Sar the star as Pakistan reach semis

PAKISTAN booked a Champions Trophy semi-final clash against England on Wednesday after edging past Sri Lanka by three wickets in gripping fashion.

When they slumped from 92 for one to 137 for six in pursuit of 237 for victory, Pakistan looked down and out at Cardiff Wales Stadium.

But a return to the Welsh capital in under 48 hours’ time was secured thanks to the efforts of captain Sarfraz Ahmed and opening bowler Mohammad Amir.

They compiled an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 75, with Sarfraz hitting an unbeaten 61 and Amir undefeated on 28, to leave Sri Lanka reflecting ruefully on dropping Sarfraz twice in quick succession as the Pool B contest reached a thrilling end.

Sri Lanka, despite a battling 73 by Niroshan Dickwella, were bowled out for what appeared an under-par total, with Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali each taking three wickets.

Requiring under five runs an over, Pakistan set about their task in clinical fashion as Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali delivered a 74-run opening partnership.

But such promise rapidly evaporated as Pakistan lost wickets cheaply, not helping themselves through some poor shot choices. Sri Lanka did not require a second invitation to go for the jugular, giving themselves sight of an unlikely win before it was taken away from them by an inspired captain’s innings, securing the win with 5.1 overs to spare.