Having bowled out their opponents for 189, Pakistan reached their target after 41.1 overs at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

Mohammad Huraira top scored for the winning side, managing 64 runs off 76 balls before Afghanistan bowler Noor Ahmad created a moment of controversy by running out the Pakistan opener at the non-striker's end.

Ahmad removed the bails in his delivery stride, with Huraira having left his crease.

Running out a backing-up batsman is known as a "Mankad" after India bowler Vinoo Mankad ran out Australia's Bill Brown that way in 1947.

Awaiting Pakistan in the semi-finals are defending champions India, who defeated Australia by 74 runs on Tuesday (January 28).

That match is due to take place on February 4, with the second semi-final, between New Zealand and Bangladesh, scheduled for February 6.

Today's other match saw England overcome Zimbabwe by 75 runs to reach the Plate final, which will determine the ninth-place finisher.

In their pursuit of 287, Zimbabwe were bowled all out for 211 at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

England's opponents in the Plate final, set to be played on February 3, will be Sri Lanka following their 97-run victory over Scotland yesterday.

Zimbabwe and Scotland will contest the 11th-place playoff on February 2.

Action in South Africa is due to continue tomorrow.

The first semi-final, between West Indies and South Africa, is the highlight.

Also scheduled are the 13th-place playoff, which sees the United Arab Emirates face Canada, and the 15th-place playoff between Nigeria and Japan.