Pakistan suffer second straight last-ball defeat as Zimbabwe pull off T20 World Cup shock | Cricket News

Zimbabwe produced the second T20 World Cup upset in as many days with a thrilling one-run win over Pakistan in Perth subjecting their opponents to a second straight last-ball defeat and leaving their hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging by a thread.

After Ireland shocked England at the MCG on Wednesday to blow Group 1 wide open, Zimbabwe beat Pakistan on Thursday to severely dent the 2009 champions’ hopes of progressing from Group 2.

Pakistan, who also suffered an agonising last-ball loss to India on Sunday, may miss out on the knockout stages, even if they win their final three matches against Netherlands, South Africa and Bangladesh.

Chasing 131 for victory at Optus Stadium, Pakistan slumped to 36-3 inside eight overs and then 99-6 in the 16th, only for Mohammad Nawaz (22) – whose error-strewn final over had helped India win Sunday’s MCG classic – and Mohammad Wasim (12no) to cut the requirement to four from four balls.

However, Nawaz was then caught at mid-off with three required from two balls before Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out off the last delivery trying to complete a two that would have taken the game to a Super Over.

More to follow.

What’s next?

Pakistan play Netherlands in Perth on Sunday (7am UK time), with Zimbabwe facing Bangladesh on Brisbane earlier the same day (3am UK time)