New Zealand will take on Pakistan in the first semifinal of the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney on Wednesday. The Kiwis had topped Group 1 after three wins in five matches while Pakistan had earned a backdoor entry after the Netherlands stunned South Africa.
New Zealand was beaten by England in the Super 12 stage while Pakistan had to suffer losses against India and Zimbabwe. Pakistan openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan – have looked horribly out of form in the ongoing T20 World Cup and they will need to provide a good start in the all-important semifinal.
However, Pakistan’s middle order has stepped up as Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Haris and Shan Masood have done a good job. Furthermore, Mohammad Wasim has added more strength to the team’s pace battery.
On the other hand, New Zealand has been coming up with a collective show. Kane Williamson scored a quickfire knock against Ireland in their last match of the Super 12 and it was a huge positive for the team. Moreover, Glenn Phillips is in the form of his life and he is going to hold the key for the Blackcaps.
Pakistan had recently beaten New Zealand by five wickets in the final of the tri-series before the T20 World Cup.
Match Prediction: It is expected to be an even contest but New Zealand might enter the contes as slight favorites against Pakistan.
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.
