(Cricket news) After a stellar group stage and an even better Super 12 round, the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup is gearing up for the semi-finals. The 4 teams that have made it to the semi-finals are India, New Zealand, England and Pakistan. Pakistan and New Zealand are going to play the 1st semi-final at the SCG. Both the sides recently played a tri-series which was won by Pakistan. New Zealand were the underdogs before the start of the tournament but as always they turned up in the ICC event. Pakistan just about made it to the semis despite losing their first two matches. If the match cannot happen due to rain then New Zealand will automatically qualify as they won their group while Pakistan finished as runners up.
New Zealand possible playing XI:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Bench:
Martin Guptill, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Blair Tickner, Adam Milne, Dane Cleaver
New Zealand have played pretty much the same XI throughout the tournament. The Black caps may be tempted to play Bracewell who bowled really well in the tri series. But the spin twins Sodhi and Santner have been excellent for the kiwis. A lot will depend on the start that Allen and Conway give New Zealand. Skipper Williamson got back in form against Ireland which is very good news for his side. It is difficult to keep the experienced Guptill out of the squad but at this moment in time he doesn't make a case for himself.
Pakistan possible playing XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi
Bench:
Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Haider Ali
Haris is the game changer for Pakistan's middle order with his explosive batting. All eyes will be on captain Babar who is yet to get going in this tournament. After 2 underwhelming and wicketless games, Shaheen Afridi came back well in the following games and he will once again be a threat along with Haris Rauf who has had a great tournament. Shadab Khan has also been excellent all-round and Pakistan will be expecting a lot from him. Pakistan have been incredibly luck to get into the Semi-final but just luck will not do it for them in this stage.
Also read: With access shots and innovation, Suryakumar becomes a threat: Hayden
