Pakistan stunned New Zealand with a comprehensive seven-wicket win in the first semi-finals of ICC T20 World Cup 2022 played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on 9 November 2022. It was a dominating performance by Babar Azam and Co. to restrict Kiwis to a modest total before chasing down the target with ease.
The Men in Green looked down and out after losing the first two matches against India and then Zimbabwe. They returned with 3 back-to-back wins over the Netherlands, and South Africa. After South Africa’s shocking loss to the Netherlands, Pakistan won their do-or-die match against Bangladesh to finish at the number 2 spot in Group 2.
Here we look at the top 3 moments of the first semi-finals between Pakistan and New Zealand
1. Dismissal of Finn Allen in the first over
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first. Finn Allen who provided flying starts keeping pressure on opponent bowlers was dismissed cheaply in the very first over.
Allen started the innings with a cracking boundary-off first delivery before surviving a close LBW shout. He was given out by the umpire but on review, it was overturned to not out as it was hitting the edge. Shaheen Shah Afridi then got rid of Finn Allen but this time the decision was upheld as the batter took the review.
It was a disappointing start for the Kiwi team as Finn Allen could not give the team an aggressive start. Despite his failure, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s knocks helped New Zealand post 152 for 4 in 20 overs.
2. Shahbad Khan’s direct hit to get Devon Conway out
After the loss of an early wicket of Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Kane Williamson steadied the ship for New Zealand with positive intent putting pressure on New Zealand bowling. Conway looked decent enough to keep the scoreboard along with captain Kane Williamson.
With Conway and Williamson looking to consolidate the innings, Shahbad Khan produced a stunning direct hit to run out Conway from mid-off. It was a sensational throw by the leg-spinner as Conway and Williamson added 34 runs for the second wicket.
Conway was well short of the crease as New Zealand ended the first six overs at 38 for 2. Glenn Phillips also fell cheaply after a simple return catch to Mohammad Nawaz.
3. Drop catch of Babar Azam
Chasing down 153 runs to win, Babar Azam was dropped when he was on 0 by Devon Conway. He then showed intent putting pressure on New Zealand bowling along with Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan made 55 for 0 at the end of the first six overs.
New Zealand’s fielding was not up to the mark as they missed a few chances to get rid of Babar Azam. Babar Azam completed his maiden fifty this tournament at right time. Babar and Rizwan added 105 runs for the opening wicket.
It was a brilliant partnership between Babar and Rizwan laying a strong foundation for a comfortable win. Mohammad Haris joined the party with a quickfire knock while Rizwan scored a half-century. Pakistan won the match easily by 7 wickets progressing into the grand finale to be played on November 13 at MCG.
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