Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi said that the team’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals are no longer entirely in their own hands after yesterday’s loss to England.
Afridi said, “We know our fate is not in our hands, but we need to beat the Sri Lanka national cricket team in our last match on Saturday and then hope other results go our way. It’s not ideal, but it is what it is.”
Pakistan currently have just one point from two Super Eight matches, meaning they must secure victory in their final game and depend on favourable outcomes elsewhere to keep their semi-final dreams alive.
Afridi also praised Harry Brook for his match-winning century that helped England cricket team into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.
Brook made his maiden T20 international hundred off just 50 balls, striking four sixes and 10 fours as England chased down a 165-run target with five balls remaining to seal a two-wicket victory.
Afridi had earlier rattled England’s top order with a fiery spell, claiming three crucial wickets. However, Brook’s composed and commanding innings ultimately turned the game in England’s favor.
“In my opinion, this will be the best innings of his life,” Afridi said. “It wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on, but he took the game away from us.”
He added that Brook deserved full credit for his performance. “He played proper cricketing shots and deserved a handshake, so I went to him and shook his hand in appreciation.”
How can Pakistan reach the semi-finals?
There are chances for Pakistan to still qualify for the semi-finals, but there are some ifs and Buts as per the current situation. In today’s T20 World Cup match, England beat Pakistan by two wickets and chased the target of 165 runs in the last over.
Pakistan can reach the semi-final if New Zealand lose both their matches and Pakistan beats Sri Lanka in the next Super 8 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, if New Zealand lose one match in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, then Pakistan will need to beat Sri Lanka with a good margin. Defeating Sri Lanka with a good margin will help Pakistan to improve their NRR.
It is pertinent to mention that if New Zealand win both matches of the Super 8 stage, then Pakistan will not be able to qualify for the semi-final.
Next two matches of New Zealand are crucial
The next two matches of New Zealand are against England and Sri Lanka. These two matches will decide whether Pakistan will reach the semi-final or not.
New Zealand will play against England on February 27 at 6:30 pm. However, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face each other tomorrow at 6:30 pm.
