Afridi smooths Pakistan's Twenty20 progress

CAPE TOWN, Sep 21 (Reuters) Shahid Afridi blasted 39 from 15 balls to smooth Pakistan's way to a comfortable four-wicket victory against Bangladesh in their final Twenty20 World Cup group F match at Newlands.

Australia's earlier 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka ensured Pakistan had already qualified for Saturday's semi-finals while Bangladesh were eliminated following two opening Super Eight defeats.

Debutant Junaid Siddique smashed a quickfire 71 from 49 balls in a man of the match performance to lift Bangladesh to a respectable total of 140 but Afridi's composed innings allowed Pakistan to cruise to victory with an over to spare, yesterday.

Siddique struck six fours and three sixes but none of his team mates were able to reach 20 against Pakistan's bowlers, with off spinners Mohammed Hafeez and captain Shoaib Malik leading the way with figures of 2-27 and 2-15.

REUTERS BJR AS1629