Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup: Key players, records and probable XIs for 1st semi-final

After suffering a last-ball defeat against arch-rivals India during the MCG thriller, Pakistan were still trying to cope when Zimbabwe stunned them with a 1-run victory.

Their hopes for reaching the semis now depended upon how the other teams performed. And, they were finally handed a lifeline when the Netherlands registered a stunning win over South Africa. Pakistan now needed to win their match against Bangladesh to reach the last 4, and they did it with ease.

New Zealand, on the other hand, were the first team from both groups to reach the semis. They have executed their plans very well and have looked good as a unit.
They have got a strong batting lineup and a good mix of pacers and spinners.

The Kiwis registered a thumping victory against Australia and have lost just one game in the tournament so far.

Here are 3 players you should watch out for:

Shaheen Afridi: Shaheen Shah Afridi is undoubtedly one of the best pace bowlers in the world in all three formats. But since making his comeback after 3 months due to a knee injury, the pacer has not been at his best. He was hit all-around the park during the game against India and also failed to get a wicket against Zimbabwe.

But he got back to form by picking 7 wickets in the last 2 games against South Africa and Bangladesh. In semis against NZ, he could be at his lethal best as he has a record of performing well in the big games.

Finn Allen: Allen has not scored many runs in this tournament but whenever he did score, he looked good. His strike rate in the T20 World Cup 2022 has been 189.58. He can be a dark horse against the Pakistan bowlers.

If he manages not to throw away his wicket and stays on the crease for a longer time, the NZ opener has the capability of changing the course of the game singlehandedly. A month ago he scored a brilliant knock against Pakistan team at Christchurch.

Shadab Khan: When we talk about Pakistan bowling, we mention mostly the pace bowlers. But not only Shadab has been the key bowler for Pakistan, he has been really good with the bat also. The spinner-allrounder has taken 10 wickets so far in the tournament.

He scored a brilliant 52 off just 22 balls against South Africa and has a strike rate of 177.27. The Sydney wicket is expected to provide some turn, which will be a good news for the Pakistan vice-captain.

Who has the edge? New Zealand has been more clinical in the tournament and has looked more in control so far. Their batting also has got more depth when compared with Pakistan.

• But Pakistan has gone through a lot in the Super 12 of the tournament. Losing 2 last-ball thrillers and then somehow reaching the semis was no less than a miracle.
• Pakistan bowlers are finally looking dangerous with Shaheen Afridi taking 7 wickets in the last two games while Shadab's all-round performance has been a plus point for the team.
• The side looks more united after all the ups and downs, and if the openers give them a strong start, they will have an edge against the Kiwis who have a very poor record in the semis.

Head-to-head: Pakistan have won 17 of the 28 T20Is between the teams.

Pakistan probable XI: Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Shan Masood, Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

New Zealand probable XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.

When and where to watch: The take place today (November 9) at 1:30 pm (IST) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The game will be broadcast LIVE on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network.