(Cricket news) Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup semifinal. They needed a lot of luck to reach the semi-final but now they are making it count. Pakistan will play the winner of England Vs India at the MCG.

Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bat first as both teams went into the game unchanged. The pitch was a used one with less grass which affected the bounce of the wicket. There was uneven bounce which assisted the spinners and even the fast bowlers were more effective when they bowled slower deliveries. 

The start of the match was electric as the first 3 balls were eventful. Finn Allen hit Shaheen Afridi's first ball for a four down the ground. The 2nd ball was given out LBW by umpire Marais Erasmus but it was immediately reversed after a review as it had a big inside edge. The 3rd ball was once again given out LBW and this time it was plum. Devon Conway was run out in the last ball of the powerplay as New Zealand only managed 32 runs in 6 overs. Mohammed Nawaz got rid of the dangerous Glenn Phillips cheaply. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell steadied things with a partnership. Williamson scored 46 off 42 balls before being dismissed by Shaheen Afridi while Mitchell scored an unbeaten 53 off 35 balls. New Zealand finished their innings at 152/4 after 20 overs.

Babar Azam, who was facing a lot of criticism for his underwhelming performances answered his doubters at the right time. The Pakistani skipper scored 53 off 42 balls after being dropped by Conway early on. His partnership of 105 with Mohammad Rizwan was long overdue and it came when their side needed it the most. By the time Trent Boult got rid of Babar and Rizwan, Pakistan were well in control of the situation. Pakistan ended up chasing the total with 5 balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand. In the end the fielding was also the difference as Pakistan were brilliant in field. The Kiwis on the other hand dropped a couple of crucial catches which affected the game.

Also read: India take on England to fight for a place in the T20 World Cup final