ICC T20 World Cup: Pakistan thrash New Zealand, enters final

SYDNEY: Pakistan produced a clinical performance to thrash New Zealand by seven wickets in the first semifinal at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to reach the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022, here on Wednesday.

With this win, Pakistan now await the winner of the second semifinal between India and England, for the summit clash at MCG on November 13.

Cricket fans all over the world are now hoping to witness another exciting India-Pak match. Pakistan chased down the target of 153 runs set by New Zealand in the last over.

The Kiwis' hopes of victory were dashed as Pakistan's openers Babar Azam (53 off 42 balls) and Mohammad Rizwan (57 off 43 balls) rose to the occasion. Both of them scored 105 runs in the first wicket partnership.

Earlier, New Zealand lost the wicket of Finn Allen (4) in the very first over. Skipper Kane Williamson then joined Devon Conway in the middle and they took the Black Caps innings forward by rotating strikes well and hitting boundaries at regular intervals. Conway (21 off 20), who was in great form, was dismissed by Shadab Khan with his brilliant direct hit. Glenn Phillips, who has been the man in form for New Zealand, was also dismissed cheaply.

At 49/3 after eight overs, New Zealand were in a spot of bother, needing a partnership to bail them out. Daryl Mitchell then joined hands with a well-set Williamson to rescue the team.

Williamson and Mitchell stitched a crucial 68-run stand for the fourth wicket to lead the recovery and set the stage for a good finish for the Kiwis but Afridi had other plans. It was a slower delivery from Afridi and Williamson shuffled across to scoop but he got bowled during the process. Mitchell along with Neesham tried hard to hit big shots during the last few overs but Pakistan bowlers were disciplined enough to keep New Zealand to a chaseable target of 152-4 in 20 overs on a used track. Shaheen Afridi was the most successful bowler for Pakistan with his 2/24, and Mohammad Nawaz (1/12) was the other wicket-taker.