| 0.0 : TOSS - NEW ZEALAND have won the toss and will BAT first! |
| Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says they want to bat, it seems a used surface. Informs they are playing the same team. Adds they need to stick to their plans and do the basic right. Ends by saying they are focused and they just want to express themselves. |
| Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says they would now look to pick early wickets and put them under pressure. Informs they are unchanged. Adds they are confident heading into this game, they did not start that well but now are playing their best cricket. Ends by saying, he hopes they can make it into the finals. |
| NEW ZEALAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult. |
| PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi. |
| It's time for the national anthems. The players line up in the middle. It will be New Zealand's first followed by Pakistan's. |
| It's time for action. The Pakistani players are in a huddle as Babar Azam gives a final pep-talk. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the openers for the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi has finally found his stripes and is back again with the wickets. He will open with the ball. A slip in place. Let's go... |
| 0.1 : Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, FOUR! Off the mark in style! That is a top shot against a top bowler. Just no fear, nothing from Allen! Shaheen Afridi goes full, he is looking for some swing but there is not a lot. It ends up being a half volley on middle, Allen thumps it down the ground to the long on fence. |
| 0.2 : Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, A LOUD SHOUT FOR LBW! The umpire gives it a thought and then raises his finger. Allen reviews. There seems to be an inside edge. NOT OUT! There indeed is a big inside edge and that is why Allen reviewed it immediately. Allen survives. Pakistan's celebration has been cut short. This is full and on middle, this time he gets it to tail back in. Allen looks to flick, it does hit the pad. A loud appeal. The umpire thinks, thinks and thinks and then eventually raises |
| 0.3 : Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, THE FINGER IS RAISED YET AGAIN AS THERE IS ANOTHER APPEAL FOR LBW! This looks out but Allen reviews. HAWK EYE SHOWS THREE REDS! OUT! Allen has to walk back this time as the review does not save him. He takes a review along with him. Shaheen has his revenge and New Zealand have been set back early. Perfect for Pakistan. Allen just moves across way too much. He was almost standing around the off pole. Shaheen goes full again, he gets it to tail back in from off. |
| Kane Williamson is the new man in. |
| 0.4 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! On middle, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end. |
| 0.5 : Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Good running! Good positive running from Conway to get off the mark! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one. |
| 0.6 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, End of a successful first over by Shaheen! Not a lot of carry on the last ball. This is outside off, it is left alone. Gets to the keeper on the bounce. |
| Naseem Shah to share the ball. |
| 1.1 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, A really good delivery to begin with! Not a lot of carry for Naseem too! Length and on off, this lands and mvoes away. Conway is beaten as he tries to defend. It goes to the keeper on the bounce. |
| 1.2 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the splice of the bat! Bends his back this time and lands it on off, Conway blocks. |
| 1.3 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Good pace again! Length and on off, not offering any kind of width to Conway to free his hands. It is guided to point. |
| 1.4 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, FOUR! Slightly shorter and put away! Shorter side and the fielder in the deep had no chance. Fractionally short this time and on the body, Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg and it races away. |
| 1.5 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, That almost goes back onto the stumps! That is so, so close! On off, Conway looks to drop and run. He looks to take off after playing it with soft hands. The ball though starts bouncing back towards the stumps. Conway realises that, he turns and looks to push it away but then sees the ball go just past the leg pole. It was a whisker away. |
| 1.6 : Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, FOUR! Ends the over with a boundary and that is a good one for New Zealand! Conway steps out, he does not get to the pitch of it but still goes ahead with the stroke. Ends up lofting it over mid on and it races away again. |
| 2.1 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Uppish but in the gap! Length and on off, Williamson is early in the drive as the ball holds in the surface. He hits it uppishly but through covers for three. |
| 2.2 : Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Going down leg! Shaheen gets this one to come back in, the line is a little too straight. Conway looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 2.3 : Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller and on middle, Conway drives it crisply but to mid on. |
| 2.4 : Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Nicely played in the end! Steps out, this is banged in short and on the body, Conway adjusts well and pulls it towards deep square leg for one. |
| 2.5 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Around off, this is guided down to third man for one. |
| 2.6 : Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover. |
| Change. Haris Rauf to bowl now. |
| 3.1 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two more! Really good fielding! On middle, Williamson shows the full face of the bat and hits it firmly towards mid on. Shadab Khan dives to his left, he gets a hand to it, saves two at least for his side. |
| 3.2 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, Kane Williamson defends. |
| 3.3 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Lets the ball come to him, plays it late as he works it through square leg for one. |
| 3.4 : Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Conway pushes it towards mid off for one. |
| 3.5 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On the fuller side again, Kane Williamson pushes it on the up to mid off. A dot. |
| Kane Williamson is having an issue with the sight screen. |
| 3.6 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, A yorker to end, it is on middle. Kane Williamson does well to jam it out. Good start from Rauf, good from Pakistan so far. |
| 4.1 : Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Conway misses out! A little to the left of the right and it would have been a boundary! On the body, Conway pulls it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his left and stops it well. |
| 4.2 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Excellent fielding! They are up for this are Pakistan! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. Haris Rauf dives to his right and makes a really good stop. Rizwan does the mopping up job and it is only one. Wasim needs to get his line right here. |
| 4.3 : Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, He does this time and Conway almost plays it on! Outside off, length, Conway pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge just past the leg pole and towards short fine leg for one. The fielder does hit the stumps at the bowler's end but Conway is in. |
| 4.4 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep and a couple is taken. |
| 4.5 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another single! Angled into the pads, Williamson flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end. |
| 4.6 : Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Another single! End of a good over by Wasim too. The boundaries have dried up! Shorter and on off, Conway looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken. |
| 5.1 : Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, FOUR! SUBLIME SHOT! On a length and outside off. Conway takes the charge as he uses his feet. He lofts it over covers and bags a boundary. |
| 5.2 : Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A length ball, outside off. Conway drops it to covers for a single. |
| 5.3 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Another quick single. New Zealand have been busy between the wickets. Rauf rolls his finger on the ball, this is full and on middle. Williamson tucks it to mid on for a single. |
| 5.4 : Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Rauf goes short, this is on middle. Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs. |
| 5.5 : Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A rare dot ball! On a length and tight on middle. Conway blocks it out. |
| 6.1 : Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, outside off, pushed to covers for a quick single. Phillips is underway. |
| 6.3 : Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! One thing about Phillips is he will keep himself very busy in the middle. Good shot this. Short and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary. |
| 6.2 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 6.4 : Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. Defended out. |
| 6.5 : Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Touch short and outside off. Phillips cuts but finds point. |
| 6.6 : Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, This is full and outside off, spins in. Phillips eases it straight to cover. A tidy start by Shadab Khan. |
| Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, OUT! RUN OUT! BULL'S EYE FROM SHADAB KHAN! A successful Powerplay for Pakistan and they are right on top in the game. A length ball, outside off. Conway checks his shot as he chips it straight to mid off and calls for a quick single. A risky one. Shadab Khan collects the ball on a bounce, at a good height and hits at the bowler's end. He along with other Pakistani players were confident about the result and the replay confirms that Devon Conway is out. Just wh |
| 7.1 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 7.2 : Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle. Phillips punches it back to the bowler. Ohh there, tell you what, Kane Williamson was backing up a long way. A shy at the bowler's end would have been interesting. |
| 7.3 : Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 7.4 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Good running! Two runs! Tossed up on middle. Kane Williamson nudges it wide of long on for a brace. |
| 7.5 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Very full and angling on the pads. Kane Williamson whips it behind square leg for a single. |
| 8.1 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle. Defended. |
| 8.2 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. Kane Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 8.3 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off. Mitchell guides it to backward point. |
| 8.5 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Around off, pushed to covers. |
| 8.6 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, A single to end the over! Just three runs off the over! Spinners controlling for Pakistan. On middle, bunted to square leg for one. |
| 8.4 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A risky single! No damage this time but again it would have been really tight! Floated, outside off. Mitchell taps it to covers and takes a single. He gave up as he runs across but the fielder misses his shy at the bower's end. The replay shows Mitchell was out by inches. |
| 9.1 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Kane drills it to deep mid-wicket for one more. |
| 9.2 : Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, A full toss and Mitchell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 9.3 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Nawaz slows it up, this is full and on leg. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for one. |
| 9.4 : Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted full and on middle. Mitchell works it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 9.5 : Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, A single again! Too full and on middle. Kane opens his body up and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 9.6 : Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Two runs to end the over! 7 off the over! Mitchell dances down the track, this is around middle, it is flicked wide of deep mid-wicket for two. New Zealand are 59 for 3 at the halfway mark. |
| DRINKS! It has been Pakistan all the way till now! Their bowlers have really not let the Kiwi batters off the hook and have also bagged three wickets. They would hope they can continue the same. New Zealand on the other hand, really need a good partnership here. They have Williamson set, they need him to play long and the rest to play around him. The Kiwis will probably be aiming for something around 150-160. Can they get there is the question. |
| Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A big wicket for Pakistan as the man in form goes for a low score. Glenn Phillips is livid with himself. Could have played a bit more carefully. He tries to play with the spin but mistimes here. Pakistan all over New Zealand at the moment. Nawaz tosses it up and on midde, this one holds onto the surface. Glenn Phillips tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge and the ball lobs back to Nawaz who holds onto it. |
| 10.1 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one. |
| 10.2 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Just wide and into the fence! Slightly shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slashes, there is extra bounce and it goes more off the top edge, just wide of the fielder at point and into the fence behind. Welcome boundary. Just what New Zealand needed. |
| 10.3 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, In the gap and two more! Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell manages to drag it wide of long on and takes two. |
| 10.4 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Good fielding again by Haris Rauf! Daryl Mitchell walks across now and pulls it through mid-wicket. Rauf runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Shaheen Afridi who runs to his right from long on picks it up but the two can't stop two. |
| 10.5 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! That is a powerful strike down the ground and Daryl Mitchell has probably made his intentions clear after the break! He is looking to step on the gas! Steps out, gets to the pitch and slams it down to the long on fence. |
| 10.6 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end but the damage was done earlier on. Just the kind of over New Zealand needed. On off, this is pushed through covers for one. |
| 11.1 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A short ball, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell looks to pull, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one. |
| 11.2 : Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one. |
| 11.3 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell misses out! On the pads, he looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken. |
| 11.4 : Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, That is hit well but for two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to the right of long on. Two taken. |
| 11.5 : Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Williamson wanted two but just the one! On middle, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket. Only one. |
| 11.6 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Outstanding running! When boundaries are hard to come by, these twos are what releases the pressure! On middle, this is played wide of long on for two. |
| 12.1 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, SIX! SMACK! What a sound that made of the bat and what a pick-up that was! This is a seam-up ball and it comes onto the bat nicely. Williamson pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie. |
| 12.2 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another big appeal but turned down! Pakistan review for an LBW but it seems too high. NOT OUT! That is going well, well over the stumps. Pakistan lose a review and that was a poor review. A slower short ball on middle, this one holds in the surface yet again. Williamson is through the pull shot. He gets hit on the thigh and then the balls lobs towards the keeper who takes it. Williamson is off for a run but is sent back in time. After a long chat, Pakista |
| 12.4 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Now goes for a yorker again but ends up bowling an inswinging full toss on the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one. |
| 12.3 : Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, That is a brilliant delivery! A yorker and some reverse swing for Wasim as this tails back in late from around middle. Williamson looks to flick but misses, it hits his pad and goes to point. He is yet again off for a run but is sent back in time again. A loud appeal too but turned down. No review and a good decision not to do so as Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. |
| 12.5 : Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive but this hits the toe-end and goes towards mid off. |
| 12.6 : Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end! A top comeback from Mohammad Wasim after going for a biggie first up! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one. |
| 13.1 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tip and run! On off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end. |
| 13.2 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one. |
| 13.3 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Just another single! Slightly shorter and on middle, this is worked down to long on for another one. |
| 13.4 : Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out! This is a full toss on the pads, Kane sweeps but to short fine leg for one. |
| 13.5 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! That is a long hit down the ground! A biggie to end the over! Daryl Mitchell steps out, he gets to the pitch of it and nails it well over the long off fence for a biggie. |
| 13.6 : Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A dot to end! Still, a good over for the Kiwis! Shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut but is beaten. |
| 14.1 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, That is good work from Rizwan! Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to go over the off side, it goes off the inside edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it. |
| 14.2 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Another dot! A yorker on middle, Kane Williamson can only jam it back to the bowler. |
| 14.3 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, FOUR! The change of angle works in the favor of the Kiwi skipper! Shaheen Afridi ends up drifting on the pads, this is worked past short fine leg and it races away into the fence. |
| 14.4 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one. |
| 14.5 : Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one. |
| 14.6 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Off the toe-end again! Not easy to hit down the ground on this wicket! Fuller and on middle, this is lofted towards mid on for one. |
| 15.1 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The throw comes to Rauf but he fails to pick the ball cleanly. |
| 15.2 : Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson punches it to sweeper cover for a single. |
| 15.3 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, JUST CLEARS MID OFF! Rauf pitches it up, around off. Mitchell punches on the up, not timed well and only gets height. Babar Azam runs back but it falls safely. Two runs. |
| 15.4 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Two more! 7 already of the over! A yorker, around off. Mitchell digs it out to long on for a brace. |
| 15.5 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, The boundaries are hard to buy but these two have been excellent with the running. Outside off. Mitchell dabs it behind square on the off side for two more. |
| 15.6 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, a slower ball. Mitchell mistimes his pull. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and gets a glove on it. Saves three for his team. Good stop. A single. |
| 16.1 : Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! This one is just sliding down, a yorker and Mitchell misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye. |
| 16.2 : Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, OUT! TIMBER! This time the angle works for Afridi!! The slower balls are working on this pitch. Afridi bowls a length ball from around the wicket and on leg. Kane Williamson shuffles a bit too much as he looks to paddle it away. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Kane Williamson's long stay comes to an end. A good finish is required from both teams now. |
| 16.3 : Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham plays it back to the bowler. |
| 16.4 : Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Afridi misses his length again and bowls a full toss, outside off. James Neesham drives it through covers for a couple. |
| 16.5 : Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace. |
| 16.6 : Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Two more! Excellent running! Finding the gaps here. Too full and on off. James Neesham works it to mid-wicket for two runs. |
| 17.1 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Naseem Shah goes slow but gives a bit too much width, this is outside off and Mitchell smashes it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary. |
| 17.2 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Short in length and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one. |
| 17.3 : Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pace-off! Length and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one. |
| 17.4 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but will get two runs! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell eases it to long on and gets two. |
| 17.5 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single. |
| 17.6 : Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Lovely delivery! A yorker, around off. James Neesham squeezes it out to cover for one. |
| 18.1 : Haris Rauf to James Neesham, No pace from Rauf! Short and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one. |
| 18.2 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, This is full and on middle. Mitchell hits it through the line as he lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. Good fielding in the deep. |
| 18.3 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! A yorker, tailing on the pads. Mitchell misses his heave. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye. |
| 18.4 : Haris Rauf to James Neesham, FOUR! Much needed! Rauf serves a half-volley, sliding down leg. James Neesham uses the angle and flicks it behind square on the leg side for four runs. |
| 18.5 : Haris Rauf to James Neesham, Off-cutter, around off. James Neesham taps it to cover for one. |
| 18.6 : Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Fifty for Mitchell! A much needed know from him! His third fifty in T20I! A full toss on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a brace. A fifty in semi finals is always special. |
| 19.1 : Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pushes for two and gets two! A yorker on middle. James Neesham jams it out to mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 19.2 : Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Bye! A slower bouncer, around leg. James Neesham gets low to pull but misses. Mohammad Rizwan misses his shy at his end and a bye is taken. |
| 19.3 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A length ball, outside off, lack of pace there. Mitchell hits it in the air and to deep mid-wicket. The ball hung in the air for quite a while but Shan Masood opted to collect on a bounce. Might have lost in the light. A single. |
| 19.4 : Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Leg bye! A yorker on leg. James Neesham misses his flick and it goes off the pads to cover. A leg bye. |
| 19.5 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, TWO MORE! 150 up for the Kiwis! Short of a length and on middle, slower and Mitchell looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple. |
| 19.6 : Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! A yorker, angling around leg. Mitchell shuffles across to sweep but misses. The batters cross for a bye. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 152. |
| Have to say, Pakistan will be the happier of the two sides at the moment! Their bowlers have done a really good job and had they been given something around 150 to chase, they would have surely taken it with both hands. New Zealand though, know it is not an easy wicket to bat on and they will feel they have a score which is well and truly competitive on this wicket. |
| The Pakistan bowlers adapted to the conditions very quickly. They went for the pace off deliveries early on and hit the hard lengths knowing that is won't be easy scoring on that deliveries. If they did not pick wickets, they managed to keep it nice and tight. Shaheen Afridi was the pick, the likes of Naseem and Nawaz were also good but Rauf and Shadab will be slightly disappointed with their performance but overall, Pakistan will be pleased with where they stand in the game. |
| For the Kiwis, their innings just could not get a move on, they had to work really hard for their runs. They lost two in the Powerplay and Phillips did not stay in for long. They were in trouble at 3 down for less than 50 but Mitchell and Williamson played smartly. The two added over 50 and steadied the ship. Williamson fell when it was time for him to accelerate. Mitchell continued, he got to a half ton and along with Neesham has taken his side to over 150. |
| Devon Conway is up for a chat. He says they felt the score is a bit under par during the Powerplay but they ended well. Adds the pitch is a bit two paced and the slower balls are gripping. Tells they have good bowling and need to put pressure from the start. |
| The target is not a big one but the wicket seems quite slow, especially the slower ones are gripping in the surface. Pakistan need to make most of the Powerplay. New Zealand on the other hand, know if they can get early wickets, they are surely in with a big chance. Stay tuned for the chase. |
| ...THE CHASE... |
| We are back for Pakistan's reply. |
| 0.1 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Cracked away! That is the ideal start for Pakistan! Shorter and outside off, Rizwan smacks it through covers and this one races away to the fence. A loosener to begin with by Boult and it is put away. |
| 0.2 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, Corrects his line and lands it on a length and on middle, this is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 0.3 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, A run now! On middle, this is pushed to mid on for one. |
| 0.4 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, PUT DOWN! Devon Conway has put down Babar Azam! How costly is that going to be? He was moving to the wrong side. This is fuller, it starts around off, it comes back in at first, lands and then moves away. Azam looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge. Conway who is moving to his left first has to dive to his right. Stretches his hand out but it hits the tip of the glove and goes towards third man for one. Is that the kind of luck Azam needs? He has been sho |
| 0.5 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and around off, this is gudied towards point for one. |
| 0.6 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, A dot to end! Good comeback by Boult after going for a boundary on the very first ball. He could have had a wicket too but that is not the case. The last ball is on a length and around off, it is played to point. |
| Tim Southee to start from the other side. |
| 1.1 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, Around off and on a length, this is guided to point. |
| 1.2 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, Quick run! On middle, this is pushed towards mid on for one. |
| 1.3 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, On a length and around off, this is guided towards point. |
| 1.4 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, Not wided! A slower one on the pads, Babar Azam looks to flick but he misses. It goes to the keeper. The umpire signals it has brushed the pad. |
| 1.5 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, Tidy stuff from Tim Southee! Length again, attacks the stumps, not letting Babar free his arms. Defended. |
| 1.6 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, A single to end but that is a good start by Tim Southee! On middle, this is pushed towards mid on for one. |
| 2.1 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, Confusion but safe! Shorter and on off, Azam slaps it towards Boult who gets a hand to it. It rolls towards mid off. Azam thinks of a run but then bails out of it in time. |
| 2.2 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, FOUR Carved away! That is a lovely stroke! Shorter and around off, just lets the ball come to him, opens the face of the bat and then guides it past point. Boult has not begun that well. |
| 2.3 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, Good length and on off, Azam plays it towards point and takes one. Good sensible batting. |
| 2.5 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, Finds the gap nicely! Fuller and on off, Rizwan strokes it through covers and takes two. |
| 2.4 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Nice and fine! Played very nicely! On the pads, Mohammad Rizwan waits and then works it fine on the leg side. This one races away to the fence. Second boundary in the over. |
| 2.6 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Slapped away! That is not the kind of over one would expect from Trent Boult! Three boundaries from it and 15 in total. This is a poor ball. Short and outside off, this is slapped through point and it races away to the fence. |
| 3.1 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, FOUR! That is very delightful! Wonderful! Holds the pose for the cameras! The two are running away with the game! Fuller and on off, this is driven back past the bowler and into the mid off fence. |
| 3.2 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Two more! Shorter and outside off, Azam guides it down to third man for two. This is brilliant from Pakistan. |
| 3.3 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Outside off, Babar Azam guides it down to third man and takes one. |
| 3.4 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Back of a length and on middle, defended. |
| 3.5 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Good running! On off, length, this is pushed towards mid off for one. |
| 3.6 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, A dot to end but another productive over for Pakistan! Length and on off, Azam plays it to point. |
| 4.1 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Heaved away! Mohammad Rizwan stes himself up for this. He walks across, this is fuller and on off, this is heaved over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. |
| 4.2 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, FOUR! Over the fielder again! Almost an action replay of the last ball! This is fuller and on middle, Rizwan walks across and heaves it over mid-wicket for another boundary. |
| 4.3 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, A slower one now on middle, Rizwan works it towards short fine leg and gets to the other end. |
| 4.4 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, WIDE! Down the leg side. A slower one. Wided. |
| Tim Southee to Babar Azam, Good length and on off, Azam guides it to short third man. |
| 4.5 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, FOUR! Whipped away! On the pads, Azam walks across and whips it behind square on the leg side. This one races away to the fence. Another over with three boundaries in it. |
| 4.6 : Tim Southee to Babar Azam, A single now to end! Pakistan running away with the game at the moment. 106 needed in 90! On middle, this is clipped through square leg for one. |
| 5.2 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller and on off, Rizwan pushes it to mid off. |
| 5.1 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through square leg for one. |
| 5.3 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Half an appeal but turned down! A slower one, shorter and on the pads, Rizwan looks to pull but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. |
| 5.4 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, TOP EDGE AND FOUR! A short one, Azam looks to pull, it goes off the top edge and over the keeper for a boundary in the third man region. Nothing going New Zealand's way at the moment. |
| 5.5 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Around off, this is guided towards point for one. |
| 5.6 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Angled into the pads, this is clipped through square leg for one more. End of a brilliant Powerplay for Pakistan. They are 55 for 0 after it. They need another 98 in 84. |
| 6.2 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, Flatter and on middle, this one holds in the surface a touch. Defended. |
| 6.3 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, On off, this is pushed through covers for one. |
| 6.1 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, On off, this is pushed through covers for one. |
| 6.4 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, Fuller and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 6.5 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, FOUR! Pulled away! Shorter and on the body, this is pulled behind square on the leg side for a boundary. That is a poor delivery. |
| Review! New Zealand have taken a review for LBW! Height might be a big factor. The replay shows the ball bounces over the middle and leg pole. Not out it is! |
| 7.1 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, On the stumps, defended. |
| 7.3 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Slightly shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. |
| 7.2 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 7.4 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, Another one a little too short, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. |
| 7.5 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Almost! This is pushed through, on middle, Rizwan looks to defend, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one. |
| 6.6 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, NOT OUT! That is going well over and that is what we thought saved Babar! The arm ball, it lands on middle and goes on with the angle. Azam looks to push it with a straight bat but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but turned down. The batters take one as the ball rolls towards short third man. New Zealand review. Replays show that it is going over. |
| Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, A single to end! On middle, this is worked down to long on for one. |
| 8.1 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, Flatter and on off, Azam pushes it towards cover for no run. They need more dots to build pressure. |
| 8.2 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for one. |
| 8.3 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, Two! Nicely swept! On off, Rizwan gets on top of the bounce and hits it through square leg for a couple. |
| 8.4 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, Shorter and on off, this is pushed through covers for one more. |
| 8.5 : Mitchell Santner to Babar Azam, Another one! Can Santner now get out of this over nicely? Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one. |
| 8.6 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, Two to end! Misfield from Boult who has really not been at his best! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled wide of long on for a couple. 78 needed in 66. |
| 9.1 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, Chance, a big, big chance! New Zealand need to take these chances! On off, Azam guides it towards point. There is hesitation as the two batters think of a run. They eventually go for it. Boult picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. |
| 9.3 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled towards deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 9.4 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, On off, this is pushed towards cover for one. |
| 9.5 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, FUOR! Lovely placement! Shorter and outside off, Babar Azam waits and then guides it past point. This one races towards the fence behind for a boundary. |
| 9.6 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, Two more! On the shorter side outside off, Azam waits and then guides it through point for two more. |
| 9.2 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Three more! The paddle sweep is out, it is played very fine on the leg side. Three taken. |
| 9.6 : Drinks! Pakistan are off to a superb start and the way it is going, Pakistan look clear winner. New Zealand are in big trouble and can only make a way in by grabbing a couple of wickets and creating pressure. Pakistan need 66 runs in 60 balls. An interesting final 10 overs are coming up. |
| 10.1 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, On a length and outside off. Rizwan taps it to point for a single. |
| Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Wide! This is down the leg side. Rizwan misses his flick. |
| 10.2 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Short in length and around off. Azam dabs it to third man for a single. |
| 10.3 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Rizwan, Short ball, around off, extra pace this time. Rizwan plays it to third man for a single. |
| 10.4 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, FOUR! The boundaries keep on coming for Pakistan! Short of a length an around off. Azam sits back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 10.5 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, Fuller and on middle, flicked to mid-wicket. |
| 10.6 : Lockie Ferguson to Babar Azam, FIFTY FOR BABAR! The captain saved runs for the big occasion! What a time to get back to form. The skipper leading from the front. However, needs to cross the victory line now. Full and on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. |
| 11.1 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Tossed up, outside off, swept to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 11.2 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, Sodhi slows it up, this is full and on middle. Azam tucks it to square leg for one. |
| 11.3 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Flatter, slower and outside off, spins away. Rizwan has a poke at it but misses. |
| 11.4 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, 100 up for Pakistan! Tossed up, around off. Rizwan works it to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 11.5 : Ish Sodhi to Babar Azam, A single as this is hit to long on. |
| 11.6 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Flighted full and outside off. Rizwan sweeps it to deep square leg for one. |
| 12.1 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, A length ball, around leg. Rizwan pulls it behind square leg for a single. |
| 12.2 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, Boult goes for a widish yorker, Azam is early as he looks to drive, he mistimes it to short fine leg for one. |
| 12.3 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, On a length and around off, worked to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 12.4 : Trent Boult to Babar Azam, OUT! TAKEN! New Zealand have the opening now! Babar Azam goes for a fine fifty. Boult comes back into the attack and strikes for his team. On a length and on middle. Azam tries to hit through the line as he looks to go downtown but only gets elevation on it. Daryl Mitchell at long on takes it. Is it too late for New Zealand or the floodgates will open? 48 runs needed in 44 balls. |
| 12.5 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Haris, On middle, blocked out. |
| 12.6 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Haris, FOUR! This guy knows only one way to play!A length ball, outside off. Haris thumps it over mid off for a boundary. If he scores 20 odd runs in no time. New Zealand will have no chance to get back. |
| 13.1 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, Tossed up, outside off. Rizwan sweeps it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 13.2 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Haris, Review lost! Sodhi goes very full and around off, gives a bit of flight and slows it up. Haris looks to reverse sweep but misses to get hit on the boots. The impact looked outside the line and the Ball Tracking confirms the same. Impact is outside off. Haris will continue. |
| 13.3 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Haris, Outside off, tapped through point for a single. |
| 13.4 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Rizwan, FIFTY FOR RIZWAN! An excellent knock from him! A good sign for Pakistan as both the openers are back in form. This is short and on middle, it is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 13.5 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Haris, On middle, swept straight to short fine leg. |
| 13.6 : Ish Sodhi to Mohammad Haris, Very full and outside off. Haris drives it to long off for one. |
| 14.1 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Tossed up, angling around off. Haris lofts it to the left of long off for a couple of runs. |
| 14.2 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Flatter ball, around off. Haris mistimes his slog-sweep to long on for a single. Rizwan slips on the other side and the batters eventually settle with a single. |
| 14.3 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, THREE RUNS! This is full and on middle. Rizwan sweeps it past short fine leg for three more. |
| 14.4 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Short, slow and outside off. Haris cuts it through point for one.. |
| 14.5 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Rizwan, Tossed up on off. Rizwan nudges it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 14.6 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Flighted, full and around off. Haris looks to sweep but gets a top edge and it flies behind the keeper for a single. Pakistan need 31 runs in 30 balls. |
| 15.1 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Haris, A length ball, outside off. Haris slaps it straight to point. |
| 15.2 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Haris, Touch fuller and around off. Haris scoops it to fine leg, does not time well and Trent Boult runs across from square leg and cuts it off. Two more. |
| 15.3 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Haris, On middle, played to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 15.4 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, On a length and on middle. Kept out. |
| 15.5 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Rizwan, A single as Rizwan hits this length ball to long on. |
| 15.6 : Tim Southee to Mohammad Haris,Goes slow now, around off. Haris flicks it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 16.1 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Haris, A low full toss on middle. Haris steps across and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for easy couple. |
| 16.2 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Haris, Well bowled! A slower bouncer, outside off. Haris waits, waits and waits as he tries to slash at it but misses. |
| 16.3 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Haris, Leg bye! Boult goes for the knuckle ball, length and around off. Haris looks to heave but misses and gets hit on the pads. New Zealand appeal for LBW but the finger stays down. No reviews available for them. |
| 16.4 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, Sightly full and around off. Rizwan slams it to long on for two runs. |
| 16.5 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, Rizwan charges down the track and Boult serves a slower ball, around off. Rizwan swings and misses. |
| 16.6 : Trent Boult to Mohammad Rizwan, OUT! CAUGHT! A dramatic ball. Boult serves a full toss, outside off. Rizwan skips down and slashes it to deep cover where the catch is taken. There was a slight chance for it to be called a no ball for the height so the player quickly throws the ball at the bowler's end where Rizwan is run out. The umpires gather and take it upstairs. The replay shows it is a legal delivery and Rizwan is out with Glenn Phillips taking the catch. |
| 17.1 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Haris, Bye! Length, slower and outside off. Haris misses his push and the batters take a quick bye. |
| 17.2 : Lockie Ferguson to Shan Masood, On a length and on middle. Shan Masood flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 17.3 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Haris, Touch fuller and around off. Haris opens his body as he looks to heave but gets an inside edge, through his legs and to the keeper. |
| 17.4 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Haris, FOUR! Lovely shot! Just outstanding. This just sumps up the day for New Zealand! Despite it being a good delivery, it goes for four. A yorker on middle. Haris makes room and drives it past cover, in the gap for four. |
| 17.5 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Haris, SIX! The game is running away from the Kiwis now! Short and on middle. Haris pulls it high over deep square leg for a biggie. A star in making for Pakistan. |
| 17.6 : Lockie Ferguson to Mohammad Haris, Very full and around off. Haris backs away and drives it to sweeper cover for a single. Pakistan need 8 runs now. |
| 18.1 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Tossed up, outside off, turning away. Haris looks to sweep but misses. |
| 18.3 : Mitchell Santner to Shan Masood, Fuller and on middle, driven to deep cover for a single. |
| 18.4 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, Flatter, slower and outside off. Haris slaps it to deep cover for one. Just 5 needed now. |
| 18.5 : Mitchell Santner to Shan Masood, Three byes! Goes through everyone! Short and around off, it lands and turns in. Masood looks to cut but misses. It bounces over the leg pole, past the keeper and to fine leg for three runs. 2 more needed now. |
| 18.6 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, OUT! Anti-climatic end to the innings! Short and around off. Haris gets low to pull but gets a top edge and Finn Allen takes a simple catch at short fine leg. Mohammad Haris has done the job though. 2 needed now. |
| 19.1 : From losing their first two games to storming into the finals! Pakistan's journey this campaign has been unbelievable, this World Cup has been unbelievable. Pakistan had lost to Zimbabwe and now, they have beaten New Zealand so comprehensively in this semi finals. What a turn around for them. Brilliant. |
| This has to be considered as a combined team effort. Their bowlers did brilliantly first up to keep the New Zealand side to around 150. Shaheen was the star but he was supported by all the bowlers and then it was their main two who finally came to the fore in this tournament. Pakistan's best two, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan lit up Sydney when it mattered the most. The two added over 100 with both scoring half tons. That stand more or less killed the game. The job for the others who came in w |
| New Zealand were not up for this! It was a tame performance from them, they were probably 10 to 12 runs short with the bat and then with the ball, their new ball bowlers just did not begin well. Boult especially as he leaked far too many runs in the Powerplay. The Kiwis were also quite uncharacteristic in the field as there were a few misfields and also a couple of dropped catches. They just succumbed under the pressure at the big stage and were beaten by a side which was well and truly better |
| ....Presentation coming up... |
| Mohammad Rizwan is the Player of the Match. He says the conditions was tough for them but they have worked hard and believed in them and he is pleased they came good. Adds they wanted to attack, 150 was a good total but they wanted to make most of the Powerplay and then wanted to bat deep. States they just wanted to work hard and they would get the rewards. |
| Tim Southee to Shan Masood, WIDE! Dramatic! Scores level! A slower length ball, sliding down. Masood misses his flick. |
| 18.2 : Mitchell Santner to Mohammad Haris, PUT DOWN! Flatter, slower and outside off. Haris switch hits it straight to short third man. Ish Sodhi dives forward but fails to collect. Hard one but need to take it at crunch times. |
| 19.1 : Tim Southee to Shan Masood, PAKISTAN ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL! What a turnaround from them! Length and on off. Shan pushes it past the bowler to mid off for a single. PAKISTAN WIN BY 7 WICKETS. |
| Kane Williamson, the skipper of New Zealand says they were put under pressure but they managed to get back the momentum. States they were outplayed but they are disappointed they did not make Pakistan work hard for their runs. Admits their fielding was not that great, Azam and Rizwan put them under pressure, they could have been more disciplined but Pakistan are deserved winners. Ends by saying there has been a lot of good cricket, they have played pretty well but they were not at their best bu |
| Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says the team played really well and he thanks the crowd for the support they have given them. Adds they had a good start with the ball, the ball was not coming onto the bat and then later on Shadab and Nawaz continued the good work and they managed to finish well too and were pleased with 150. Informs they had a plan to go hard in the Powerplay and they wanted to make most of the first 6 overs. Credits the way Haris has played and says he is an aggressive p |
| Pakistan have reached the finals. They now wait to find out who will play them in the finals. It is now time for another big game. India will take on England in the second semi-final. Do join us on 10th November at 1.30 pm (8 am GMT) and early on for the build up. From here, it is goodbye and cheers. |
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