Pakistan opening batsmen?rediscovered their form just in time to help their team get past New Zealand into the T20 World Cup final.
On Wednesday, Pakistan defeated New Zealand?with a seven-wicket victory against a challenging target of 153 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, who each hit 57 and 53 runs, were instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph. Both openers found their form exactly when their team most needed them.
New Zealand, who finished second to Australia in the United Arab Emirates last year, was in with a chance after reaching 152-4 in their allotted 20 overs, with Shaheen Shah Afridi (2-24) being the standout bowler for Pakistan.?
If Devon Conway had grabbed the opportunity to get rid of Babar with the first ball the Pakistani skipper faced instead of dropping the catch, the situation might have been quite different.
Babar took full advantage of the situation, while Rizwan chipped his way to a half-century before Babar was bowled out by Trent Boult in the 13th over with Pakistan having reached 105.
When Rizwan picked out Glenn Phillips in the deep, Boult took another crucial wicket, but the damage had already been done. Mohammad Haris (30) had already set up Lockie Ferguson for a magnificent six, putting Pakistan well ahead of the needed run rate.
At the end of the penultimate over, Haris clipped to Finn Allen, but Shan Masood showed no fear as he bowled Pakistan into their first World Cup final since 2009 on the first ball of the final over.
Captain’s Knock From Babar
Last Saturday, Pakistan appeared to be facing an early exit from the competition, but South Africa’s shocking loss to the Netherlands gave them a chance. They will now compete for glory in the title game of the competition.
Rizwan had started to regain his form in the final Group 2 matches, but Babar had only amassed 39 runs overall before Wednesday. However, he delivered this time around when it needed, smashing seven fours in his 42-ball knock.