Pak vs Nz: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have started well in Pakistan’s 153-run chase against New Zealand in the semi-final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Pakistan has 104 runs without losing a wicket at the end of the powerplay.
Daryl Mitchell’s half-century allowed New Zealand to set a target of 153 runs after captain Kane Williamson elected to bat first.
Pakistan took an early lead as Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed the explosive Fin Allen on the third ball of the innings, leaving New Zealand at 4/1.
Because of the wicket, New Zealand chose to play it safe during the powerplay, putting Kane Williamson to the crease.
Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Naseem Shah, and Shaheen all converted tight overs to pile pressure on the Blackcaps.
Things got worse for New Zealand after losing opener Devon Conway on the final ball of the powerplay to end the first six at 38/2.
Babar introduced some spin to the game after the powerplay ended, and it paid off when Mohammad Nawaz got rid of Glen Phillips in the ninth over to severely decrease New Zealand’s score.
From then on, Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s 68-run partnership provided the idea that New Zealand would set a high standard for Pakistan.
The partnership was ended when Williamson was bowled by Shaheen in the 17th over.
The expulsion, however, did not stop New Zealand’s attack, as James Neesham and Mitchell helped the Black Caps end with 152/4.
Mitchell topped New Zealand in scoring and went 53 games undefeated.
