T20 World Cup 2022 Finals: Pakistan is back for the big title game in 2022 after appearing in the first two T20 World Cup semifinals, losing to India in 2007 and defeating Sri Lanka in 2009. The men in green have lost all three times since 2009 despite making it to the final four three times out of five.
After losing the toss, Pakistan seized control of the semifinal, with Devon Conway getting run out by Shadab Khan off the final ball of the powerplay and Finn Allen being removed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over.
As New Zealand finished at 152/4 in their allotted 20 overs, runs from Kane Williamson (46) and Daryl Mitchell (53), among others, helped the team out much.
Mohammad Rizwan (57), the captain, and Babar Azam (53) contributed 105 runs for the first wicket to all but guarantee Pakistan’s victory. In the end, the green team won the game with five balls remaining and seven wickets in hand.
Captain of New Zealand Kane Williamson in his t20 world cup 2022 post match address said: “We were put under pressure early. Pakistan bowled very nicely. We managed to wrestle back some momentum with an unbelievable knock from Mitchell. At the halfway stage we were feeling it was a competitive total. Wicket was a bit tough – used surface. Very disappointing to not make Pakistan work a lot harder. They were outstanding. We were outplayed. It’s a tough pill for us to swallow.”
T20 World Cup 2022 Semifinal Pakistan Versus New Zealand: Pakistan wins by 7 wickets
Babar Azam in his post match address said : “Thanks to the crowd. We feel like we’re playing at home. Got a good start with the first 6 overs with the ball. Later on the ball didn’t come on well. Fast bowlers finished well. We planned before going that we’ll utilise the powerplay.”
In 2010, In 2010, 2012 saw the hosts Sri Lanka triumph by 16 runs. And in 2021, as Matthew Wade led the eventual winners and defending champions over the finish line, the Australians would return to haunt them late in the contest. When Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in 2022, they didn’t leave anything to chance.
The next semifinal outcome is awaited between India and England which will be held in Adelaide oval on the 10th of November 2022. The winner will meet Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 Finals at the MCG on 13th November 2022.