KOLKATA: Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup on Saturday after failing to achieve an improbable target. With this result, it became certain that New Zealand would face India in the first semi-final at Wankhede on November 15. The second semi-final between South Africa and Australia will be played at Eden Gardens on November 16. Pakistan would have reached the semi-finals if they had achieved the target of 338 runs set by England in 6.4 overs at the Eden Gardens today. Pakistan managed to score 30 runs for the loss of two wickets at the allotted time and is now presaging a batting collapse.

England won the toss and elected to bat first on the slow pitch at Kolkata. Hopes soon got dashed as England showed a firework batting display scoring a humungous total that Pakistan would never surmount within the alloted overs.

David Malan and Jonny Bairstow started the batting well. In 13 overs, the duo put on a partnership of 82 runs. Joe Root followed with a brilliant performance (60 off 72 balls) and Bairstow also scored a half-century (59). Ben Stokes, who came next, added to the batting prowess with a fine show. Stokes scored 84 runs off 76 balls with 11 fours and two sixes giving a hard day at office for Pakistan bowlers.

England scored 337 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs. Harris Rauf, who conceded 64 runs in 10 overs and took three wickets, was the saving grace in the Pakistan team.