The first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today. According to Indian time, this match will start at 1.30 pm.
2009 champions Pakistan made it to the semi-finals on the last day of the Super 12 matches. His luck also played a big role in this, as the Netherlands defeated South Africa. However, now the team led by Babar Azam is in front of New Zealand in the semi-finals. In terms of statistics, Pakistan has the upper hand, but the New Zealand team, captained by Kane Williamson, is also in form.
So far 28 T20 International matches have been played between the two teams. Out of this, Pakistan won 17 and New Zealand won 11.
New Zealand lost just one match in the group stage
New Zealand’s journey so far in the World Cup has been good. They lost just one match in the group stage. In the first match, Australia defeated Australia by a huge margin of 89 runs. After this defeated Sri Lanka and Ireland. The match against Afghanistan was called off due to rain.
Lost in a match against England. The team chased in only one match and was defeated in it. Glenn Phillips scored the most runs in this World Cup from the New Zealand team. At the same time, Mitchell Santner took the most wickets.
The miracle happened with Pakistan
The journey of the World Cup so far has been full of ups and downs for Pakistan. Defeated in the first match against India. In the second match, Zimbabwe beat by 1 run. Made a great comeback after two defeats and defeated a strong team like South Africa apart from the Netherlands.
Despite this, Semi’s journey was difficult. Call it a miracle here or fate, or both, Pakistan got their support. South Africa lost to the Netherlands in the last match and the doors of the semis opened for Pakistan. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the last match.
There is concern about the team’s opening partnership, as runs are not coming off the bat of captain Babar Azam. He has scored only 39 runs in 5 matches so far. Fans would like him to play a big innings in the semi-finals.