After losing both the first matches against India and Zimbabwe, Pakistan were in trouble regarding the qualification in the semi-finals of the ongoing 20-20 World Cup. Even, fans were worried after seeing such a shambolic start to the World Cup campaign by Babar Azam and his men. But, they kept their nerves and managed to qualify for the semi-final.
On 9 November 2022, they took on New Zealand in Sydney. The Kiwis were coming off after securing the top spot in their group. Speaking about the match, Kane Williamson won the toss and he chose to bat first. For the Kiwis, Finn Allen and Devon Conway came out to open the innings.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the 20-20 World Cup
While batting first, the Kiwis scored only 152 runs for four wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Kane Williamson scored 46 runs off 42 balls, including one four and one six. Along with him, Daryl Mitchell scored 53* runs off 35 balls, including three fours and one six. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took two wickets for 24 runs in his four overs. In reply, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan came out to open the innings.
However, fans were hoping to see them in some form with the bat. This time, they did not disappoint as they put up a solid partnership of 105 runs in 12.4 runs. Babar Azam scored 53 runs off 42 balls, at a strike rate of 126.19. Along with him, Rizwan scored 57 runs off 43 balls, including five fours. Mohammad Haris impressed everyone once again as he scored viral 30 runs off 26 balls. He hit two fours and one six at the crucial stage of the innings. Finally, Pakistan managed to chase down the target by seven wickets in 19.1 overs. With this win, the Men in Green managed to storm into the final of the ongoing 20-20 World Cup under the leadership of Babar Azam.
Here is how fans have reacted to the victory of Pakistan over the Kiwis in the 20-20 World Cup semi-final:
Congratulations to all the @TheRealPCB except those who were saying that Pakistan don't deserve to be in the finals. 🇵🇰❤️#PakvsNz #T20WorldCup #T20Iworldcup2022 pic.twitter.com/QmgT9qfxoV
— Mohamed Amaz (@crimeamas) November 9, 2022
Mazak mazak main world cup k final main ponch gaye hen🫢#PakvsNz #BabarAzam𓃵
— Aashir Memon (@ASHIRMemon14) November 9, 2022
1992 coming at us inshAllah #T20Iworldcup2022 #PakvsNz #WorldCup
— Waleed Ahmed (@IamRealWaleed) November 9, 2022
This is Pakistan Cricket. 🇵🇰
— Kashi Mughal (@naqashmughal925) November 9, 2022
Congratulations everyone! Dhamaal pao! 🕺💃#BabarAzam𓃵 #PakvsNz
Those who said Babar Azam and Rizwan Mai se ak ko one down ana chaiye. Congratulations Pakistan 🥺💚❤️#PakvsNz #KingBabar #rizwam #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/LzIfhR6JpY
— Muhammad_Bilal (@imbilal80) November 9, 2022
See you at MCG
— Raja Moheez khan (@moheezrajaAKP) November 9, 2022
Into the final 😍😍#PakvsNz #WorldCup2022
Into the finals 💚🇵🇰#PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/4nmegHsnYF
— Hashim 💫💫 (@hashiiiiiimm) November 9, 2022
Form is Tempörary
— smileyy (@smiley_club1) November 9, 2022
Class is Permanënt 💚✌️🙌
King Babar is back 👑🙌#BabarAzam𓃵 #WorldCup2022 #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/w8YIe7hnOu