New Zealand & Pakistan facing each other in 1st Semifinal is one of the few ways in which this T20 World cup resembles the ODI WC played in 1992. 30 years ago Pakistan outplayed Martin Crowe’s side in a very famous Semifinal.
Just like in 1992 this year too Pakistan has come out of nowhere to make its place in the Semifinals and will hope that the result remains the same as it did earlier.
Both teams are coming into Semifinals after a good win in their last league stage match but Pakistan carries more momentum as they’ve won their last 3 consecutive games but their captain’s form is a big issue for them.
Babar Azam has so far scored only 39 runs in 5 games with an SR of just 61!!. New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson too faced bad form at the start of this tournament but recovered well by scoring 61 off 35 against Ireland in the last league stage match.
When & Where: Match will start at 1.30 PM IST/ 7 PM local at Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia.
Broadcasting: The match can be viewed on Star Sports or Disney + Hotstar network in India & Fox cricket in Australia.
What to Expect
Sydney Cricket Ground proved to be a very high-scoring venue in the Super-12 stage. The average first Innings total at this venue was 179 & the team batting first won 5 out of 6 games. Spinners and new ball bowlers can play a huge role in this Semifinal & both teams will look to bat first after winning the toss.
Probable playing XIs
Pakistan:- Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Haris, Iftikar Ahmed, Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim jr, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.
New Zealand:- Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Players to Watch Out For
Kane Williamson having the reputation of a big-match player will be key for New Zealand to win this game. He’s our player to watch out for in the Semifinal from the Kiwi Side.
Shadab Khan has picked up 10 wickets and also scored 78 runs in this edition of the WT20 till the end of group stages. Enough to conclude the fact that he is the best Pakistani player in this tournament so far & will look to continue this in Semifinal as well.
Key Matchups (In T20 internationals)
Babar Azam vs Trent Boult: 39 runs; 23 balls; 0 dismissalS
Babar Azam vs Tim Southee: 48 runs; 55 balls; 2 dismissals
Kane Williamson vs Shadab Khan: 67 runs; 65 balls; 2 dismissals
Devon Conway vs Haris Rauf: 29 runs; 27 balls; 4 dismissals
Mohammad Rizwan vs Trent Boult: 60 runs; 60 balls; 0 dismissals
Mohammad Rizwan vs Tim Southee: 45 runs; 45 balls; 2 dismissals.
Dream11 Team for NZ vs PAK/Semi-Final 1, T20 WC 2022
Note: To See our Final Team (after the toss), Join our Telegram Channel Clan For Gamers
Match Prediction
We Predict New Zealand to win this match and their captain (Kane Williamson) to play a crucial role in that victory.
