T20 World Cup 2022: NZ vs PAK – Preview, Predicted XIs, Head-to-Head, Live Streaming and Match Prediction

The ongoing T20 World Cup in Australia is all set to enter it’s business end with the four semifinalists known to everyone now. In the first semifinal, Group 1 toppers New Zealand will take on Pakistan, who took a last entry from back doors. The match will be played on Wednesday (November 9) at Sydney Cricket Ground. The winner of the contest will face one of India and England in the finals.

T20 World Cup 2022: NZ vs PAK Preview

New Zealand

New Zealand shifts gears to a whole new level in ICC events. Like in any other event, they were not considered the favorites for the title race. However, the Black Caps proved themselves once again as they topped the table to qualify ahead of England and Australia.

The Kiwis have a balanced squad where everyone tends to play their role. The only area they lacked was skipper Kane Williamson’s form. However, he found his rhyme against Ireland where he smashed 61 off just 35 deliveries. With his return to form, the side looks even more formidable.

Pakistan

Pakistan started the campaign with two back-to-back defeats in their first two games. It seemed like they wouldn’t be able to qualify for the semis. But they turned the table afterwards, with the help of a choke from South Africa. Babar Azam‘s side will want to put leave the past behind and give the event a fresh start.

They have a deadly bowling attack which can trouble any batting lineup on a particular day. Shaheen Afridi’s return to form is a big surplus for the Men in Blue ahead of the knockout phase. However, the Pakistani batters need to bat with more intention and try adopting an attacking approach.

T20 World Cup 2022: NZ vs PAK, 1st Semi-final, Match Details:

• Match: New Zealand vs Pakistan
• Date and Time: 9th November, 1:30 pm IST
• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
• Live Streaming Details: The match between NZ vs PAK will be streamed live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

Weather Report

According to the weather reports, the temperature will be 22° Celcius during the day and will fall to 15° Celcius at night. Although the sky will be partly cloudy, rain is not expected to interrupt the game. The humidity will rise from 62% during the day to 68% till night.

Pitch Report

The Sydney Cricket Ground provides a good batting surface. Unlike other Australian pitches, the pitch offers assistance to spinners as the pace and bounce is relatively low. The batters can play their shot if executed well.

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Predicted Playing XI

Both teams might go with the same 11 for today’s match.

New Zealand

• Devon Conway, Finn Allan, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

Pakistan

• Babar Azam, Rizwan, Haris Mohammad, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah

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T20 World Cup 2022: NZ vs PAK – Head-to-head and Match Prediction

Head to head

• Pakistan have faced New Zealand in T20Is on 28 occasions. While the Kiwis won 11 games, the Men in Green clinched 17 wins in the head to head contest.

Match Prediction

Kane Williamson‘s side have been more consistent and will be entering the match with a lot of confidence. They have been part of several knockout matches in recent ICC events. Pakistan, on the other hand, faced a lot of criticism for their performances. They still have a couple of areas to fix. Hence, the Kiwis are the favorites to win the contest.

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