DHAKA: The West Indies have an ace up their sleeve in Saqlain Mushtaq as the defending champions take on Pakistan in a make-or-break World Twenty20 encounter in Dhaka today.

The winner of the night clash at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium will join India in the semi-finals from group two of the Super-10s, condemning the loser to an early flight home.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, beat New Zealand by 59 runs in a low-scoring World Twenty20 Super-10 Group One match in Chittagong to cruise into the semi-finals.

Saqlain, the former Pakistan off-spinner, is a key member on the West Indies bench as their spin bowling consultant for the tournament, and his advice has benefited the team immensely. The 37-year-old Saqlain said he was delighted to work with the West Indies, but declined to predict the winner of today’s match.

“It’s a great opportunity and honor to be associated with such a great team like the West Indies,” Saqlain said.

Pakistan revived their fortunes with a 16-run win over Australia before thumping hosts Bangladesh by 50 runs.