden duck.

Shanto, however, seemed undeterred as he went about his business and completed a 46-ball fifty.

But off-spinner Iftikhar outsmarted Shanto, cleaning him up with a slower one.

Iftikhar returned with fine figures of 3-0-15-1 as Babar's ploy to attack with off-spinner against left-handed Bangladesh batters did trick.

Afridi n got into act, dismissing Mosaddek Hossain, Nurul Hasan and Taskin Ahmed in six balls across two overs.

Speedster Haris Rauf looked at his best and returned with figures of 1/21. PTI SSC BS BS