Match Details:
Date: November 09, 2022
Time: 01:30 PM IST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview:
The T20 World Cup has reached its business end and we finally have the four teams that will advance to the semi-final stage of the ICC tournament. The knockout stage will kick start with New Zealand vs Pakistan match scheduled for November 9 (Wednesday) at Sydney Cricket Ground.
While New Zealand had a relatively smoother ride to the semis by winning most of their games comprehensively, Pakistan have scripted one of the most interesting comebacks in the ICC tournament.
After losing the first two games, Pakistan was standing on the brink of elimination, but players peaked at the right time for the side and a fair share of luck also played a part in them qualifying for the semis.
Pitch Report:
The surface at Sydney Cricket Ground has always been a batting paradise and we can expect some quality batting from both sides. A high-scoring game will be on cards as both teams feature some quality batters in their line-up. Meanwhile, bowlers should not be disappointed as there will be enough help, especially for the new-ball bowlers to keep them interested. It will be interesting to watch Shaheen Afridi/Haris Rauf vs Kane Williamson/Glenn Phillips clash at Sydney.
Team Analysis:
Pakistan:
While everything worked in the favour of Pakistan ahead of the semis, players will have to bring their best game against New Zealand. Babar Azam and Md. Rizwan will have to redeem themselves on Wednesday and if they are able to do, Pakistan might do wonders.
Md. Harris, Shan Masood, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed have contributed heavily in the middle order, and they will have to keep hitting the right chords in the knockout stage. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Hari Rauf will hold the key to restricting the New Zealand batters.
New Zealand:
The campaign started with Devon Conway smashing a brilliant 94 off just 58 balls in front of Australia, Glenn Phillips notching up an incredible ton vs Sri Lanka and ended with Kane Williamson scoring a brilliant 61 off just 35 against Ireland amid criticism of a poor strike rate.
The pair of experienced pacers, Tim Southee and Trent Boult will have to bring their A-game in front of rejuvenated Pakistan's batting. Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will be equally important for the side. New Zealand must not take Pakistan lightly as the latter had recently defeated Kane Williamson & boys to clinch the tri-series in New Zealand.
Match prediction:
Conclusion: Pakistan have peaked at the right time and with incredible head-to-head records (Pakistan has won four out of six games against New Zealand in the history of T20 WCs), Babar Azam & Co. are likely to win the match. So prediction from here is that Pakistan will come out on top against New Zealand and will qualify for the summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2022.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.