Semi Final 1: Pakistan Vs New Zealand, SCG, Sydney - ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022; Match Preview
New Zealand were the first team to qualify for the semi finals in this World Cup while Pakistan had the most dramatic back door entry after South Africa suffered a shock loss to the Dutch on the final day of the group games. These two teams met thrice in the recent tri series just before the World Cup began, including the finals, where Pakistan won twice while the Kiwis won one game. Do check out the Road to the Semi Finals for the two teams.
The top order of Pakistan has stuttered and stumbled as both Babar and Rizwan have found the going difficult. The addition of Mohammad Haris has given the batting a new lease of life with the number three providing impetus in both the games he's played. Ifthikhar and Shadab have also contributed well in the batting department but Shan Masood has left a lot to be desired especially on the strike rate front.
Kiwi batting meanwhile is all about their top order - Finn Allen is entrusted to go bang bang at the top of the order while Devon Conway mixes aggression with caution. Kane Williamson found form against the Irish while Glenn Philips has been their best batter so far even scoring a hundred against the Sri Lankans at this very venue. Daryl Mitchell is a good player of spin and is an important figure in this clash at SCG.
Sydney is known for assisting spin more as compared to pace but even the fast bowlers have found enough assistance under lights here. Pakistan has a string of fast bowlers in Rauf, Shaheen, Naseem and Wasim who will all be geared up for this clash. Nawaz and Shadab will have an important role to play in the middle overs and keep New Zealand middle order in check.
New Zealand perhaps has the most rounded up bowling attack left amongst the four semi finalists. Boult and Southee can swing the ball while also being masters of variations. Lockie Ferguson provides raw pace while Santner and Sodhi give finger and wrist spin options for the middle over squeeze. Then there's Neesham and Mitchell who can roll the arm over if required.
Key Battles: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Vs Tim Southee and Trent Boult
Finn Allen and Devon Conway Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf
Glenn Phillips Vs Shadab Khan
The semi final is shaping up to be a very intriguing battle between two teams that generally do well in big tournaments. Pakistan has been given a fresh life after losing all hope so they are now a very dangerous opponent. New Zealand always have that calmness about them in pressure situations. The weather for the match also looks to be clear at the moment so we should get a gripping contest!
Probable Pakistan XI
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim
Probable New Zealand XI
Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Pakistan v New Zealand at SCG, Sydney
Devon Conway
Ish Sodhi
Haris Rauf
Shadab Khan
Glenn Phillips
The match will start at 01.30 PM IST (streamed live on Disney Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)
Who will qualify for the big final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022?
Playing Dream11 Fantasy? Do read about the best team for New Zealand v Pakistan semi final.
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