What A Win, Team Pakistan! Pakistan has thrashed New Zealand by seven wickets in the first semifinal at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to reach the final of the ICC Menโs T20 World Cup 2022.
WHAT A WIN, PAKISTAN! ๐คฏ
Pakistan have reached their third Men's #T20WorldCup final ๐#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/dumaIcWVeZ
— ICC (@ICC) November 9, 2022
Pakistan, who lost to Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament, made it to the semis thanks to Netherlands’ win over South Africa, have now stormed into the final of the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Let’s take a look at the key moments that made Pakistan through to the T20 World Cup Final
Shaheenโs Magnificent First Over
Restricting New Zealand in the Powerplay was always going to be key for Pakistan. Shaheen Afridi delivered on the big stage as he nearly always does. He took just that one wicket in the Powerplay, but his first over set the tone.
Shadab Khanโs Magical Run Out
The key to New Zealand’s batting order was Devon Conway and to dismiss him via a run-out was a huge and decisive moment in the match. Shadab Khan is one of the best fielders in the world, but even for him the swoop and direct hit were magical.
Great Opening Partnership
The pair of Babar Azam and Mohamamd Rizwan fired in unison in a century stand with each hitting a half-century to set the base for a seven-wicket win. Babar exited after hitting 53 while Rizwan made 57 as Pakistan chased down 153 in 19.1 overs to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Haris And His Timely Hits
Pakistan had looked in complete control throughout their chase, but there was just a hint of pressure beginning to build when the target went to 19 from 15 balls. Mohammad Haris removed the pressure at the precise moment it surfaced. This was only the 21-year-oldโs fourth T20I, but he stepped up big time with back-to-back boundaries following up a flowing four with a huge hook that sailed over square leg for six.
With this win, Pakistan now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between India and England, for the summit clash at MCG on November 13.
