SYDNEY: New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first in the crucial semi-final match against Pakistan in Sydney on Wednesday.
Pakistan will face the Kiwis for the fourth time in a World Cup semi-final, scheduled to start at 1pm. The two sides have clashed six times in the T20 World Cup history so far and Pakistan triumphed in four matches, while New Zealand managed to win two.
Having somehow survived a stunning defeat against Zimbabwe that followed a heart-breaking loss against India in this World Cup, the Green Shirts are just two wins away from what would be their first world title in 13 years.
Their goal is to somehow counter the New Zealand juggernaut today. It’s a task easier said than done. Since hammering hosts Australia by 89 runs in their tournament opener – also at the SCG – the Blackcaps have emerged as the team to beat in this World Cup.
After falling to India and Zimbabwe, Pakistan were almost written off even by some of their most ardent fans. But thanks to a stunning Dutch victory over South Africa, Pakistan bounced back in striking distance of regaining the trophy which they won way back in 2009.
It will feel like déjà vu when Pakistan take on New Zealand today. Thirty years ago, they sneaked into the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup Down Under despite all odds and then stunned a rampaging New Zealand side in the semi-finals before winning the coveted crown.
All Pakistan will need a solid start today and for that Babar will be key along with Mohammad Rizwan, who has also struggled in Australia. The introduction of young power-hitter Mohammad Haris has boosted the top order while left-hander Shan Masood also looked good in the tense chase against Bangladesh.
Lineups
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.