New Delhi: The first semi-final game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is set to begin in Sydney on November 9, where Pakistan will lock horns against New Zealand. While the Kiwis topped their group, South Africa had to lose against the Netherlands for Pakistan to qualify. However, things are going in a similar fashion as in the 1992 World Cup, where Pakistan qualified due to a miracle and New Zealand topped the table and scored a big win against Australia.
Pakistan needs Babar and Rizwan in the form
Pakistan is coming into the semis with three consecutive victories, seemingly forgetting the losses against India and Zimbabwe. The current combination is working for them and with Shaheen Shah Afridi back in form, the bowling line-up looks dangerous again. Harris Rauf will be required to step up and show his class even if there is a little bit of movement in the ball. Shadab Khan is delivering from both bat and ball and will be the key if Pakistan wants to reach the finals.
The matter of concern during the course of the tournament has been Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s forms. While they entered the tournament as two of the best batters currently, they seem to be lacking the spark. After ending four games in single digits, Babar scored a slow 25 off 33 against Bangladesh, while Mohammad Rizwan has a 49 and a run-a-ball 32 to back him in the T20 World Cup. Before the tournament, the men in green had a strong opening pair and a weak middle order, now the situation is completely opposite.
New Zealand has match-winners and batting issues
New Zealand has match winners like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, and the bowling department is picking wickets regularly, the team combination is working well. All of their lead bowlers including Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Ish Sodhi have picked six or seven wickets in the tournament and have delivered when needed.
There has been a consistency issue with the New Zealand batters. Captain Kane Williamson scored a brilliant 61 off 35 against Ireland, in the rest of the tournament, he managed just some run-a-ball scores. If the Kiwis can get going properly and find the touch, who knows they might go for a 200 at SCG like against Australia on the same ground.
Conclusion
Both teams are unlikely to change the winning combinations. The SCG is expected to have a batting-friendly pitch and we might see some scores above 175. The game is expected to be a high-scoring encounter, but look out for bowlers from both teams who have been doing well this year.
