If England are able to beat India in their T20 World Cup semi-final match, they will face Pakistan in the final after Babar Azam’s side defeated New Zealand by seven wickets
Pakistan have booked their place in the T20 World Cup final after beating New Zealand by seven wickets in a brilliant semi-final victory to set up a blockbuster clash against either England or India.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the star of the show with the ball, picking up 2-24 and taking the crucial wickets of explosive opener Finn Allen and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson as the Kiwis were limited to a total of 152-4.
Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were then back to their best with the bat, putting on a brilliant opening partnership worth 105 to break the back of the chase. Babar, who had reached double figures just once at the tournament, rediscovered his form with an excellent 53, while Rizwan struck 57.
Pakistan’s bowlers did well to limit New Zealand to just 152, removing both Allen and Devon Conway in the powerplay and conceding just 38 runs. Mohammad Nawaz then picked up the massive wicket of New Zealand’s leading run scorer Glenn Phillips, getting him caught and bowled for just six.