After the Super 12 stages, New Zealand will meet Pakistan in the first semi-final of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on Wednesday. New Zealand was at its best in the Super 12s while Pakistan was able to gain momentum toward the end of the previous stage.
Pakistan had suffered losses in their first two matches against India and Zimbabwe but bounced back stronger to qualify for the knockout stages.
We take a look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form of Pakistan: W W W L L
The Men in Green were able to bounce back stronger after losing their first two matches. The Babar Azam-led team qualified after the Netherlands stunned South Africa. Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the virtual quarterfinal and they will look to bring their best against the Blackcaps.
Current form of New Zealand: W L W NR W
New Zealand has been dominant so far in the tournament and they would want to bring their best against Pakistan. The Kiwis have come up with a collective effort so far and they would want to replicate the same against the Men in Green.
Head to Head: Matches: 28, Won by Pakistan: 17, Won by New Zealand: 11.
Pakistan clearly holds the edge over New Zealand in the head-to-head battle.
Players to look out for: Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Afridi will hold the key for Pakistan.
Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Devon Conway will be the crucial players for the Blackcaps.
New Zealand squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Adam Milne, Martin Guptill, Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Trent Boult, Finn Allen.
Pakistan squad
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris.
Reserves: Shahnawaz Dahani.
