Pakistan and New Zealand clashed in the first semi-final of the 20-20 World Cup 2022. The game turned out to be very one-sided as the Men in Green dominated all departments of the game. They always kept the opposition under pressure and comfortably sailed through the match. In the end, Pakistan comfortably defeated New Zealand by seven wickets.
Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bat first at the Sydney Cricket Ground. A blow on the third ball of the inning put the team under immediate pressure. The captain batted well to handle the pressure, but a couple of wickets in quick succession slowed their scoring rate.
Daryl Mitchell joined the crease in the 9th over and wreaked havoc as Williamson also looked to counter-attack. The all-rounder scored some quick runs to give the Blackcaps some hope. In the end, Jimmy Neesham played a short cameo f 16 runs, while Mitchell (53 runs in 35 balls) scored his half-century to guide their team to a total of 152/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam came in with the right intent to chase down the target. The two players have not had the best tournament so far, but that changed in this match. The opening pair put on an impressive partnership of 105 runs, which put Pakistan in the driver’s seat.
Each scored a half-century and played smart cricket, taking risks only when necessary. Babar Azam (53 runs in 42 balls) was struck first, and Rizwan (57 runs in 43 balls) quickly followed. The Men in Green lost another wicket, but they comprehensively won the match with five balls to spare.
For the last edition’s runner up’s, Trent Boult took two wickets and Mitchell Santner took one. With this win, the team led by Babar Azam became the first team to qualify for the finals of the mega event. All their eyes will now be on the India-England clash to see who they play in the finals.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Pakistan’s win
Badhiya saphalta
Badhiya pradarshan
World cup k final mein pohanch gaya hai Pakistan— ??????? ????? ? (@EngineerLarki) November 9, 2022
Pakistan have played their perfect game in the semi-finals. Leading up to the Asia Cup they had played just 1 T20I this year and were figuring out their best 11. They have identified their best 11 closer to the final. Would be a cracker of a final whoever they meet.#WorldCup2022
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) November 9, 2022
Pakistan to Newzeland
Hamary Yaha security k tamam masail Ka Kam Tasali baksh Kia Jata h??#PakvsNz #Congratulations #pakistan— Raja Hummayun (@hummayun_raja) November 9, 2022
Pakistan to India rt now #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/x7C1NBYjB0
— Muhammad Faizan (@sameerfaizan) November 9, 2022
Pakistan's entry into the finals has been nothing short of miraculous! #pakvsnz
— samsonthemove (@sameerbhimani_) November 9, 2022
• Brooooo!! ?
That’s Pakistani team for y’all ??
SO FRIGGIN’ PROUD! ??#PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/0Cc2YKz47s— Mariyam Nafees Amaan (@MariyamNafeees) November 9, 2022
Feeling bad for him. Win or lose He’s always smiling.#PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/a0kshub1NK
— Maheen Faisal (@MaheenFaisal20) November 9, 2022
Cricket unites Pakistan, Great game boys ….. Congratulations everyone #PakvsNz
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 9, 2022
Admirable journey in this World Cup for team Pakistan coming from behind. #PakvsNz
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 9, 2022
Babar and Rizwan have delivered the Day it Mattered #PakvsNZ
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 9, 2022
Hello cheaters?? kesa lga surprise #PakvsNz https://t.co/iWufot1foi
— Azan (@Azan77614285) November 9, 2022
