Babar and Rizwan’s sensational 105-run partnership take Pakistan to third T20 World Cup final; to face India or England
Islamabad
Pakistan thrashed New Zealand to secure a place in the final just like they did during the 1992 World Cup’s semi-final. The win means Pakistan will be playing their third T20 World Cup final since the tournament started in 2007.
The Black Caps had set a 153-run target for Pakistan which the Men in Green chased down with ease.
Before this game, everyone had questions about the opening pair of the team and it seems the 105-run partnership between skipper Babar Azam and wicket-keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan should end the debate.
It was in the 12th over that New Zealand dismissed Babar for 53 to end the partnership. At that point, Pakistan required 47 from 43 balls.
But by then, the Men In Green had already gained much ground. Rizwan and Mohammad Haris kept the scoreboard ticking until the wicket-keeper-batter was dismissed via run out at 57.
Haris was caught at short fine leg on the last ball of the 19th over. Right in the next over, Pakistan won the match by seven wickets. The Men In Green will now face either England or India — who will face off tomorrow.
Earlier, Daryl Mitchell’s half-century helped New Zealand set a 153-run target after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bat first.
Pakistan were off to a flying start when they confined New Zealand at 49/3 at the end of the eight overs. But a 68-run partnership between Kane Williamson and Mitchell brought New Zealand back into the game. Shaheen dismissed Williamson in the 17th over to stop New Zealand’s charge.
However, Mitchell along with James Neesham helped the Black Caps end the innings at 152/4.
