Pakistan’s Muhammad Rizwan celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 semi-final cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on November 9, 2022. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP) /
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Pakistan’s Muhammad Rizwan (C) and Pakistan’s Captain Babar Azam run between the wickets during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2022 semi-final cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on November 9, 2022. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP

1992 all over again? Pakistan brush aside New Zealand in World Cup semis

Green Shirts book their place in the final at MCG opposite one of India and England, who clash tomorrow in the other semi-final.
Dawn.com Published November 9, 2022

Pakistan hardly put a foot wrong and dominated pretty much from start to finish, beating New Zealand by seven wickets in their World Cup semi-final clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

The reward for them is an entry in the World Cup final opposite one of England and India on Sunday. If it turns out to be the former, than it would keep them on track to replicate the template of their successful World Cup run from 30 years ago when they had come back from the dead to beat the Kiwis in the semis and England in the final.

They had a nightmare start to the day as Babar Azam lost the toss and was forced to field first when he’d have liked to bat. Then, on the first ball of the over, their star pacer Shaheen Afridi was hit for a four. From that point on, however, it was all Pakistan.

From bowling to fielding and even decision making, Babar and Co got every single thing right as the Kiwis were a distant second. Set a target of 153, it was expected that the out-of-form pairing of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan could struggle. Those concerns were quickly put to bed as the Pakistan openers dominated Kiwi pacers.

Both the star openers, after a tournament’s worth of struggles, came alive when it mattered the most and scored half centuries each. The pair did not stay till the end, but their body of work was enough to let latter batters get the team over the line comfortably.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

153-3 after 19.1 overs: Southee to Masood, 1 run

152-3 after 19.1 overs: Southee to Masood, 1 run wide

Shan Masood 2 (3)

151-3 after 19 overs: Santner to Haris (30), CAUGHT OUT

151-2 after 18.5 overs: Santner to Masood, 3 runs

148-2 after 18.4 overs: Santner to Haris, 1 run

147-2 after 18.3 overs: Santner to Masood, 1 run

146-2 after 18.2 overs: Santner to Haris, 1 run

145-2 after 18.1 overs: Santner to Haris, no run

Mohammad Haris 28 (22), Shan Masood 1 (1)

145-2 after 18 overs: Ferguson to Haris, 1 run

144-2 after 17.5 overs: Ferguson to Haris, SIX runs

138-2 after 17.4 overs: Ferguson to Haris, FOUR runs

134-2 after 17.3 overs: Ferguson to Haris, no run

134-2 after 17.2 overs: Ferguson to Masood, 1 run

133-2 after 17.1 overs: Ferguson to Haris, 1 run

Mohammad Haris 17 (17)

132-2 after 17 overs: Boult to Rizwan (57), OUT CAUGHT

132-1 after 16.5 overs: Boult to Rizwan, no run

132-1 after 16.4 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 2 runs

130-1 after 16.3 overs: Boult to Haris, 1 run

129-1 after 16.2 overs: Boult to Haris, no run

129-1 after 16.1 overs: Boult to Haris, 2 runs

Mohammad Haris 15 (14), Mohammad Rizwan 55 (40)

127-1 after 16 overs: Southee to Haris, 1 run

126-1 after 15.5 overs: Southee to Rizwan, 1 run

125-1 after 15.4 overs: Southee to Rizwan, no run

125-1 after 15.3 overs: Southee to Haris, 1 run

124-1 after 15.2 overs: Southee to Haris, 2 runs

122-1 after 15.1 overs: Southee to Haris, no run

Mohammad Haris 11 (10), Mohammad Rizwan 54 (38)

122-1 after 15 overs: Santner to Haris, 1 run

121-1 after 14.5 overs: Santner to Rizwan, 1 run

120-1 after 14.4 overs: Santner to Haris, 1 run

119-1 after 14.3 overs: Santner to Rizwan, 3 runs

116-1 after 14.2 overs: Santner to Haris, 1 run

115-1 after 14.1 overs: Santner to Haris, 2 runs

Mohammad Haris 6 (6), Mohammad Rizwan 50 (36)

113-1 after 14 overs: Sodhi to Haris, 1 run

112-1 after 13.5 overs: Sodhi to Haris, no run

112-1 after 13.4 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

111-1 after 13.3 overs: Sodhi to Haris, 1 run

110-1 after 13.2 overs: Sodhi to Haris, no run

110-1 after 13.1 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

Mohammad Haris 4 (2), Mohammad Rizwan 48 (34)

109-1 after 13 overs: Boult to Haris, FOUR runs

105-1 after 12.5 overs: Boult to Haris, no run

105-1 after 12.4 overs: Boult to Babar (53), OUT CAUGHT

105-0 after 12.3 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 1 run

104-0 after 12.2 overs: Boult to Babar, 1 run

103-0 after 12.1 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 1 run

Mohammad Rizwan 46 (32), Babar Azam 52 (40)

102-0 after 12 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

101-0 after 11.5 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

100-0 after 11.4 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

99-0 after 11.3 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, no run

99-0 after 11.2 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

98-0 after 11.1 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

Babar Azam 50 (38), Mohammad Rizwan 43 (28)

97-0 after 11 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 2 runs

95-0 after 10.5 overs: Ferguson to Babar, no run

95-0 after 10.4 overs: Ferguson to Babar, FOUR runs

91-0 after 10.3 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

90-0 after 10.2 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

89-0 after 10.1 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

88-0 after 10.1 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run wide

Babar Azam 43 (34), Mohammad Rizwan 41 (26)

87-0 after 10 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 2 runs

85-0 after 9.5 overs: Sodhi to Babar, FOUR runs

81-0 after 9.4 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

80-0 after 9.3 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

79-0 after 9.2 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 3 runs

76-0 after 9.1 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

Mohammad Rizwan 37 (24), Babar Azam 35 (30)

75-0 after 9 overs: Santner to Rizwan, 2 runs

73-0 after 8.5 overs: Santner to Babar, 1 run

72-0 after 8.4 overs: Santner to Rizwan, 1 run

71-0 after 8.3 overs: Santner to Rizwan, 2 runs

69-0 after 8.2 overs: Santner to Babar, 1 run

68-0 after 8.1 overs: Santner to Babar, no run

Comment: So mesmerised we were at Babar and Rizwan’s onslaught that we almost abandoned this thread. As things stand, Pakistan are well and truly on top. Surely, even they cannot lose from this position. Or can they?

Babar Azam 33 (27), Mohammad Rizwan 32 (21)

68-0 after 8 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

67-0 after 7.5 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

66-0 after 7.4 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

65-0 after 7.3 overs: Sodhi to Rizwan, 1 run

64-0 after 7.2 overs: Sodhi to Babar, 1 run

63-0 after 7.1 overs: Sodhi to Babar, no run

Babar Azam 30 (23), Mohammad Rizwan 30 (19)

63-0 after 7 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

62-0 after 6.5 overs: Ferguson to Babar, FOUR runs

58-0 after 6.4 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

57-0 after 6.3 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

56-0 after 6.2 overs: Ferguson to Babar, no run

56-0 after 6.1 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

Mohammad Rizwan 28 (17), Babar Azam 25 (19)

55-0 after 6 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

54-0 after 5.5 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

53-0 after 5.4 overs: Ferguson to Babar, FOUR runs

49-0 after 5.3 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

48-0 after 5.2 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, no run

48-0 after 5.1 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

Babar Azam 19 (16), Mohammad Rizwan 27 (14)

47-0 after 5 overs: Southee to Babar, 1 run

46-0 after 4.5 overs: Southee to Babar, FOUR runs

42-0 after 4.4 overs: Southee to Babar, no run

42-0 after 4.4 overs: Southee to Babar, 1 run wide

41-0 after 4.3 overs: Southee to Rizwan, 1 run

40-0 after 4.2 overs: Southee to Rizwan, FOUR runs

36-0 after 4.1 overs: Southee to Rizwan, FOUR runs

Babar Azam 14 (13), Mohammad Rizwan 18 (11)

32-0 after 4 overs: Ferguson to Babar, no run

32-0 after 3.5 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, 1 run

31-0 after 3.4 overs: Ferguson to Rizwan, no run

31-0 after 3.3 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 1 run

30-0 after 3.2 overs: Ferguson to Babar, 2 runs

28-0 after 3.1 overs: Ferguson to Babar, FOUR runs

Mohammad Rizwan 17 (9), Babar Azam 7 (9)

24-0 after 3 overs: Boult to Rizwan, FOUR runs

20-0 after 2.5 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 2 runs

18-0 after 2.4 overs: Boult to Rizwan, FOUR runs

14-0 after 2.3 overs: Boult to Babar, 1 run

13-0 after 2.2 overs: Boult to Babar, FOUR runs

9-0 after 2.1 overs: Boult to Babar, no run

Babar Azam 2 (6) Mohammad Rizwan 7 (6)

9-0 after 2 overs: Southee to Babar Azam, 1 run

8-0 after 1.5 overs: Southee to Babar, no run

8-0 after 1.4 overs: Southee to Babar, no run

8-0 after 1.3 overs: Southee to Babar, no run

8-0 after 1.2 overs: Southee to Rizwan, 1 run

7-0 after 1.1 overs: Southee to Rizwan, no run

Babar Azam 1 (2), Mohammad Rizwan 6 (4)

7-0 after 1 over: Boult to Babar, 0 run.

7-0 after 0.5 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 1 run.

6-0 after 0.4 overs: Boult to Babar, 1 run.

5-0 after 0.3 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 1 run.

4-0 after 0.2 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 0 run.

4-0 after 0.1 overs: Boult to Rizwan, 4 runs.

Story at the break:

Boosted by unusual and almost unexpected sharpness of their fielders that saw catches taken and direct hits made, Pakistan restricted New Zealand to a somewhat modest total of 152 for 4.

After lazy defeats to India and Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament, the Pakistan that showed up for the big semi today was a supremely disciplined unit.

The bowlers hit the right length again and again, the captain shuffled his options well and most importantly, the fielders hardly put a foot wrong all through the 20 overs.

After being hit for a four off the very first ball of the innings, Shaheen and Co came back strongly, found a breakthrough early and kept the pressure up.

They had reduced the Kiwis to 49 for 3 before a 68-run stand between Williamson (46) and Daryl Mitchell rescued the innings. Shaheen was the pick of the bowlers, with his wicket of Allen in the opening over and then again of Williamson being two major pivotal points.

Daryl Mitchell 53 (35), James Neesham 16 (12)

152-4 after 20 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 runs.

151-4 after 19.5 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 2 runs.

150-4 after 19.5 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

149-4 after 19.4 overs: Naseem to Neesham, 1 run.

148-4 after 19.3 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

147-4 after 19.2 overs: Naseem to Neesham, 1 run.

146-4 after 19.1 overs: Naseem to Neesham, 2 runs.

Daryl Mitchell 50 (32), James Neesham 14 (9)

144-4 after 19 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 2 runs.

142-4 after 18.5 overs: Rauf to Neesham, 1 runs.

141-4 after 18.4 overs: Rauf to Neesham, 4 runs.

137-4 after 18.3 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 1 runs.

136-4 after 18.2 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 2 runs.

134-4 after 18.1 overs: Rauf to Neesham, 1 run.

Daryl Mitchell 46 (29), James Neesham 8 (6)

133-4 after 18 overs: Naseem to Neesham, 1 run.

132-4 after 17.5 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

131-4 after 17.4 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 2 runs.

129-4 after 17.3 overs: Naseem to Neesham, 1 run.

128-4 after 17.2 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

127-4 after 17.1 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 4 runs.

Daryl Mitchell 38 (25), James Neesham 6 (4)

Comment: Just when it seemed the Kiwis would hit the accelerator, Shaheen gets rid of Williamson. The NZ captain tries to scoop but missed it and the lanky pacer hits his stumps.

123-4 after 17 overs: Shaheen to Neesham, 2 runs.

119-4 after 16.4 overs: Shaheen to Neesham, 2 runs.

117-4 after 16.3 overs: Shaheen to Neesham, 0 run.

117-4 after 16.2 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, OUT. (46 off 42 balls)

117-3 after 16.1 overs: Shaheen to Mitchell, 1 run.

Kane Williamson 46 (41), Daryl Mitchell 38 (24)

116-3 after 16 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 1 run.

115-3 after 15.5 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 2 runs.

113-3 after 15.4 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 2 runs.

111-3 after 15.3 overs: Rauf to Mitchell, 2 runs.

109-3 after 15.2 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 1 run.

108-3 after 15.1 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 2 runs.

Kane Williamson 43 (39), Daryl Mitchell 31 (20)

106-3 after 15 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 1 run.

105-3 after 14.5 overs: Shaheen to Mitchell, 1 run.

104-3 after 14.4 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 1 run.

103-3 after 14.3 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 4 runs.

99-3 after 14.2 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 0 run.

99-3 after 14.1 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 0 run.

Comment: It was a risk to continue with Shadab after what happened in the last over. Babar took the gamble and Mitchell, after exchanging singles off the first four balls, finds a big six off the fifth. The last one is a dot ball.

Kane Williamson 38 (37), Daryl Mitchell 24 (16)

99-3 after 14 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 0 run.

99-3 after 13.5 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 6 runs.

93-3 after 13.4 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

92-3 after 13.3 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 1 run.

91-3 after 13.2 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

90-3 after 13.1 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 1 run.

Comment: With Mitchell showing his intentions in the previous over that he was going to take his chances against spinners, pace is brought back. Naseem bowls a tight line and concedes eight runs composed entirely of singles and doubles.

Kane Williamson 36 (33), Daryl Mitchell 22 (14)

89-3 after 13 overs: Wasim to Mitchell, 1 run.

88-3 after 12.5 overs: Wasim to Mitchell, 0 run.

88-3 after 12.4 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 1 run.

87-3 after 12.3 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 0 run.

87-3 after 12.2 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 0 run.

87-3 after 12.1 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 6 runs.

Kane Williamson 28 (28), Daryl Mitchell 21 (13)

81-3 after 12 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 2 runs.

79-3 after 11.5 overs: Naseem to Williamson, 1 run.

78-3 after 11.4 overs: Naseem to Williamson, 2 runs.

76-3 after 11.3 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

75-3 after 11.2 overs: Naseem to Williamson, 1 run.

74-3 after 11.1 overs: Naseem to Mitchell, 1 run.

Comment: A rare big over for New Zealand as Mitchell finds two boundaries off Shadab. 14 off it.

Kane Williamson 24 (25), Daryl Mitchell 18 (10)

73-3 after 11 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 1 run.

72-3 after 10.5 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 4 runs.

68-3 after 10.4 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 2 runs.

66-3 after 10.3 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 2 runs.

64-3 after 10.2 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 4 runs.

60-3 after 10.1 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

Kane Williamson 23 (24), Daryl Mitchell 5 (5)

59-3 after 10 overs: Nawaz to Mitchell, 2 runs.

57-3 after 9.5 overs: Nawaz to Williamson, 1 run.

56-3 after 9.4 overs: Nawaz to Mitchell, 1 run.

55-3 after 9.3 overs: Nawaz to Williamson, 1 run.

54-3 after 9.2 overs: Nawaz to Mitchell, 1 run.

53-3 after 9.1 overs: Nawaz to Williamson, 1 run.

Kane Williamson 20 (21), Daryl Mitchell 1 (2)

Comment: First over over spin is hit for just six runs as the excellent Shadab is hit for a boundary but recovers well.

52-3 after 9 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

51-3 after 8.5 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 0 run.

51-3 after 8.4 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 1 run.

50-3 after 8.3 overs: Shadab to Mitchell, 0 run.

50-3 after 8.2 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

49-3 after 8.1 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 0 run.

Comment: Mohammad Nawaz misses a run out chance on his own bowling. He sees Williamson’s defensive shot come straight to him. Phillips, on the non-striker’s, end was outside his crease but Nawaz for some reason does not make the throw that would have definitely had the Kiwi batter out. He makes up for it by catching Phillips off his own bowling later in the over.

Kane Williamson 18 (17), Glenn Philips 6 (8)-OUT

49-3 after 8 overs: Nawaz to Phillips, OUT!

49-2 after 7.5 overs: Nawaz to Phillips, 0 run.

48-2 after 7.4 overs: Nawaz to Williamson, 2 runs.

46-2 after 7.3 overs: Nawaz to Phillips, 1 run.

45-2 after 7.2 overs: Nawaz to Phillips, 0 run.

45-2 after 7.1 overs: Nawaz to Williamson, 1 run.

Comment: First over over spin is hit for just six runs as the excellent Shadab is hit for a boundary but recovers well.

Kane Williamson 14 (14), Glenn Philips 5 (5)

44-2 after 7 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 0 run.

44-2 after 6.5 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 0 run.

44-2 after 6.4 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 0 run.

44-2 after 6.3 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 4 runs.

40-2 after 6.2 overs: Shadab to Williamson, 1 run.

39-2 after 6.1 overs: Shadab to Phillips, 1 run.

Comment: Pakistan have so far been excellent in the field, and another demonstration of it was given by Shadab, who makes Conway pay for trying to steal a quick single. His direct hit from mid off runs out the Kiwi southpaw.

Kane Williamson 13 (13), Devon Conway 21 (20)- OUT

38-2 after 6 overs: Rauf to Conway, OUT (run-out, Shadab Khan)

38-1 after 5.5 overs: Rauf to Conway, 0 run.

38-1 after 5.4 overs: Rauf to Conway, 2 runs.

36-1 after 5.3 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 1 run.

35-1 after 5.2 overs: Rauf to Conway, 1 run.

34-1 after 5.1 overs: Rauf to Conway, 4 runs.

Comment: Another quiet over, just seven off it in what was Wasim’s opening over. No boundaries for the Kiwis since the second over.

Kane Williamson 12 (12), Devon Conway 14 (15)

30-1 after 5 overs: Wasim to Conway, 1 run.

29-1 after 4.5 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 1 run.

28-1 after 4.4 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 2 runs.

26-1 after 4.3 overs: Wasim to Conway, 1 run.

25-1 after 4.2 overs: Wasim to Williamson, 1 run.

24-1 after 4.1 overs: Wasim to Conway, 1 run.

Comment: Naseem Shah removed after just one over. Haris Rauf replaces him and starts with an overpitched delivery that is taken for a few runs but then recovers well with a tight rest of the over.

Just four of it.

Kane Williamson 8 (9), Devon Conway 11 (12)

23-1 after 4 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 0 run.

23-1 after 3.5 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 0 run.

23-1 after 3.4 overs: Rauf to Conway, 1 run.

22-1 after 3.3 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 1 run.

21-1 after 3.2 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 0 run.

21-1 after 3.1 overs: Rauf to Williamson, 2 runs.

Kane Williamson 5 (4), Devon Conway 10 (11)

19-1 after 3 overs: Shaheen to Conway, 0 run.

19-1 after 2.5 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 1 run.

18-1 after 2.4 overs: Shaheen to Conway, 1 run.

17-1 after 2.3 overs: Shaheen to Conway, 0 run.

17-1 after 2.2 overs: Shaheen to Conway, 0 run.

17-1 after 2.1 overs: Shaheen to Williamson, 3 runs.

Kane Williamson 1 (2), Devon Conway 9(7)

Comment: Naseem does not do much wrong in his opening over but still gets hit for a pair of boundaries by Conway. He nearly plays one on to his stumps.

14-1 after 2 overs: Naseem to Conway , 4 runs.

10-1 after 1.5 overs: Naseem to Conway , 0 run.

10-1 after 1.4 overs: Naseem to Conway , 4 runs.

6-1 after 1.3 overs: Naseem to Conway , 0 run.

6-1 after 1.2 overs: Naseem to Conway , 0 run.

6-1 after 1.1 over: Naseem to Conway , 0 run.

Comment: Action-paced start to the semi-final as Shaheen is hit for a four the very first ball of the match. He nearly gets Allen lbw the next ball, only for the decision to be overturned. The same thing happened again but this time the review does not produce the desired results for the Kiwi man as Pakistan draw first blood.

Kane Williamson 1 (2), Devon Conway 1(1)

6-1 after 1 over: Shaheen to Williamson, 0 run.

6-1 after 0.5 over: Shaheen to Conway, 1 run.

5-1 after 0.4 over: Shaheen to Williamson, 1 run.

Skipper Kane Williamson’s in

4-1 after 0.3 over: Shaheen to Allen, OUT

4-0 after 0.2 over: Shaheen to Allen, 0 run (LBW reversed after review)

4-0 after 0.1 over: Shaheen to Allen, 4 runs.

12:58: The first ball of the match will be bowled shortly.

12:55: Former prime minister Imran Khan extends best wishes to the team and advises them to “fight till the last ball”.

12:53pm: The national anthems are being played.

12:40pm: The team line-ups are in:

Pakistan: 1 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2 Babar Azam (capt), 3 Mohammad Haris, 4 Shan Masood, 5 Iftikhar Ahmed, 6 Shadab Khan, 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Mohammad Wasim Jr, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Shaheen Afridi

New Zealand: 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Glenn Phillips, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Jimmy Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent Boult

12:30pm: New Zealand have won the toss, chosen to bat first.

12:17pm: Here’s Babar Azam at the pitch inspection.

12:13pm: Pakistan team mentor Matthew Hayden backs skipper Babar Azam to fire in the crucial game today

12:12pm: Also, don’t miss: Hopeful or hope-fool: Which side of Pakistan fandom divide are you on?

12:08pm: Check out our feature: The captain must ‘step back’ for Pakistan to move forward

12.01pm: This is the start of Dawn.com’s live thread for the Pakistan vs New Zealand semi-final clash.

Comments (110) Closed
J
Nov 09, 2022 12:56pm
We have a great record against the Kiwis. Hope team green shows consistency, win and reach the final!
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Nov 09, 2022 01:10pm
Green shirts must understand, know and realize that based on unity, faith, dedication, devotion and discipline, anything is possible.
Recommend 0
Rao
Nov 09, 2022 01:34pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, It can also win by fluke.
Recommend 0
Jo Original
Nov 09, 2022 01:57pm
It's Pakistan batters that are the problem. Bowlers have been fantastic.
Recommend 0
Pappu Yadav
Nov 09, 2022 02:01pm
Looks like Pak will loose this one.
Recommend 0
DoctorZak
Nov 09, 2022 02:12pm
Wishing Babar Azam and his team prayers and best wishes from the nation. All we expect from you is to fight till the last ball... Well Said IK. India supports the Pakistan team.
Recommend 0
Truth be told
Nov 09, 2022 02:40pm
Please don't highlight Imran Khan's tweet at this important time in our current team's life. Prayers, luck and an excellent team won the '92 world up which Imran Khan ended up claiming for himself and his mother during the victory speech. Yes, being selfish does help in a game but the same attitude in life and politics brings one to the brink of destruction, as Pakistan has been witnessing. If our teams stay apolitical in future lives then Imran's comment is fine.
Recommend 0
Zaki
Nov 09, 2022 02:47pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, Bring it on
Recommend 0
Dr Dummy
Nov 09, 2022 03:31pm
Dropped at zero, Babar doing well. Just like 1992, the captain was dropped at 8!
Recommend 0
Anonymouseee
Nov 09, 2022 03:38pm
Team GREEN for the win inshallah.
Recommend 0
Abida
Nov 09, 2022 03:43pm
Pakistan playing great but I hope someday they can perform well in batting without this opening pair.This much reliance on 2 players is not good
Recommend 0
Dr Dummy
Nov 09, 2022 04:09pm
YES. Sometimes fluke of the century works!
Recommend 0
Khan , USA
Nov 09, 2022 04:28pm
Congratulations to Pakistani team and Pakistanis !
Recommend 0
Ravi Dhar
Nov 09, 2022 04:28pm
A fixed match.
Recommend 0
Khan123
Nov 09, 2022 04:28pm
Warm congratulations! Pakistan outplayed!
Recommend 0
Ali
Nov 09, 2022 04:29pm
Qualifying last but reaching 1st in Finals.
Recommend 0
Khan123
Nov 09, 2022 04:31pm
Warm congratulations! Pakistan outplayed!
Recommend 0
ENGR Hamid Shafiq
Nov 09, 2022 04:31pm
Victory
Recommend 0
Jamil Soomro, New York City
Nov 09, 2022 04:31pm
What a performance by Pakistan. Full honours. Proud to be a Pakistani.
Recommend 0
Akram
Nov 09, 2022 04:33pm
@Pappu Yadav, “ Looks like Pak will loose this one.” Pardon me?
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FAZ
Nov 09, 2022 04:34pm
92 again PAKISTAN vs ENGLAND in final And PAKISTAN will win.
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Hathi-Bandur-Gao
Nov 09, 2022 04:35pm
So folks Pakistan emergencies victorious. Congrats. India can't sleep well get ready for FINAL THRASHING, Pakistani ste, no mercy.
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Jo Original
Nov 09, 2022 04:38pm
Finally our batters performed. Don't get carried away. The final has yet to come. Well done Pakistan.
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Syed A. Mateen
Nov 09, 2022 04:40pm
Heartiest congratulations to Pakistani Cricket Team.
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 04:40pm
@Dr Dummy, YES. Sometimes fluke of the century works! Like Indias win over Bangladesh
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Hari Singh nalwa
Nov 09, 2022 04:40pm
Thanks to Netherlands
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Hari Singh nalwa
Nov 09, 2022 04:41pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, green shirt must appreciate and understand help from Netherlands
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 04:41pm
@DoctorZak, Wishing Babar Azam and his team prayers and best wishes from the nation. All we expect from you is to fight till the last ball... Well Said IK. India supports the Pakistan team. India should support Pakistan the best team of all Asia. World admires Pakistan.
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Dragden
Nov 09, 2022 04:42pm
Pak vs Eng final. Bye bye india
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Que
Nov 09, 2022 04:45pm
@Rao, Take the fluke where the sun does not shine....
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Sam
Nov 09, 2022 04:49pm
Get over 1992. Look forward. Team did well.
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Sridhar
Nov 09, 2022 04:52pm
What a performance at the right time. Well played Pakistan truely enjoying the game
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Kiwi
Nov 09, 2022 04:53pm
Alhumdullilah Pakistan won. Although, I live in New Zealand. But dil say phir bhi Pakistani.
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
Nov 09, 2022 04:54pm
Ideal picture on the news. Only prayers got us this far. More prayers just one more win. All the best.
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DoctorZak
Nov 09, 2022 04:58pm
Awesome!! Well done. Now let us see a great game in the finals too.
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Jemina
Nov 09, 2022 04:58pm
Congrats, Imran Khan’s inspiration really helped the team.
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NACParis
Nov 09, 2022 05:00pm
@Rao, Wait till the final when they will carry home the world cup.
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Hamza
Nov 09, 2022 05:00pm
Pakistan Zindabad!
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 05:05pm
@DoctorZak, Wishing Babar Azam and his team prayers and best wishes from the nation. All we expect from you is to fight till the last ball... Well Said IK. India supports the Pakistan team. Pakistan supports England. Repeat of 1992 in the offing.
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 05:06pm
@Dr Dummy, Dropped at zero, Babar doing well. Just like 1992, the captain was dropped at 8! Just like 1992, Pakistan will pick up the cup
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Susr-in-law
Nov 09, 2022 05:15pm
Fear in the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and all across India.
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Kashif Advocate
Nov 09, 2022 05:16pm
Similarities between 92 world cup and this one Venue Australia Pakistan under performed in group matches Reached into semis due to mathematics calculations Semifinalist rival New Zealand One of other Semifinalist England Pakistan win in semis against New Zealand Pakistan chased New Zealand unbeaten in its group
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Mughal Emporer
Nov 09, 2022 05:17pm
@Pappu Yadav, grapes are sour!
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M. Saeed
Nov 09, 2022 05:23pm
-----with one big exception! In 1992, New Zealand was all through undefeated in the final but lost one and only match that was the knock-out semi final to Pakistan, who reached final just like today's, courtesy other teams lift !
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Lol
Nov 09, 2022 05:26pm
153 score as well as the 152 score was fantastic
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 05:36pm
Like 30 years later, finals England versus Pakistan and Pak will pick up the cup.
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Ather
Nov 09, 2022 05:43pm
True, they are their to win. But do not put too much pressure on them. It is only a game folks!
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Dr. Thahirul Padri
Nov 09, 2022 05:47pm
Match fixing?
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Hamza
Nov 09, 2022 05:49pm
Well done Pakistan...India, here we come!!
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Pakistani
Nov 09, 2022 05:54pm
Love you Pakistan
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Sen chennai
Nov 09, 2022 05:57pm
Today I supported Pakistan.. tomorrow you guys support India. Let's meet in final.
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Zet
Nov 09, 2022 06:03pm
@J, inshAllah!
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Sam
Nov 09, 2022 06:07pm
Happy for Pak team. Getting in to finals from a weak position in tournament is big. But a couple of thoughts: 1. this comparison (again and again) to 1992 should be stopped. This is the reason of the current political mess, if you know what I mean. 2. entry in to T20 world cup should not be the main headline of a leading daily. Yes it is good news but not this imp. It should be a side bubble on first page. Shows how much the country is hoping to get something good.
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AJAY
Nov 09, 2022 06:22pm
The way new zealand drop the catch.. it looks fixed.
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Anonymouseee
Nov 09, 2022 06:26pm
Congrats Team GREEN. Indians must be so disappointed.
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Oneliner
Nov 09, 2022 06:28pm
Cricketers give happy moments from time to time, politcians never do
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Biju
Nov 09, 2022 06:35pm
@Hamza, We are waiting..!
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Fayyaz Hafeez
Nov 09, 2022 06:36pm
Congrats to Pakistan Team. Let's suppose if England Reach into the Finals and Pakistan Beat England and lift the World cup than is this possible that Babr Azam will become a Prime Minister of Pakistan after 26 Years. Dont forget 1992 wining team Captain.
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KM
Nov 09, 2022 06:38pm
@Dr. Thahirul Padri, yes, between IND vs ENG
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Pakpro
Nov 09, 2022 06:42pm
Now watch Indian team get obliterated by England tomorrow.
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Charles
Nov 09, 2022 06:52pm
At the mercy of Netherland team
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Alih Kazmi
Nov 09, 2022 06:54pm
@Dr Dummy, If you see too many flukes you are watching an Alternative Reality show.
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Batman
Nov 09, 2022 06:59pm
Pakistan and India were destined to face each other in the final. This is how betting business booms
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Nostalgia
Nov 09, 2022 07:15pm
1992 win made IK, this one will unmake him!!
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Ajit Gunjal
Nov 09, 2022 07:34pm
Congratulations Pakistan !! No one will dare to write off the Pak team again ! Hoping for epic Ind vs Pak finale !
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Nizam
Nov 09, 2022 07:36pm
It is written on the wall now. Pakistan will win the cup.
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Muralidhar
Nov 09, 2022 07:41pm
congrats team Pakistan see you in final
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Muralidhar
Nov 09, 2022 07:44pm
@Anonymouseee, Why do you guys always think negatively? We are happy to have a lovely final
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Usman Kaleem
Nov 09, 2022 07:48pm
happy now supreme court of Pakistan ? Now let's get back to work
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Dr. Pizzaria
Nov 09, 2022 07:52pm
No. It is 2007 again. India will beat Pakistan on any day. Back in 1992 India did not reach semifinal even though they beat Pakistan.
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Ghaznavi
Nov 09, 2022 08:09pm
India will be humiliated soon. If they manage to defeat England tommorow
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Haagnabhai
Nov 09, 2022 08:30pm
We will humiliates India in final like never before..I want India to win with England.
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Jay
Nov 09, 2022 08:36pm
Congrats from your East. Well Done, Pakistan team.
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Abha Singh
Nov 09, 2022 08:41pm
Congrats! The team that played better won!! But, do not stop Thanking Netherlands :)
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Texas Ranger
Nov 09, 2022 08:49pm
@Rao, like how Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets last year, by TEN wickets, it’s no fluke, it’s performance
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Asif
Nov 09, 2022 09:03pm
@M. Saeed, That is not correct. New Zealand did lose to Pakistan in the round robin league as there were no groups and each side played the other once. Kiwis lost to Pakistan in back to back matches one of which was the semifinal.
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Dean
Nov 09, 2022 09:05pm
Lets see how India get on with their extra man (BCCI) v England tomorrow!!!
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T-man
Nov 09, 2022 09:38pm
Indians are jealous again.. I mean once again. And again.
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Swamee
Nov 09, 2022 09:47pm
@Abida , the openers have had a bad tournament other players have done well: Shan, Iftikhar, Shadab, Nawaz, Haris have all contrivutrd kk
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Ashley
Nov 09, 2022 10:14pm
Pakistan played well and won. Congrats. NZ was sloppy.
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Anees A
Nov 09, 2022 10:15pm
As much as I would like to 1992 repeat with England in the finals, Pak-India final will have no match !
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Syed Anzar
Nov 09, 2022 10:18pm
@Charles, Same like rain propelled india to semis, otherwise they would have lost against Bangladesh !!
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Stunner
Nov 09, 2022 10:20pm
@AJAY, it might be but see Conway is a makeshift keeper, but what you say about Kohli dropping that catch of Aiden Markarm, it was comical he didn't stood in place to grab it instead he move back and forth while catching the ball as if some unseen force is holding him back, we can't judge ppl faith but apparently dropping that catch looked very fishy and was done deliberately to make South Africa win the game.
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 10:29pm
@Lol, 153 score as well as the 152 score was fantastic Which country went in cricket history as biggest losers with lowest score in test cricket of 32 ALL OUT. look it up.
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Zak
Nov 09, 2022 10:32pm
@DoctorZak, Awesome!! Well done. Now let us see a great game in the finals too. England v Pakistan. Repeat 1992.
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Draj
Nov 10, 2022 12:09am
I like Pakistan team a lot. I think they deliver better under pressure. Good Job and Good Luck.
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Salman
Nov 10, 2022 12:12am
Alhamdulillah. I hope they win the final also.
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Isra
Nov 10, 2022 12:27am
Finally “green machine”got some oiling !
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Zeeshan Ahmed
Nov 10, 2022 12:38am
Congratulations to Pakistan!
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A Shah
Nov 10, 2022 12:42am
I hope we get a india-Pakistan final
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Asif
Nov 10, 2022 01:08am
@Stunner, I couldn’t have said it better…
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Ismail
Nov 10, 2022 01:17am
@Sen chennai, All the best to India. Hopefully, we will meet in final
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Ali(USA)
Nov 10, 2022 01:55am
@Jemina, What has Imran khan really done here fir the team ?He is busy to bring chaos to Pakistan.
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Salman
Nov 10, 2022 02:02am
@M. Saeed, In 92 NZ also lost last group game to Pakistan
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CClements
Nov 10, 2022 03:58am
Should Pakistan win the T20 tournament, it will demean the integrity and value of the IPL. ldn.uk
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Cricfan
Nov 10, 2022 04:38am
Bravo! Job well done!
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Khanzada
Nov 10, 2022 04:54am
@Rao, India won by fluke in the last over.
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CClements
Nov 10, 2022 05:43am
@Pappu Yadav, IPL unwanted guests win the T20 World Cup,
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Don
Nov 10, 2022 06:35am
@Zak, and the same country wins the series 2:1
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Raja
Nov 10, 2022 08:00am
If Haris was as powerful hitter as Boom Boom, who used to hit long sixes, he could have played at any middle or lower order position without putting himself at high risk to get caught at the boundary. It is his this weakness and fearlessness makes him a number one candidate for the Opening position. No doubt; he can hit more proper Sixes and Fours in power play than any other member of the Pakistan's team My Batting Order for the Final: 1. Rizwan 2. Haris 3. Azam 4. As per situation
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Raja
Nov 10, 2022 08:03am
Question: At what position India's Sehwag used to play and why? Please do not waste the Pakistan's Power Play Specialist in the middle order. Thanks
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Lost?
Nov 10, 2022 08:49am
@A Shah, An India - Pakistan Final?
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arslan_munir
Nov 10, 2022 09:08am
@Truth be told, The true truth is luck played an important role. |Please don't highlight Imran Khan's tweet at this important time in our current team's life. Prayers, luck |and an excellent team won the '92 world up which Imran Khan ended up claiming for himself and his |mother during the victory speech. Yes, being selfish does help in a game but the same attitude in life |and politics brings one to the brink of destruction, as Pakistan has been witnessing.
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asad
Nov 10, 2022 09:25am
Indian legs are shivering, they are sensing defeat.
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Harry
Nov 10, 2022 10:25am
@Haagnabhai, I see a lot of pent up hatred and frustration here.
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Adam Seeker
Nov 10, 2022 11:31am
It's not going to be 1992, it is going to be 1986 when India beat Pakistan in the final of B&H cup and Ravi Shastri became Champion of Champions.
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Hamid Faisal
Nov 10, 2022 11:50am
BRR, all the BOYs have played WELL. Well done BOYs, once again you made a Clinical Victory in the Semi's
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Ahmeed
Nov 10, 2022 12:22pm
Shaheens of Iqbal defeated on IqbalDay was not possible.
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Mujaddid
Nov 10, 2022 07:35pm
Hope you guys are Winning the final against england
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Pakistani
Nov 10, 2022 10:52pm
This is not 1992, but 2022 & England is a much stronger team & a favorite to win. But you know anything can happen on any given day
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