‘Are going to see the repeat of 1992 World Cup’ – Twitter congratulates Pakistan as they thrash New Zealand in first semifinal of 20-20 World Cup 2022

Pakistan and New Zealand locked horns in the first semifinal of the ongoing 20-20 World Cup 2022 in Sydney. Before the game, the Green Brigade had an unbeaten record against the Kiwis in World Cup knockouts. On the other hand, the Blackcaps were looking to make another appearance in the final of a World Championship in the last seven years. Meanwhile, after winning the toss, the 2021 finalists elected to bat first.

However, the Kiwis couldn’t make the best of the powerplay overs. In the first over itself, Finn Allen was given out twice. In the first instance, the decision was overturned but he couldn’t get lucky the second time around. Meanwhile, in the powerplay, the team lost two wickets and could only score 38/2 runs. Glenn Phillips, one of the in-form batters got out only after scoring six runs. The likes of Kane Williamson (46) and Daryl Mitchell (53) took the team to 152/4.

Pakistan chased down the total with the opening pair getting their form back

In reply, Pakistan’s opening pair, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan got their form back. The duo put together 105 runs for the first wicket. Early in the chase, Azam was dropped behind the stumps by Devon Conway. After the reprieve, the Pakistan skipper made the most of it as he scored 53 runs. On the other hand, Rizwan also got back his form with 57 off 43 balls. He started the counter-attack in the powerplay, followed by Azam.

This partnership pretty much made sure that the team would go over the line, ala the 1992 ODI World Cup. Mohammad Haris, who started playing in the team two games ago gave ensure that the team doesn’t make any meal of the regulation chase with 30 off 26 balls. Shan Masood scored the winning runs and the team won by seven wickets and five balls to spare. Now, Pakistan will wait for the winners of the second semifinal between India and England. The match will be played on November 10 in Adelaide. The winner will join Pakistan in the final.

This is how Twitter reacted

https://twitter.com/dswpti/status/1590305319363960833?s=20&t=CTF1TBMA5cxwlcYq4QM40A

Pakistan fielders are on fire today. Proactive and supremely energetic. Spinners have throttled New Zealand batsmen. Team Green are in the saddle.#T20WorldCup #PakvsNz

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) November 9, 2022

https://twitter.com/QasimKhanSuri/status/1590306213451149312?s=20&t=v_Htu5_uRBu2zE4g3LsEAg

https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/1590306911161036801?s=20&t=HA7gBsCbikA_S98SGKTf_A

Cricket unites Pakistan, Great game boys ….. Congratulations everyone #PakvsNz

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 9, 2022

Admirable journey in this World Cup for team Pakistan coming from behind. #PakvsNz

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 9, 2022

Babar and Rizwan have delivered the Day it Mattered #PakvsNZ

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 9, 2022

Sydney looks like Lahore today!! #PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/pSQILrfUpn

— Saqib Virk (@SaqibVirkPK) November 9, 2022

Another upset in this world cup.. well played Pakistan. Better luck next time New Zealand. #PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/YOgpODSff4

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) November 9, 2022

https://twitter.com/CTurnerFCDO/status/1590308735339360261?s=20&t=HA7gBsCbikA_S98SGKTf_A

https://twitter.com/AMIT_GUJJU/status/1590293579603521536?s=20&t=HA7gBsCbikA_S98SGKTf_A

Congratulations Pakistan for reaching in the Final 💚🇵🇰#PakvsNz pic.twitter.com/XDRDUkOBW9

— Shahid Hameed (@iShahidHameed) November 9, 2022

https://twitter.com/igauravpandit/status/1590305663095549955?s=20&t=HA7gBsCbikA_S98SGKTf_A