The team that struggled hard to qualify for the semi-finals has made it to the finals of the T20 World Cup. Pakistan has defeated New Zealand to capture a berth in the finals of the marquee event. For the Kiwis, their knock-out scare remains the same. Witnessing New Zealand’s latest defeat looks like this team is most consistent in failing in the knock-out clashes of important tournaments.
Pakistan’s entrance to the semi-finals came at the back of a big upset. Netherlands defeated the table-topper South Africa to kick them out opening a creak for Pakistan. Pakistan made it through the creak after defeating Bangladesh in their last Super 12 game. And now, the Babar Azam-led team has finally unveiled its true potential to knock New Zealand out of the tournament.
All That Went Down In The Semi-Final Showdown Between Pakistan and New Zealand
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss at the SCG and chose to bat first. However, the first innings quickly sided with Pakistan as the Kiwi opener Finn Allen got out in the very first over. Skipper Williamson stuck around amidst a dwindling batting line-up. Ultimately, Kane walked out on a slower by Shaheen Afridi at the score of 46 off 42. Riding on the back of an impressive half-centurion cameo by Daryl Mitchel, New Zealand managed to put up 152 runs on the board.
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And in the utmost important semi-final clash, Pakistan’s top order decided to finally show up in the tournament. Rizwan scored at a quick strike rate while Babar Azam not only made a double-digit score but his first half-century of the campaign. The openers almost did it for Pakistan before Azam lost his wicket to a catch in the 13th over. However, the game was already out of New Zealand’s hands till then. Rizwan stuck around to witness Pakistan seal a berth in the final, ultimately, scoring 57 off 43. Pakistan chased the target with 5 balls left to spare and 7 wickets still in hand.
The second and last semi-final is scheduled between England and India. The winner of the clash will sort it out with Pakistan in the final of the T20 World Cup. The stage looks set for an enthralling clash for the final now that Pakistan is already there. And as the fans have iterated countless times, now it’s on India to put up the ultimate India vs Pakistan clash at the MCG in the final on November 13.
