As Babar Azam and co reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, Pakistani fans started comparing the team’s run to Imran Khan and his team during the 1992 World Cup.
And that dream seems to be alive as Pakistan beat New Zealand to book their place in the final as they did during the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup. The win means Pakistan will play in their third T20 World Cup final since the tournament began in 2007.
The Black Caps had set a target of 153 runs for Pakistan which was easily achieved by the Man in Green.
Ahead of this match, everyone had questions about the team’s opening pair and it seems that the 105-run partnership between captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan should end the debate.
Earlier, thanks to Daryl Mitchell’s half-century, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson decided to bat first and set New Zealand a target of 153 runs.
Pakistan started brilliantly as they restricted New Zealand to 49/3 at the end of eight overs.
But a 68-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Mitchell brought New Zealand back into the game.
The partnership looked dangerous for Pakistan and if it continued, New Zealand might need a higher total. However, Shaheen stopped New Zealand’s charge by dismissing Williamson in the 17th over.
However, Mitchell combined with James Neesham to help the Black Caps end the innings at 152/4.
Mitchell was the top scorer for New Zealand and remained not out with 53 runs.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Dion Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ash Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
