T20 World Cup: Mitchell, Williamson Steer New Zealand To 152/4 Pakistan In 1st Semi-Final
PAK vs NZ T20 World Cup: Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson produced vital performances to counter the opposition bowling as New Zealand posted 152/4 against Pakistan in the 1st semi-final. Pakistan now needs 153 runs in 20 overs to make their way to the final of the T20 World Cup 2022.
Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan a good start, dismissing dangerous Kiwi batter Finn Allen on the 3rd ball of the innings. Opener Devon Conway then etched a partnership of 34 runs in 32 balls for the 2nd wicket with Kane Williamson. The partnership was broken on the last ball of the powerplay as Conway was dismissed via run out by Shadab Khan after scoring 21 runs in 20 balls.
Glenn Phillips, who had scored a century earlier in the tournament at the same ground, was dismissed cheaply by Mohammad Nawaz in the 8th over. New Zealand were trailing at the end of 8th over at 49/3. From thereon, Williamson held the crease with Daryl Mitchell as these two added 68 runs in 50 balls for the 4th wicket.
Williamson steered his innings carefully, smacking his first boundary after playing 28 deliveries. After smacking a six and a four, Williamson tried to scoop Shaheen in the 17th over but was cleaned up. The Kiwi captain managed 46 runs off 42 balls with a four and a six before getting dismissed.
Daryl Mitchell continued on the other end, bringing up his 3rd T20I fifty. The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 53 runs off 35 balls with 3 fours & a six to take New Zealand across the 150-run mark. James Neesham remained not out at the other end at a score of 16*(12). For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi picked up 2 wickets while Mohammad Nawaz managed 1 wicket.
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Earlier, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss & opted to bat first against Pakistan in the 1st semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022. This match is being played at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.