Pakistan captain Babar Azam gave credit to the bowlers for restricting New Zealand to an under-par score of 152 runs in the all-important semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. Kane Williamson decided to bat first after winning the toss but the Pakistan bowlers were right on the money.
Shaheen Shah Afridi provided a breakthrough on the third ball of the innings as he plumbed Finn Allen in front of the wickets. Shadab Khan then gave the second blow to the Blackcaps as he hit the bullseye to run out Devon Conway.
Thus, New Zealand could only manage 38 runs in the PowerPlay overs. Pakistan bowlers kept the screws on New Zealand as the Kane Williamson-led team trudged to 59-2 after the first 10 overs. Though Daryl Mitchell scored a good knock of 53 runs off 35 balls, Williamson could not change the gears during his knock of 42-ball 46.
On the other hand, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan added 105 runs for the opening partnership to get back into form. Azam scored 53 while Rizwan contributed with 57 as Pakistan’s openers got back amongst the runs.
Babar Azam gave his gratitude for the support his team received and also lauded Mohammad Haris, who scored 30 runs from 26 balls to add the finishing touches.
Azam said in the post-match presentation, “Thanks to the crowd. We feel like we’re playing at home. Got a good start with the first 6 overs with the ball. Later on the ball didn’t come on well. Fast bowlers finished well. We planned before going that we’ll utilise the powerplay. He’s a young guy and showing his aggression (Haris). He’s playing very well. We’re going to enjoy this moment. But at the same time have focus on the final.”
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan was awarded the Player of the Match for scoring 57 runs off 43 balls. Rizwan revealed that the plan was to take the attack against the new ball bowlers and it paid dividends.
Rizwan said after the game, “Luckily, the fifty was in the semifinal. Babar and I were struggling but we worked hard and believed. We kept fighting. When we crossed the boundary line, we decided to take the attack to the new ball bowlers. When we finished the powerplay, we knew one of us had to bat deep as it was a tricky pitch. Our start (to the tournament) wasn’t good, but the guys kept believing.”
Pakistan will play either India or England in the final on Sunday at the MCG.
