Pakistan thrash NZ by 7 wickets, reach first final since 2009

Pakistan’s biggest stars shone at the right moment, with Shaheen Afridi leading the way in restricting New Zealand to 152/4 and then Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s 105-run opening stand taking the wind out of the Kiwis’ sails.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam set Pakistan in cruise mode with a 105-run opening partnership that came in under 13 overs.

Both batters neutralised the threat of Trent Boult and Tim Southee as they hit the New Zealand bowlers everywhere in the powerplay. Babar scored his 30th T20I half century before finally falling to Boult. Rizwan eventually crossed the 50-run mark himself.

Earlier, the Pakistan bowlers and fielders were on point throughout the innings as they restricted New Zealand to a score of 152/4. Shaheen Afridi was the star of the show, picking two wickets for 24 runs.

Pakistan reaches first final since 2009

New Zealand started their T20 campaign with a dominating victory over Australia and have just lost once in this tournament. Considered heavy favourites heading into the semi, the Kiwis will hope to end the jinx that Pakistan have over them.

The Black Caps have never beaten Pakistan in a world-cup semi-final. In three past encounters, in 1992, 1999, and 2007, Pakistan would triumph.