Pakistan sealed their passage into the next phase by beating a plucky Zimbabwe side by 38 runs at Witrand Oval in Potchefstroom.

Man of the match Mohammad Haris clattered 81 from just 48 balls, featuring four sixes and six boundaries, to help his side notch 294-9.

Zimbabwe gave the chase a good go, but were bowled out for 256.

Victory for Pakistan means both they and Bangladesh will progress from Group C with a game to spare.

In Group D, Shafiqullah Ghafari spun Afghanistan to the next stages after their 160-run win over the United Arab Emirates in Group D at the North West University Oval.

The leg-spinner took a five-wicket haul, as the UAE were bowled out for 105 chasing Afghanistan's total of 265-6.

Today's other Group D match saw South Africa defeat Canada by 150 runs at JB Marks Oval.

It means the winner of the match on Saturday (January 25) between the host nation and the UAE, both of whom sit on two points, will join Afghanistan in the Super League.

The most dramatic game of the day came in Group A, however, with New Zealand putting themselves on the cusp of qualification after Kristian Clarke's six from the penultimate ball helped them overcome the now-eliminated Sri Lanka by three wickets at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Clarke arrived at the crease with his side seven down, and after Sri Lanka had taken two wickets in the 49th over, including that of Beckham Wheeler-Greenall, run out for a crucial 80 off 111 balls.

He was followed a ball later by Quinn Sunde, as New Zealand suddenly looked like falling short of their testing 243-run target with 12 needed from the last over, bowled by Dilshan Madushanka.

That equation became six from two balls when Clarke cleared his head and the ropes to spark huge celebrations from the side in black.

Action continues tomorrow, with Group B matches between Australia and England, and the West Indies and Nigeria.