Pak vs Nz: New Zealand were 59/3 at the halfway mark of their T20 World Cup semifinal versus Pakistan.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s captain, elected to bat first at the toss in order to test Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
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.
Williamson and Daryl Mitchell are at the crease, and New Zealand is 59/3 after 10 overs.
Pakistan’s starting XI consists of Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
On the field for New Zealand are Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Trent Boult.
