Last-ball loss could put Pakistan out of World T20

Defending champions Pakistan led by Shahid Afridi were on the brink of elimination from the World Twenty20 after losing to New Zealand by just one run in a last-ball thriller here on Saturday.

Victory for South Africa over England in the day's other Group E Super Eights match at the Kensington Oval would mean Pakistan no longer had a chance of reaching the semi-finals.

Recalled New Zealand fast bowler Ian Butler, entrusted with the last over, took an impressive three wickets for 19 runs as opener Salman Butt, who finished on 67 not out, so nearly saw Pakistan home after a top-order collapse.

Pakistan, chasing 134 to win, finished on 132 for seven in reply to the 133 for seven New Zealand made after losing the toss.

Pakistan began the final over, bowled by Butler, needing 11 to win. Left-hander Butt couldn't make contact with the first ball but slashed the second down to third man for four.

He also missed the third delivery before crashing the fourth through point for another boundary. Off the fifth ball, Pakistan ran a bye.

That meant left-armer Rehman, was on strike with two needed off the final ball. Rehman made good contact as he swung at a legside delivery from Butler but the ball flew straight to Martin Guptill and New Zealand had won.