Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov 9: Babar Azam and his team advanced to the November 13 final with a decisive performance against New Zealand in the first semi-final on Wednesday in Sydney, putting them one step away from matching the feats of the 1992 “Cornered Tigers.”
Pakistan successfully completed the 153-run chase, crossing the finish line with 7 wickets and 5 balls remaining. Shaheen Afridi’s meagre bowling effort helped Pakistan reduce India to 152 for 4 in 20 overs before captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scored match-winning fiftys.
The Sydney Cricket Ground was filled to the rafters, and Pakistan performed like a team possessed as they were supported. The team’s batting mainstays, skipper Babar Azam and fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan, disproved doubters by showing up on the big day. Shaheen Afridi set the tone with the ball, Shadab Khan led their outstanding fielding exhibition, and Mohammad Rizwan also led their batting performance.
Kane Williamson, one of the most controlled leaders in recent memory, and New Zealand were well outplayed as the BlackCaps were denied a spot in the second consecutive T20 World Cup final. In a lopsided semi-final in Sydney, Pakistan emerged from the ashes to defeat one of the ICC tournaments’ most reliable teams.
Pakistan also competed in its third T20 World Cup final, having previously lost in 2007 and triumphed in 2009. In the World Cup semifinal match against New Zealand, Pakistan also kept their perfect record intact, increasing the total to 4-0.
Since they were released from prison, Pakistan’s team spirit has been high. They made the most of the sudden lifeline that was thrown their way to advance to the semifinals.
