(Info4now, November 8, 2022)–If PAK vs NZ is the game between Babar Azam and Kane Williamson, and it’s a semi-final, there is no question of supremacy of the latter. A terrific reader of a condition, an assessor of every movement of the opposition, Williamson himself is a challenge for Pakistan. But what Pakistan can rely on is their current dominance over New Zealand on their home soil.
Preview: PAK vs NZ, Semi Final 1, T20 WC 2022
What Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will do at the start needs homework. In a semi final they cannot decide it with their pads on. Whether they will take pressure off the middle order or they will offer them a used ball is something they have to count before the game. Shan Masood is experienced and rotating strikes well. After that Pakistan have no reliable person for a fine finish. So either Mohammad Harris or any all-rounder down the order must be calculative enough to read the condition and keep the board moving.
It’s a fantastic bowling line with six premier bowling options. As New Zealand are finely balanced with left-hand- right-hand combination, Nawaz must be used with care. Shadab has less concern in this regard as he can spin the ball both ways. Four seamers are exceptionally well with their competencies. It only needs to take off the pressure of a huge contest and attain a fair level of discipline.
New Zealand are a complete side of this T20 WC 2022 with their synthesized departments of batting, bowling and fielding. A cool touch of Kane Williamson to the hot contest of Sydney Cricket Ground just weather the on-field scenario for the Kiwis. Tim Southee is the champion of this format. If T20 is a game of a bowler, it’s not imagined without the skills and execution of Southee. With exceptional seam position of a new ball, he knows how to deceive a champion. Ish Sodhi and Mitch Santner are very tight with their lines. It’s only Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson who need to be very careful with their lengths as they love to attack with their superfast deliveries.
Since Finn Allen came into the side, it has been a good and balanced opening for New Zealand. Devon Conway can watch, play and hit the ball towards the rope. He is one every team wishes to have in the side. As Williamson is out of form and only leading the side, the anchoring of Conway offers smooth spaces for Glenn Philips and Daryl Mitchell. Jimmy Neesham is not in absolute touch, but can hit the ball out of the park on his day. Down the order Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner can bat.
To Sum up
Just like Adelaide Oval where the second semi-final is scheduled, SCG is also getting slowed down. Anyone winning the favour of the coin will choose to bat. It’s going to be a nail biting contest with enough chances of a last ball finish.
Probable Playing XI, PAK vs NZ 1st Semi Final: T20 WC 2022
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Glenn Philips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson.
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, Mohammad Harris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Harris Rouf, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi.