1st Semi-Final
With a score of 153 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, Pakistan defeated New Zealand, who made 152 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, in the 1st semi-final played on 09th November 2022.
The unlikely win of Netherlands over South Africa, helped Pakistan limp to the semi finals against New Zealand. This team has now managed to execute a nearly exceptional win.
Shahid Afridi got a wicket in his very first over. He had trapped Finn Allen with an in swinger you can consider ‘viscous’. The swingers could lock down the ‘back-end’ of the innings and conceded only 53 runs in 6 over’s.
Pakistan dominate the ‘death’
At the end of the 14th over, New Zealand was 99 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. They could have had a score of more than 160 runs as they were given the ‘firepower’ in the middle order. Pakistan played a shrewd game and mixed up the pace and bowled exceptionally well. New Zealand could manage only 3 fours in the final 6 overs.
Babar and Rizwan take the quick’s of New Zealand
It was possible for Trent to take Babar in the very first over, when the batter had nicked his 1st ball. Devon Conway got only the ‘webbing’ of his gloves.
In the next over of Bout, the players of Pakistan could kick the innings into high gear and this stayed consistent for their duration. Babar could crash Boult through ‘point’ and Rizwan glanced him at fine. He also managed to thump him on the offside. In the 2nd over of Tim Southee, 15 runs were taken. Rizwan slammed him 2 times through midwicket and Babar managed to crack him through the ‘backward’ square leg.
New Zealand got little control by the spinners, but this pair could negotiate this period in a smart manner. After the 12th over, the required run rate was just 6.37.
A Sliver of hope by Mitchell and Williamson
It was during the 11th over to the 14th over New Zealand showed some hope of being on the top. They were 59 runs for the loss of 3 wickets at the ‘halfway’ stage wanting to move desperately. Off the 11th over, Mitchell managed to hit 2 fours that Shadab Khan had bowled. The first 6 of the innings was hit by Williamson in the 13th over off Mohammad Wasim. In the 4 over’s they had scored 40 runs.
Sadly, after this period they were unable to maintain the scoring rate.
Haris could ease the nerves of Pakistan
After Rizwan and Babar parted there was a slight slowdown. Rizwan was out in the 17th over. At this time, Pakistan needed 21 runs off 18 balls. Mohammad Haris managed to put the Pakistan team back on the victory map in the next over. He hit a 4 off Lockie Ferguson and managed to also hit him in the very next ball. Sadly he got out before he could hit the winning run.
