New Zealand are into the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. File photo: ReutersNew Zealand reached the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals after Pakistan crashed out despite a five-run victory against already-eliminated Sri Lanka in a Group Two Super Eights match in Pallekele on Saturday. They racked up 212-8 after Sahibzada Farhan (100) and Fakhar Zaman (84) combined in a T20 World Cup record 176-run opening stand. Farhan led their charge with scintillating power-hitting as he and Zaman denied Sri Lanka a breakthrough until the 16th over. Having already been eliminated, Sri Lanka faltered early in their chase and were 33-2 having lost both openers inside five overs.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 28, 2026 19:25 UTC