Afridi guides Pakistan to Twenty20 final

Pakistan's run to the final of the Twenty20 World Cup has helped lift the mood in the country following months of suicide bombings, militant attacks and economic hardships.

A fine all-round performance from Shahid Afridi has steered Pakistan into Sunday's World Twenty20 final, after they beat tournament favorites South Africa by seven runs at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Thursday.

Pakistan captain Younus Khan won the toss and elected to bat and it was Afridi who gave their innings real impetus with a 32-ball half-century containing eight boundaries. South Africa eventually finished their innings on 142 for five to continue their miserable recent record of failing to deliver at the crucial stages in major tournaments. It is the fourth time they have gone out at the semifinal stage of a major competition.

Pakistan will now play the winners of the second semifinal between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Sunday's final at Lord's and will be looking to go one better than in 2007 when they lost the final to neighbors and rivals India in South Africa.