In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan has qualified for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. South Africa’s defeat against the Netherlands turned Sunday’s Pakistan-Bangladesh match into a knockout contest, with a victory Pakistan has now progressed to the next stage.

Bangladesh set Pakistan a target of 128 runs. Najmul Hosain Shanto score 54 of 28, as Shaheen Afridi grabbed 4 wickets for 22 runs.

In response, Pakistan chased the target down in 18.1 overs, losing five wickets in the process. Muhammad Rizwan 32 (32) and Mohammad Haris 31 (18) played key innings in for the win.

Man-of-the-match Shaheen, who missed the recent Asia Cup with injury, said: “I have improved. Not easy to come back from injury […] but I’m trying my best.

“As a team, we are very happy. We’ve played great. Bowl in the right areas and fast was the plan.”

Asked if he was looking forward to the semis, he joked: “Now we are looking forward to the final.”

Pakistan bounced back from opening defeat against India and a shock loss to Zimbabwe to outplay South Africa last week.

They had a spring in their step after the shock South Africa loss earlier on Sunday and Shaheen struck early as the left-arm quick sent back Liton Das for 10 following Bangladesh’s decision to bat first at the Adelaide Oval.

Pakistan’s campaign had begun poorly with back to back losses against India and Zimbabwe. The team was soon put into a position where the outcome of other group matches would decide if Pakistan had an opportunity to qualify.

However, with South Africa’s defeat against the Netherlands today, and Pakistan’s win over Bangladesh, a semi-final spot for the greens is now confirmed.

Mohammad Haris has replaced the injured Fakhar Zaman, who aggravated his knee injury in the win against the Netherlands.

South Africa’s loss today also means that India have also qualified for the semi finals. From Group A, New Zealand and England have already qualified after Australia was eliminated on Saturday.

The outcome of India vs Zimbabwe will now decide Pakistan’s opponent in the semi-final.