The target is not a big one but the wicket seems quite slow, especially the slower ones are gripping in the surface. Pakistan need to make most of the Powerplay. New Zealand on the other hand, know if they can get early wickets, they are surely in with a big chance. Stay tuned for the chase.
Devon Conway is up for a chat. He says they felt the score is a bit under par during the Powerplay but they ended well. Adds the pitch is a bit two paced and the slower balls are gripping. Tells they have good bowling and need to put pressure from the start.
For the Kiwis, their innings just could not get a move on, they had to work really hard for their runs. They lost two in the Powerplay and Phillips did not stay in for long. They were in trouble at 3 down for less than 50 but Mitchell and Williamson played smartly. The two added over 50 and steadied the ship. Williamson fell when it was time for him to accelerate. Mitchell continued, he got to a half ton and along with Neesham has taken his side to over 150.
The Pakistan bowlers adapted to the conditions very quickly. They went for the pace off deliveries early on and hit the hard lengths knowing that is won't be easy scoring on that deliveries. If they did not pick wickets, they managed to keep it nice and tight. Shaheen Afridi was the pick, the likes of Naseem and Nawaz were also good but Rauf and Shadab will be slightly disappointed with their performance but overall, Pakistan will be pleased with where they stand in the game.
Have to say, Pakistan will be the happier of the two sides at the moment! Their bowlers have done a really good job and had they been given something around 150 to chase, they would have surely taken it with both hands. New Zealand though, know it is not an easy wicket to bat on and they will feel they have a score which is well and truly competitive on this wicket.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! A yorker, angling around leg. Mitchell shuffles across to sweep but misses. The batters cross for a bye. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 152.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, TWO MORE! 150 up for the Kiwis! Short of a length and on middle, slower and Mitchell looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple.Â
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Leg bye! A yorker on leg. James Neesham misses his flick and it goes off the pads to cover. A leg bye.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A length ball, outside off, lack of pace there. Mitchell hits it in the air and to deep mid-wicket. The ball hung in the air for quite a while but Shan Masood opted to collect on a bounce. Might have lost in the light. A single.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Bye! A slower bouncer, around leg. James Neesham gets low to pull but misses. Mohammad Rizwan misses his shy at his end and a bye is taken.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pushes for two and gets two! A yorker on middle. James Neesham jams it out to mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Fifty for Mitchell! A much needed know from him! His third fifty in T20I! A full toss on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a brace. A fifty in semi finals is always special.Â
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, Off-cutter, around off. James Neesham taps it to cover for one.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, ! Much needed! Rauf serves a half-volley, sliding down leg. James Neesham uses the angle and flicks it behind square on the leg side for four runs.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! A yorker, tailing on the pads. Mitchell misses his heave. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, This is full and on middle. Mitchell hits it through the line as he lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. Good fielding in the deep.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, No pace from Rauf! Short and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Lovely delivery! A yorker, around off. James Neesham squeezes it out to cover for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but will get two runs! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell eases it to long on and gets two.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pace-off! Length and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Short in length and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, ! Naseem Shah goes slow but gives a bit too much width, this is outside off and Mitchell smashes it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Two more! Excellent running! Finding the gaps here. Too full and on off. James Neesham works it to mid-wicket for two runs.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Afridi misses his length again and bowls a full toss, outside off. James Neesham drives it through covers for a couple.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham plays it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! TIMBER! This time the angle works for Afridi!! The slower balls are working on this pitch. Afridi bowls a length ball from around the wicket and on leg. Kane Williamson shuffles a bit too much as he looks to paddle it away. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Kane Williamson's long stay comes to an end. A good finish is required from both teams now.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! This one is just sliding down, a yorker and Mitchell misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, a slower ball. Mitchell mistimes his pull. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and gets a glove on it. Saves three for his team. Good stop. A single.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, The boundaries are hard to buy but these two have been excellent with the running. Outside off. Mitchell dabs it behind square on the off side for two more.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Two more! 7 already of the over! A yorker, around off. Mitchell digs it out to long on for a brace.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, JUST CLEARS MID OFF! Rauf pitches it up, around off. Mitchell punches on the up, not timed well and only gets height. Babar Azam runs back but it falls safely. Two runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The throw comes to Rauf but he fails to pick the ball cleanly.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Off the toe-end again! Not easy to hit down the ground on this wicket! Fuller and on middle, this is lofted towards mid on for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! The change of angle works in the favor of the Kiwi skipper! Shaheen Afridi ends up drifting on the pads, this is worked past short fine leg and it races away into the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Another dot! A yorker on middle, Kane Williamson can only jam it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, That is good work from Rizwan! Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to go over the off side, it goes off the inside edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A dot to end! Still, a good over for the Kiwis! Shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut but is beaten.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a long hit down the ground! A biggie to end the over! Daryl Mitchell steps out, he gets to the pitch of it and nails it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out! This is a full toss on the pads, Kane sweeps but to short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Just another single! Slightly shorter and on middle, this is worked down to long on for another one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tip and run! On off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end! A top comeback from Mohammad Wasim after going for a biggie first up! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive but this hits the toe-end and goes towards mid off.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, That is a brilliant delivery! A yorker and some reverse swing for Wasim as this tails back in late from around middle. Williamson looks to flick but misses, it hits his pad and goes to point. He is yet again off for a run but is sent back in time again. A loud appeal too but turned down. No review and a good decision not to do so as Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Now goes for a yorker again but ends up bowling an inswinging full toss on the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another big appeal but turned down! Pakistan review for an LBW but it seems too high. NOT ! That is going well, well over the stumps. Pakistan lose a review and that was a poor review. A slower short ball on middle, this one holds in the surface yet again. Williamson is through the pull shot. He gets hit on the thigh and then the balls lobs towards the keeper who takes it. Williamson is off for a run but is sent back in time. After a long chat, Pakista
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, ! SMACK! What a sound that made of the bat and what a pick-up that was! This is a seam-up ball and it comes onto the bat nicely. Williamson pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Outstanding running! When boundaries are hard to come by, these twos are what releases the pressure! On middle, this is played wide of long on for two.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Williamson wanted two but just the one! On middle, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket. Only one.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, That is hit well but for two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to the right of long on. Two taken.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell misses out! On the pads, he looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A short ball, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell looks to pull, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end but the damage was done earlier on. Just the kind of over New Zealand needed. On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a powerful strike down the ground and Daryl Mitchell has probably made his intentions clear after the break! He is looking to step on the gas! Steps out, gets to the pitch and slams it down to the long on fence.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Good fielding again by Haris Rauf! Daryl Mitchell walks across now and pulls it through mid-wicket. Rauf runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Shaheen Afridi who runs to his right from long on picks it up but the two can't stop two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, In the gap and two more! Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell manages to drag it wide of long on and takes two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! Just wide and into the fence! Slightly shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slashes, there is extra bounce and it goes more off the top edge, just wide of the fielder at point and into the fence behind. Welcome boundary. Just what New Zealand needed.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A big wicket for Pakistan as the man in form goes for a low score. Glenn Phillips is livid with himself. Could have played a bit more carefully. He tries to play with the spin but mistimes here. Pakistan all over New Zealand at the moment. Nawaz tosses it up and on midde, this one holds onto the surface. Glenn Phillips tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge and the ball lobs back to Nawaz who holds onto it.
DRINKS! It has been Pakistan all the way till now! Their bowlers have really not let the Kiwi batters off the hook and have also bagged three wickets. They would hope they can continue the same. New Zealand on the other hand, really need a good partnership here. They have Williamson set, they need him to play long and the rest to play around him. The Kiwis will probably be aiming for something around 150-160. Can they get there is the question.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Two runs to end the over! 7 off the over! Mitchell dances down the track, this is around middle, it is flicked wide of deep mid-wicket for two. New Zealand are 59 for 3 at the halfway mark.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, A single again! Too full and on middle. Kane opens his body up and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted full and on middle. Mitchell works it to deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Nawaz slows it up, this is full and on leg. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, A full toss and Mitchell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Kane drills it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A risky single! No damage this time but again it would have been really tight! Floated, outside off. Mitchell taps it to covers and takes a single. He gave up as he runs across but the fielder misses his shy at the bower's end. The replay shows Mitchell was out by inches.Â
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, A single to end the over! Just three runs off the over! Spinners controlling for Pakistan. On middle, bunted to square leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Around off, pushed to covers.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off. Mitchell guides it to backward point.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. Kane Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle. Defended.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Very full and angling on the pads. Kane Williamson whips it behind square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Good running! Two runs! Tossed up on middle. Kane Williamson nudges it wide of long on for a brace.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle. Phillips punches it back to the bowler. Ohh there, tell you what, Kane Williamson was backing up a long way. A shy at the bowler's end would have been interesting.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! RUN OUT! BULL'S EYE FROM SHADAB KHAN! A successful Powerplay for Pakistan and they are right on top in the game. A length ball, outside off. Conway checks his shot as he chips it straight to mid off and calls for a quick single. A risky one. Shadab Khan collects the ball on a bounce, at a good height and hits at the bowler's end. He along with other Pakistani players were confident about the result and the replay confirms that Devon Conway is out. Just wh
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, This is full and outside off, spins in. Phillips eases it straight to cover. A tidy start by Shadab Khan.
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Touch short and outside off. Phillips cuts but finds point.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. Defended out.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, ! One thing about Phillips is he will keep himself very busy in the middle. Good shot this. Short and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, outside off, pushed to covers for a quick single. Phillips is underway.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A rare dot ball! On a length and tight on middle. Conway blocks it out.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Rauf goes short, this is on middle. Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Another quick single. New Zealand have been busy between the wickets. Rauf rolls his finger on the ball, this is full and on middle. Williamson tucks it to mid on for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A length ball, outside off. Conway drops it to covers for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! SUBLIME SHOT! On a length and outside off. Conway takes the charge as he uses his feet. He lofts it over covers and bags a boundary.Â
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Another single! End of a good over by Wasim too. The boundaries have dried up! Shorter and on off, Conway looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another single! Angled into the pads, Williamson flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep and a couple is taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, He does this time and Conway almost plays it on! Outside off, length, Conway pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge just past the leg pole and towards short fine leg for one. The fielder does hit the stumps at the bowler's end but Conway is in.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Excellent fielding! They are up for this are Pakistan! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. Haris Rauf dives to his right and makes a really good stop. Rizwan does the mopping up job and it is only one. Wasim needs to get his line right here.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Conway misses out! A little to the left of the right and it would have been a boundary! On the body, Conway pulls it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his left and stops it well.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, A yorker to end, it is on middle. Kane Williamson does well to jam it out. Good start from Rauf, good from Pakistan so far.
Kane Williamson is having an issue with the sight screen.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On the fuller side again, Kane Williamson pushes it on the up to mid off. A dot.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Conway pushes it towards mid off for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Lets the ball come to him, plays it late as he works it through square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, Kane Williamson defends.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two more! Really good fielding! On middle, Williamson shows the full face of the bat and hits it firmly towards mid on. Shadab Khan dives to his left, he gets a hand to it, saves two at least for his side.
Change. Haris Rauf to bowl now.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Around off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Nicely played in the end! Steps out, this is banged in short and on the body, Conway adjusts well and pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller and on middle, Conway drives it crisply but to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Going down leg! Shaheen gets this one to come back in, the line is a little too straight. Conway looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Uppish but in the gap! Length and on off, Williamson is early in the drive as the ball holds in the surface. He hits it uppishly but through covers for three.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Ends the over with a boundary and that is a good one for New Zealand! Conway steps out, he does not get to the pitch of it but still goes ahead with the stroke. Ends up lofting it over mid on and it races away again.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, That almost goes back onto the stumps! That is so, so close! On off, Conway looks to drop and run. He looks to take off after playing it with soft hands. The ball though starts bouncing back towards the stumps. Conway realises that, he turns and looks to push it away but then sees the ball go just past the leg pole. It was a whisker away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Slightly shorter and put away! Shorter side and the fielder in the deep had no chance. Fractionally short this time and on the body, Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg and it races away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Good pace again! Length and on off, not offering any kind of width to Conway to free his hands. It is guided to point.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the splice of the bat! Bends his back this time and lands it on off, Conway blocks.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, A really good delivery to begin with! Not a lot of carry for Naseem too! Length and on off, this lands and mvoes away. Conway is beaten as he tries to defend. It goes to the keeper on the bounce.
Naseem Shah to share the ball.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, End of a successful first over by Shaheen! Not a lot of carry on the last ball. This is outside off, it is left alone. Gets to the keeper on the bounce.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Good running! Good positive running from Conway to get off the mark! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! On middle, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Kane Williamson is the new man in.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, THE FINGER IS RAISED YET AGAIN AS THERE IS ANOTHER APPEAL FOR LBW! This looks out but Allen reviews. HAWK EYE SHOWS THREE REDS! ! Allen has to walk back this time as the review does not save him. He takes a review along with him. Shaheen has his revenge and New Zealand have been set back early. Perfect for Pakistan. Allen just moves across way too much. He was almost standing around the off pole. Shaheen goes full again, he gets it to tail back in from off.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, A LOUD SH FOR LBW! The umpire gives it a thought and then raises his finger. Allen reviews. There seems to be an inside edge. NOT OUT! There indeed is a big inside edge and that is why Allen reviewed it immediately. Allen survives. Pakistan's celebration has been cut short. This is full and on middle, this time he gets it to tail back in. Allen looks to flick, it does hit the pad. A loud appeal. The umpire thinks, thinks and thinks and then eventually raises
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, ! Off the mark in style! That is a top shot against a top bowler. Just no fear, nothing from Allen! Shaheen Afridi goes full, he is looking for some swing but there is not a lot. It ends up being a half volley on middle, Allen thumps it down the ground to the long on fence.
It's time for action. The Pakistani players are in a huddle as Babar Azam gives a final pep-talk. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the openers for the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi has finally found his stripes and is back again with the wickets. He will open with the ball. A slip in place. Let's go...
It's time for the national anthems. The players line up in the middle. It will be New Zealand's first followed by Pakistan's.
PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
NEW ZEALAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says they would now look to pick early wickets and put them under pressure. Informs they are unchanged. Adds they are confident heading into this game, they did not start that well but now are playing their best cricket. Ends by saying, he hopes they can make it into the finals.
Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says they want to bat, it seems a used surface. Informs they are playing the same team. Adds they need to stick to their plans and do the basic right. Ends by saying they are focused and they just want to express themselves.
TOSS - NEW ZEALAND have won the toss and will BAT first!
We are back for Pakistan's reply.Â
...THE CHASE...
The target is not a big one but the wicket seems quite slow, especially the slower ones are gripping in the surface. Pakistan need to make most of the Powerplay. New Zealand on the other hand, know if they can get early wickets, they are surely in with a big chance. Stay tuned for the chase.
Devon Conway is up for a chat. He says they felt the score is a bit under par during the Powerplay but they ended well. Adds the pitch is a bit two paced and the slower balls are gripping. Tells they have good bowling and need to put pressure from the start.
For the Kiwis, their innings just could not get a move on, they had to work really hard for their runs. They lost two in the Powerplay and Phillips did not stay in for long. They were in trouble at 3 down for less than 50 but Mitchell and Williamson played smartly. The two added over 50 and steadied the ship. Williamson fell when it was time for him to accelerate. Mitchell continued, he got to a half ton and along with Neesham has taken his side to over 150.
The Pakistan bowlers adapted to the conditions very quickly. They went for the pace off deliveries early on and hit the hard lengths knowing that is won't be easy scoring on that deliveries. If they did not pick wickets, they managed to keep it nice and tight. Shaheen Afridi was the pick, the likes of Naseem and Nawaz were also good but Rauf and Shadab will be slightly disappointed with their performance but overall, Pakistan will be pleased with where they stand in the game.
Have to say, Pakistan will be the happier of the two sides at the moment! Their bowlers have done a really good job and had they been given something around 150 to chase, they would have surely taken it with both hands. New Zealand though, know it is not an easy wicket to bat on and they will feel they have a score which is well and truly competitive on this wicket.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! A yorker, angling around leg. Mitchell shuffles across to sweep but misses. The batters cross for a bye. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 152.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, TWO MORE! 150 up for the Kiwis! Short of a length and on middle, slower and Mitchell looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple.Â
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Leg bye! A yorker on leg. James Neesham misses his flick and it goes off the pads to cover. A leg bye.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A length ball, outside off, lack of pace there. Mitchell hits it in the air and to deep mid-wicket. The ball hung in the air for quite a while but Shan Masood opted to collect on a bounce. Might have lost in the light. A single.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Bye! A slower bouncer, around leg. James Neesham gets low to pull but misses. Mohammad Rizwan misses his shy at his end and a bye is taken.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pushes for two and gets two! A yorker on middle. James Neesham jams it out to mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Fifty for Mitchell! A much needed know from him! His third fifty in T20I! A full toss on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a brace. A fifty in semi finals is always special.Â
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, Off-cutter, around off. James Neesham taps it to cover for one.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, ! Much needed! Rauf serves a half-volley, sliding down leg. James Neesham uses the angle and flicks it behind square on the leg side for four runs.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! A yorker, tailing on the pads. Mitchell misses his heave. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, This is full and on middle. Mitchell hits it through the line as he lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. Good fielding in the deep.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, No pace from Rauf! Short and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Lovely delivery! A yorker, around off. James Neesham squeezes it out to cover for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but will get two runs! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell eases it to long on and gets two.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pace-off! Length and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Short in length and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, ! Naseem Shah goes slow but gives a bit too much width, this is outside off and Mitchell smashes it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Two more! Excellent running! Finding the gaps here. Too full and on off. James Neesham works it to mid-wicket for two runs.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Afridi misses his length again and bowls a full toss, outside off. James Neesham drives it through covers for a couple.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham plays it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! TIMBER! This time the angle works for Afridi!! The slower balls are working on this pitch. Afridi bowls a length ball from around the wicket and on leg. Kane Williamson shuffles a bit too much as he looks to paddle it away. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Kane Williamson's long stay comes to an end. A good finish is required from both teams now.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! This one is just sliding down, a yorker and Mitchell misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, a slower ball. Mitchell mistimes his pull. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and gets a glove on it. Saves three for his team. Good stop. A single.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, The boundaries are hard to buy but these two have been excellent with the running. Outside off. Mitchell dabs it behind square on the off side for two more.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Two more! 7 already of the over! A yorker, around off. Mitchell digs it out to long on for a brace.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, JUST CLEARS MID OFF! Rauf pitches it up, around off. Mitchell punches on the up, not timed well and only gets height. Babar Azam runs back but it falls safely. Two runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The throw comes to Rauf but he fails to pick the ball cleanly.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Off the toe-end again! Not easy to hit down the ground on this wicket! Fuller and on middle, this is lofted towards mid on for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! The change of angle works in the favor of the Kiwi skipper! Shaheen Afridi ends up drifting on the pads, this is worked past short fine leg and it races away into the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Another dot! A yorker on middle, Kane Williamson can only jam it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, That is good work from Rizwan! Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to go over the off side, it goes off the inside edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A dot to end! Still, a good over for the Kiwis! Shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut but is beaten.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a long hit down the ground! A biggie to end the over! Daryl Mitchell steps out, he gets to the pitch of it and nails it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out! This is a full toss on the pads, Kane sweeps but to short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Just another single! Slightly shorter and on middle, this is worked down to long on for another one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tip and run! On off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end! A top comeback from Mohammad Wasim after going for a biggie first up! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive but this hits the toe-end and goes towards mid off.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, That is a brilliant delivery! A yorker and some reverse swing for Wasim as this tails back in late from around middle. Williamson looks to flick but misses, it hits his pad and goes to point. He is yet again off for a run but is sent back in time again. A loud appeal too but turned down. No review and a good decision not to do so as Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Now goes for a yorker again but ends up bowling an inswinging full toss on the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another big appeal but turned down! Pakistan review for an LBW but it seems too high. NOT ! That is going well, well over the stumps. Pakistan lose a review and that was a poor review. A slower short ball on middle, this one holds in the surface yet again. Williamson is through the pull shot. He gets hit on the thigh and then the balls lobs towards the keeper who takes it. Williamson is off for a run but is sent back in time. After a long chat, Pakista
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, ! SMACK! What a sound that made of the bat and what a pick-up that was! This is a seam-up ball and it comes onto the bat nicely. Williamson pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Outstanding running! When boundaries are hard to come by, these twos are what releases the pressure! On middle, this is played wide of long on for two.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Williamson wanted two but just the one! On middle, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket. Only one.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, That is hit well but for two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to the right of long on. Two taken.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell misses out! On the pads, he looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A short ball, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell looks to pull, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end but the damage was done earlier on. Just the kind of over New Zealand needed. On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a powerful strike down the ground and Daryl Mitchell has probably made his intentions clear after the break! He is looking to step on the gas! Steps out, gets to the pitch and slams it down to the long on fence.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Good fielding again by Haris Rauf! Daryl Mitchell walks across now and pulls it through mid-wicket. Rauf runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Shaheen Afridi who runs to his right from long on picks it up but the two can't stop two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, In the gap and two more! Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell manages to drag it wide of long on and takes two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! Just wide and into the fence! Slightly shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slashes, there is extra bounce and it goes more off the top edge, just wide of the fielder at point and into the fence behind. Welcome boundary. Just what New Zealand needed.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A big wicket for Pakistan as the man in form goes for a low score. Glenn Phillips is livid with himself. Could have played a bit more carefully. He tries to play with the spin but mistimes here. Pakistan all over New Zealand at the moment. Nawaz tosses it up and on midde, this one holds onto the surface. Glenn Phillips tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge and the ball lobs back to Nawaz who holds onto it.
DRINKS! It has been Pakistan all the way till now! Their bowlers have really not let the Kiwi batters off the hook and have also bagged three wickets. They would hope they can continue the same. New Zealand on the other hand, really need a good partnership here. They have Williamson set, they need him to play long and the rest to play around him. The Kiwis will probably be aiming for something around 150-160. Can they get there is the question.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Two runs to end the over! 7 off the over! Mitchell dances down the track, this is around middle, it is flicked wide of deep mid-wicket for two. New Zealand are 59 for 3 at the halfway mark.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, A single again! Too full and on middle. Kane opens his body up and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted full and on middle. Mitchell works it to deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Nawaz slows it up, this is full and on leg. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, A full toss and Mitchell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Kane drills it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A risky single! No damage this time but again it would have been really tight! Floated, outside off. Mitchell taps it to covers and takes a single. He gave up as he runs across but the fielder misses his shy at the bower's end. The replay shows Mitchell was out by inches.Â
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, A single to end the over! Just three runs off the over! Spinners controlling for Pakistan. On middle, bunted to square leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Around off, pushed to covers.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off. Mitchell guides it to backward point.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. Kane Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle. Defended.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Very full and angling on the pads. Kane Williamson whips it behind square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Good running! Two runs! Tossed up on middle. Kane Williamson nudges it wide of long on for a brace.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle. Phillips punches it back to the bowler. Ohh there, tell you what, Kane Williamson was backing up a long way. A shy at the bowler's end would have been interesting.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! RUN OUT! BULL'S EYE FROM SHADAB KHAN! A successful Powerplay for Pakistan and they are right on top in the game. A length ball, outside off. Conway checks his shot as he chips it straight to mid off and calls for a quick single. A risky one. Shadab Khan collects the ball on a bounce, at a good height and hits at the bowler's end. He along with other Pakistani players were confident about the result and the replay confirms that Devon Conway is out. Just wh
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, This is full and outside off, spins in. Phillips eases it straight to cover. A tidy start by Shadab Khan.
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Touch short and outside off. Phillips cuts but finds point.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. Defended out.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, ! One thing about Phillips is he will keep himself very busy in the middle. Good shot this. Short and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, outside off, pushed to covers for a quick single. Phillips is underway.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A rare dot ball! On a length and tight on middle. Conway blocks it out.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Rauf goes short, this is on middle. Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Another quick single. New Zealand have been busy between the wickets. Rauf rolls his finger on the ball, this is full and on middle. Williamson tucks it to mid on for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A length ball, outside off. Conway drops it to covers for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! SUBLIME SHOT! On a length and outside off. Conway takes the charge as he uses his feet. He lofts it over covers and bags a boundary.Â
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Another single! End of a good over by Wasim too. The boundaries have dried up! Shorter and on off, Conway looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another single! Angled into the pads, Williamson flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep and a couple is taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, He does this time and Conway almost plays it on! Outside off, length, Conway pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge just past the leg pole and towards short fine leg for one. The fielder does hit the stumps at the bowler's end but Conway is in.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Excellent fielding! They are up for this are Pakistan! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. Haris Rauf dives to his right and makes a really good stop. Rizwan does the mopping up job and it is only one. Wasim needs to get his line right here.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Conway misses out! A little to the left of the right and it would have been a boundary! On the body, Conway pulls it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his left and stops it well.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, A yorker to end, it is on middle. Kane Williamson does well to jam it out. Good start from Rauf, good from Pakistan so far.
Kane Williamson is having an issue with the sight screen.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On the fuller side again, Kane Williamson pushes it on the up to mid off. A dot.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Conway pushes it towards mid off for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Lets the ball come to him, plays it late as he works it through square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, Kane Williamson defends.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two more! Really good fielding! On middle, Williamson shows the full face of the bat and hits it firmly towards mid on. Shadab Khan dives to his left, he gets a hand to it, saves two at least for his side.
Change. Haris Rauf to bowl now.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Around off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Nicely played in the end! Steps out, this is banged in short and on the body, Conway adjusts well and pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller and on middle, Conway drives it crisply but to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Going down leg! Shaheen gets this one to come back in, the line is a little too straight. Conway looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Uppish but in the gap! Length and on off, Williamson is early in the drive as the ball holds in the surface. He hits it uppishly but through covers for three.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Ends the over with a boundary and that is a good one for New Zealand! Conway steps out, he does not get to the pitch of it but still goes ahead with the stroke. Ends up lofting it over mid on and it races away again.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, That almost goes back onto the stumps! That is so, so close! On off, Conway looks to drop and run. He looks to take off after playing it with soft hands. The ball though starts bouncing back towards the stumps. Conway realises that, he turns and looks to push it away but then sees the ball go just past the leg pole. It was a whisker away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Slightly shorter and put away! Shorter side and the fielder in the deep had no chance. Fractionally short this time and on the body, Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg and it races away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Good pace again! Length and on off, not offering any kind of width to Conway to free his hands. It is guided to point.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the splice of the bat! Bends his back this time and lands it on off, Conway blocks.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, A really good delivery to begin with! Not a lot of carry for Naseem too! Length and on off, this lands and mvoes away. Conway is beaten as he tries to defend. It goes to the keeper on the bounce.
Naseem Shah to share the ball.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, End of a successful first over by Shaheen! Not a lot of carry on the last ball. This is outside off, it is left alone. Gets to the keeper on the bounce.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Good running! Good positive running from Conway to get off the mark! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! On middle, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Kane Williamson is the new man in.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, THE FINGER IS RAISED YET AGAIN AS THERE IS ANOTHER APPEAL FOR LBW! This looks out but Allen reviews. HAWK EYE SHOWS THREE REDS! ! Allen has to walk back this time as the review does not save him. He takes a review along with him. Shaheen has his revenge and New Zealand have been set back early. Perfect for Pakistan. Allen just moves across way too much. He was almost standing around the off pole. Shaheen goes full again, he gets it to tail back in from off.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, A LOUD SH FOR LBW! The umpire gives it a thought and then raises his finger. Allen reviews. There seems to be an inside edge. NOT OUT! There indeed is a big inside edge and that is why Allen reviewed it immediately. Allen survives. Pakistan's celebration has been cut short. This is full and on middle, this time he gets it to tail back in. Allen looks to flick, it does hit the pad. A loud appeal. The umpire thinks, thinks and thinks and then eventually raises
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, ! Off the mark in style! That is a top shot against a top bowler. Just no fear, nothing from Allen! Shaheen Afridi goes full, he is looking for some swing but there is not a lot. It ends up being a half volley on middle, Allen thumps it down the ground to the long on fence.
It's time for action. The Pakistani players are in a huddle as Babar Azam gives a final pep-talk. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the openers for the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi has finally found his stripes and is back again with the wickets. He will open with the ball. A slip in place. Let's go...
It's time for the national anthems. The players line up in the middle. It will be New Zealand's first followed by Pakistan's.
PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
NEW ZEALAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says they would now look to pick early wickets and put them under pressure. Informs they are unchanged. Adds they are confident heading into this game, they did not start that well but now are playing their best cricket. Ends by saying, he hopes they can make it into the finals.
Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says they want to bat, it seems a used surface. Informs they are playing the same team. Adds they need to stick to their plans and do the basic right. Ends by saying they are focused and they just want to express themselves.
TOSS - NEW ZEALAND have won the toss and will BAT first!
10
Diabytes
Pakistan
153/3(19.1 Overs)
We are back for Pakistan's reply.Â
...THE CHASE...
The target is not a big one but the wicket seems quite slow, especially the slower ones are gripping in the surface. Pakistan need to make most of the Powerplay. New Zealand on the other hand, know if they can get early wickets, they are surely in with a big chance. Stay tuned for the chase.
Devon Conway is up for a chat. He says they felt the score is a bit under par during the Powerplay but they ended well. Adds the pitch is a bit two paced and the slower balls are gripping. Tells they have good bowling and need to put pressure from the start.
For the Kiwis, their innings just could not get a move on, they had to work really hard for their runs. They lost two in the Powerplay and Phillips did not stay in for long. They were in trouble at 3 down for less than 50 but Mitchell and Williamson played smartly. The two added over 50 and steadied the ship. Williamson fell when it was time for him to accelerate. Mitchell continued, he got to a half ton and along with Neesham has taken his side to over 150.
The Pakistan bowlers adapted to the conditions very quickly. They went for the pace off deliveries early on and hit the hard lengths knowing that is won't be easy scoring on that deliveries. If they did not pick wickets, they managed to keep it nice and tight. Shaheen Afridi was the pick, the likes of Naseem and Nawaz were also good but Rauf and Shadab will be slightly disappointed with their performance but overall, Pakistan will be pleased with where they stand in the game.
Have to say, Pakistan will be the happier of the two sides at the moment! Their bowlers have done a really good job and had they been given something around 150 to chase, they would have surely taken it with both hands. New Zealand though, know it is not an easy wicket to bat on and they will feel they have a score which is well and truly competitive on this wicket.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! A yorker, angling around leg. Mitchell shuffles across to sweep but misses. The batters cross for a bye. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 152.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, TWO MORE! 150 up for the Kiwis! Short of a length and on middle, slower and Mitchell looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple.Â
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Leg bye! A yorker on leg. James Neesham misses his flick and it goes off the pads to cover. A leg bye.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A length ball, outside off, lack of pace there. Mitchell hits it in the air and to deep mid-wicket. The ball hung in the air for quite a while but Shan Masood opted to collect on a bounce. Might have lost in the light. A single.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Bye! A slower bouncer, around leg. James Neesham gets low to pull but misses. Mohammad Rizwan misses his shy at his end and a bye is taken.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pushes for two and gets two! A yorker on middle. James Neesham jams it out to mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Fifty for Mitchell! A much needed know from him! His third fifty in T20I! A full toss on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a brace. A fifty in semi finals is always special.Â
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, Off-cutter, around off. James Neesham taps it to cover for one.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, ! Much needed! Rauf serves a half-volley, sliding down leg. James Neesham uses the angle and flicks it behind square on the leg side for four runs.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! A yorker, tailing on the pads. Mitchell misses his heave. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, This is full and on middle. Mitchell hits it through the line as he lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. Good fielding in the deep.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, No pace from Rauf! Short and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Lovely delivery! A yorker, around off. James Neesham squeezes it out to cover for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but will get two runs! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell eases it to long on and gets two.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pace-off! Length and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Short in length and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, ! Naseem Shah goes slow but gives a bit too much width, this is outside off and Mitchell smashes it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Two more! Excellent running! Finding the gaps here. Too full and on off. James Neesham works it to mid-wicket for two runs.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Afridi misses his length again and bowls a full toss, outside off. James Neesham drives it through covers for a couple.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham plays it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! TIMBER! This time the angle works for Afridi!! The slower balls are working on this pitch. Afridi bowls a length ball from around the wicket and on leg. Kane Williamson shuffles a bit too much as he looks to paddle it away. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Kane Williamson's long stay comes to an end. A good finish is required from both teams now.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! This one is just sliding down, a yorker and Mitchell misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, a slower ball. Mitchell mistimes his pull. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and gets a glove on it. Saves three for his team. Good stop. A single.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, The boundaries are hard to buy but these two have been excellent with the running. Outside off. Mitchell dabs it behind square on the off side for two more.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Two more! 7 already of the over! A yorker, around off. Mitchell digs it out to long on for a brace.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, JUST CLEARS MID OFF! Rauf pitches it up, around off. Mitchell punches on the up, not timed well and only gets height. Babar Azam runs back but it falls safely. Two runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The throw comes to Rauf but he fails to pick the ball cleanly.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Off the toe-end again! Not easy to hit down the ground on this wicket! Fuller and on middle, this is lofted towards mid on for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! The change of angle works in the favor of the Kiwi skipper! Shaheen Afridi ends up drifting on the pads, this is worked past short fine leg and it races away into the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Another dot! A yorker on middle, Kane Williamson can only jam it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, That is good work from Rizwan! Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to go over the off side, it goes off the inside edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A dot to end! Still, a good over for the Kiwis! Shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut but is beaten.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a long hit down the ground! A biggie to end the over! Daryl Mitchell steps out, he gets to the pitch of it and nails it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out! This is a full toss on the pads, Kane sweeps but to short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Just another single! Slightly shorter and on middle, this is worked down to long on for another one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tip and run! On off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end! A top comeback from Mohammad Wasim after going for a biggie first up! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive but this hits the toe-end and goes towards mid off.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, That is a brilliant delivery! A yorker and some reverse swing for Wasim as this tails back in late from around middle. Williamson looks to flick but misses, it hits his pad and goes to point. He is yet again off for a run but is sent back in time again. A loud appeal too but turned down. No review and a good decision not to do so as Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Now goes for a yorker again but ends up bowling an inswinging full toss on the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another big appeal but turned down! Pakistan review for an LBW but it seems too high. NOT ! That is going well, well over the stumps. Pakistan lose a review and that was a poor review. A slower short ball on middle, this one holds in the surface yet again. Williamson is through the pull shot. He gets hit on the thigh and then the balls lobs towards the keeper who takes it. Williamson is off for a run but is sent back in time. After a long chat, Pakista
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, ! SMACK! What a sound that made of the bat and what a pick-up that was! This is a seam-up ball and it comes onto the bat nicely. Williamson pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Outstanding running! When boundaries are hard to come by, these twos are what releases the pressure! On middle, this is played wide of long on for two.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Williamson wanted two but just the one! On middle, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket. Only one.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, That is hit well but for two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to the right of long on. Two taken.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell misses out! On the pads, he looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A short ball, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell looks to pull, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end but the damage was done earlier on. Just the kind of over New Zealand needed. On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a powerful strike down the ground and Daryl Mitchell has probably made his intentions clear after the break! He is looking to step on the gas! Steps out, gets to the pitch and slams it down to the long on fence.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Good fielding again by Haris Rauf! Daryl Mitchell walks across now and pulls it through mid-wicket. Rauf runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Shaheen Afridi who runs to his right from long on picks it up but the two can't stop two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, In the gap and two more! Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell manages to drag it wide of long on and takes two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! Just wide and into the fence! Slightly shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slashes, there is extra bounce and it goes more off the top edge, just wide of the fielder at point and into the fence behind. Welcome boundary. Just what New Zealand needed.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A big wicket for Pakistan as the man in form goes for a low score. Glenn Phillips is livid with himself. Could have played a bit more carefully. He tries to play with the spin but mistimes here. Pakistan all over New Zealand at the moment. Nawaz tosses it up and on midde, this one holds onto the surface. Glenn Phillips tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge and the ball lobs back to Nawaz who holds onto it.
DRINKS! It has been Pakistan all the way till now! Their bowlers have really not let the Kiwi batters off the hook and have also bagged three wickets. They would hope they can continue the same. New Zealand on the other hand, really need a good partnership here. They have Williamson set, they need him to play long and the rest to play around him. The Kiwis will probably be aiming for something around 150-160. Can they get there is the question.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Two runs to end the over! 7 off the over! Mitchell dances down the track, this is around middle, it is flicked wide of deep mid-wicket for two. New Zealand are 59 for 3 at the halfway mark.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, A single again! Too full and on middle. Kane opens his body up and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted full and on middle. Mitchell works it to deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Nawaz slows it up, this is full and on leg. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, A full toss and Mitchell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Kane drills it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A risky single! No damage this time but again it would have been really tight! Floated, outside off. Mitchell taps it to covers and takes a single. He gave up as he runs across but the fielder misses his shy at the bower's end. The replay shows Mitchell was out by inches.Â
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, A single to end the over! Just three runs off the over! Spinners controlling for Pakistan. On middle, bunted to square leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Around off, pushed to covers.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off. Mitchell guides it to backward point.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. Kane Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle. Defended.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Very full and angling on the pads. Kane Williamson whips it behind square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Good running! Two runs! Tossed up on middle. Kane Williamson nudges it wide of long on for a brace.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle. Phillips punches it back to the bowler. Ohh there, tell you what, Kane Williamson was backing up a long way. A shy at the bowler's end would have been interesting.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! RUN OUT! BULL'S EYE FROM SHADAB KHAN! A successful Powerplay for Pakistan and they are right on top in the game. A length ball, outside off. Conway checks his shot as he chips it straight to mid off and calls for a quick single. A risky one. Shadab Khan collects the ball on a bounce, at a good height and hits at the bowler's end. He along with other Pakistani players were confident about the result and the replay confirms that Devon Conway is out. Just wh
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, This is full and outside off, spins in. Phillips eases it straight to cover. A tidy start by Shadab Khan.
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Touch short and outside off. Phillips cuts but finds point.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. Defended out.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, ! One thing about Phillips is he will keep himself very busy in the middle. Good shot this. Short and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, outside off, pushed to covers for a quick single. Phillips is underway.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A rare dot ball! On a length and tight on middle. Conway blocks it out.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Rauf goes short, this is on middle. Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Another quick single. New Zealand have been busy between the wickets. Rauf rolls his finger on the ball, this is full and on middle. Williamson tucks it to mid on for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A length ball, outside off. Conway drops it to covers for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! SUBLIME SHOT! On a length and outside off. Conway takes the charge as he uses his feet. He lofts it over covers and bags a boundary.Â
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Another single! End of a good over by Wasim too. The boundaries have dried up! Shorter and on off, Conway looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another single! Angled into the pads, Williamson flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep and a couple is taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, He does this time and Conway almost plays it on! Outside off, length, Conway pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge just past the leg pole and towards short fine leg for one. The fielder does hit the stumps at the bowler's end but Conway is in.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Excellent fielding! They are up for this are Pakistan! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. Haris Rauf dives to his right and makes a really good stop. Rizwan does the mopping up job and it is only one. Wasim needs to get his line right here.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Conway misses out! A little to the left of the right and it would have been a boundary! On the body, Conway pulls it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his left and stops it well.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, A yorker to end, it is on middle. Kane Williamson does well to jam it out. Good start from Rauf, good from Pakistan so far.
Kane Williamson is having an issue with the sight screen.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On the fuller side again, Kane Williamson pushes it on the up to mid off. A dot.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Conway pushes it towards mid off for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Lets the ball come to him, plays it late as he works it through square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, Kane Williamson defends.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two more! Really good fielding! On middle, Williamson shows the full face of the bat and hits it firmly towards mid on. Shadab Khan dives to his left, he gets a hand to it, saves two at least for his side.
Change. Haris Rauf to bowl now.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Around off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Nicely played in the end! Steps out, this is banged in short and on the body, Conway adjusts well and pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller and on middle, Conway drives it crisply but to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Going down leg! Shaheen gets this one to come back in, the line is a little too straight. Conway looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Uppish but in the gap! Length and on off, Williamson is early in the drive as the ball holds in the surface. He hits it uppishly but through covers for three.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Ends the over with a boundary and that is a good one for New Zealand! Conway steps out, he does not get to the pitch of it but still goes ahead with the stroke. Ends up lofting it over mid on and it races away again.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, That almost goes back onto the stumps! That is so, so close! On off, Conway looks to drop and run. He looks to take off after playing it with soft hands. The ball though starts bouncing back towards the stumps. Conway realises that, he turns and looks to push it away but then sees the ball go just past the leg pole. It was a whisker away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Slightly shorter and put away! Shorter side and the fielder in the deep had no chance. Fractionally short this time and on the body, Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg and it races away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Good pace again! Length and on off, not offering any kind of width to Conway to free his hands. It is guided to point.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the splice of the bat! Bends his back this time and lands it on off, Conway blocks.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, A really good delivery to begin with! Not a lot of carry for Naseem too! Length and on off, this lands and mvoes away. Conway is beaten as he tries to defend. It goes to the keeper on the bounce.
Naseem Shah to share the ball.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, End of a successful first over by Shaheen! Not a lot of carry on the last ball. This is outside off, it is left alone. Gets to the keeper on the bounce.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Good running! Good positive running from Conway to get off the mark! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! On middle, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Kane Williamson is the new man in.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, THE FINGER IS RAISED YET AGAIN AS THERE IS ANOTHER APPEAL FOR LBW! This looks out but Allen reviews. HAWK EYE SHOWS THREE REDS! ! Allen has to walk back this time as the review does not save him. He takes a review along with him. Shaheen has his revenge and New Zealand have been set back early. Perfect for Pakistan. Allen just moves across way too much. He was almost standing around the off pole. Shaheen goes full again, he gets it to tail back in from off.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, A LOUD SH FOR LBW! The umpire gives it a thought and then raises his finger. Allen reviews. There seems to be an inside edge. NOT OUT! There indeed is a big inside edge and that is why Allen reviewed it immediately. Allen survives. Pakistan's celebration has been cut short. This is full and on middle, this time he gets it to tail back in. Allen looks to flick, it does hit the pad. A loud appeal. The umpire thinks, thinks and thinks and then eventually raises
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, ! Off the mark in style! That is a top shot against a top bowler. Just no fear, nothing from Allen! Shaheen Afridi goes full, he is looking for some swing but there is not a lot. It ends up being a half volley on middle, Allen thumps it down the ground to the long on fence.
It's time for action. The Pakistani players are in a huddle as Babar Azam gives a final pep-talk. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the openers for the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi has finally found his stripes and is back again with the wickets. He will open with the ball. A slip in place. Let's go...
It's time for the national anthems. The players line up in the middle. It will be New Zealand's first followed by Pakistan's.
PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
NEW ZEALAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says they would now look to pick early wickets and put them under pressure. Informs they are unchanged. Adds they are confident heading into this game, they did not start that well but now are playing their best cricket. Ends by saying, he hopes they can make it into the finals.
Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says they want to bat, it seems a used surface. Informs they are playing the same team. Adds they need to stick to their plans and do the basic right. Ends by saying they are focused and they just want to express themselves.
TOSS - NEW ZEALAND have won the toss and will BAT first!
We are back for Pakistan's reply.Â
...THE CHASE...
The target is not a big one but the wicket seems quite slow, especially the slower ones are gripping in the surface. Pakistan need to make most of the Powerplay. New Zealand on the other hand, know if they can get early wickets, they are surely in with a big chance. Stay tuned for the chase.
Devon Conway is up for a chat. He says they felt the score is a bit under par during the Powerplay but they ended well. Adds the pitch is a bit two paced and the slower balls are gripping. Tells they have good bowling and need to put pressure from the start.
For the Kiwis, their innings just could not get a move on, they had to work really hard for their runs. They lost two in the Powerplay and Phillips did not stay in for long. They were in trouble at 3 down for less than 50 but Mitchell and Williamson played smartly. The two added over 50 and steadied the ship. Williamson fell when it was time for him to accelerate. Mitchell continued, he got to a half ton and along with Neesham has taken his side to over 150.
The Pakistan bowlers adapted to the conditions very quickly. They went for the pace off deliveries early on and hit the hard lengths knowing that is won't be easy scoring on that deliveries. If they did not pick wickets, they managed to keep it nice and tight. Shaheen Afridi was the pick, the likes of Naseem and Nawaz were also good but Rauf and Shadab will be slightly disappointed with their performance but overall, Pakistan will be pleased with where they stand in the game.
Have to say, Pakistan will be the happier of the two sides at the moment! Their bowlers have done a really good job and had they been given something around 150 to chase, they would have surely taken it with both hands. New Zealand though, know it is not an easy wicket to bat on and they will feel they have a score which is well and truly competitive on this wicket.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end the over! A yorker, angling around leg. Mitchell shuffles across to sweep but misses. The batters cross for a bye. NEW ZEALAND END WITH 152.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, TWO MORE! 150 up for the Kiwis! Short of a length and on middle, slower and Mitchell looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple.Â
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Leg bye! A yorker on leg. James Neesham misses his flick and it goes off the pads to cover. A leg bye.Â
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A length ball, outside off, lack of pace there. Mitchell hits it in the air and to deep mid-wicket. The ball hung in the air for quite a while but Shan Masood opted to collect on a bounce. Might have lost in the light. A single.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Bye! A slower bouncer, around leg. James Neesham gets low to pull but misses. Mohammad Rizwan misses his shy at his end and a bye is taken.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pushes for two and gets two! A yorker on middle. James Neesham jams it out to mid-wicket for a couple.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Fifty for Mitchell! A much needed know from him! His third fifty in T20I! A full toss on middle, this is flicked to deep square leg for a brace. A fifty in semi finals is always special.Â
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, Off-cutter, around off. James Neesham taps it to cover for one.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, ! Much needed! Rauf serves a half-volley, sliding down leg. James Neesham uses the angle and flicks it behind square on the leg side for four runs.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! A yorker, tailing on the pads. Mitchell misses his heave. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, This is full and on middle. Mitchell hits it through the line as he lofts it over the bowler's head for two runs. Good fielding in the deep.
Haris Rauf to James Neesham, No pace from Rauf! Short and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Lovely delivery! A yorker, around off. James Neesham squeezes it out to cover for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on middle, this is pulled to deep square leg for a single.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Well bowled but will get two runs! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell eases it to long on and gets two.
Naseem Shah to James Neesham, Pace-off! Length and outside off. James Neesham pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Short in length and on middle, it is pulled to deep square leg for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, ! Naseem Shah goes slow but gives a bit too much width, this is outside off and Mitchell smashes it over the leaping cover fielder for a boundary.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Two more! Excellent running! Finding the gaps here. Too full and on off. James Neesham works it to mid-wicket for two runs.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham flicks it wide of deep square leg for a brace.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, Afridi misses his length again and bowls a full toss, outside off. James Neesham drives it through covers for a couple.
Shaheen Afridi to James Neesham, A full toss on middle. James Neesham plays it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! TIMBER! This time the angle works for Afridi!! The slower balls are working on this pitch. Afridi bowls a length ball from around the wicket and on leg. Kane Williamson shuffles a bit too much as he looks to paddle it away. He misses and the ball hits the stumps. Kane Williamson's long stay comes to an end. A good finish is required from both teams now.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, Leg bye! This one is just sliding down, a yorker and Mitchell misses his flick. It rolls off the pads to point for a leg bye.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, a slower ball. Mitchell mistimes his pull. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left and gets a glove on it. Saves three for his team. Good stop. A single.Â
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, The boundaries are hard to buy but these two have been excellent with the running. Outside off. Mitchell dabs it behind square on the off side for two more.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Two more! 7 already of the over! A yorker, around off. Mitchell digs it out to long on for a brace.
Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, JUST CLEARS MID OFF! Rauf pitches it up, around off. Mitchell punches on the up, not timed well and only gets height. Babar Azam runs back but it falls safely. Two runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On a length and outside off. Kane Williamson punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two runs! A length ball, outside off. Kane Williamson pulls it to deep mid-wicket. The throw comes to Rauf but he fails to pick the ball cleanly.Â
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Off the toe-end again! Not easy to hit down the ground on this wicket! Fuller and on middle, this is lofted towards mid on for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, A slower one on the pads, Daryl Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, ! The change of angle works in the favor of the Kiwi skipper! Shaheen Afridi ends up drifting on the pads, this is worked past short fine leg and it races away into the fence.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Another dot! A yorker on middle, Kane Williamson can only jam it back to the bowler.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, That is good work from Rizwan! Fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson looks to go over the off side, it goes off the inside edge to the left of Rizwan who dives and stops it.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A dot to end! Still, a good over for the Kiwis! Shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell looks to cut but is beaten.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a long hit down the ground! A biggie to end the over! Daryl Mitchell steps out, he gets to the pitch of it and nails it well over the long off fence for a biggie.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson misses out! This is a full toss on the pads, Kane sweeps but to short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Just another single! Slightly shorter and on middle, this is worked down to long on for another one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Tip and run! On off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end! A top comeback from Mohammad Wasim after going for a biggie first up! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Fuller and on off, Daryl Mitchell looks to drive but this hits the toe-end and goes towards mid off.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, That is a brilliant delivery! A yorker and some reverse swing for Wasim as this tails back in late from around middle. Williamson looks to flick but misses, it hits his pad and goes to point. He is yet again off for a run but is sent back in time again. A loud appeal too but turned down. No review and a good decision not to do so as Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Now goes for a yorker again but ends up bowling an inswinging full toss on the pads, this is clipped through mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another big appeal but turned down! Pakistan review for an LBW but it seems too high. NOT ! That is going well, well over the stumps. Pakistan lose a review and that was a poor review. A slower short ball on middle, this one holds in the surface yet again. Williamson is through the pull shot. He gets hit on the thigh and then the balls lobs towards the keeper who takes it. Williamson is off for a run but is sent back in time. After a long chat, Pakista
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, ! SMACK! What a sound that made of the bat and what a pick-up that was! This is a seam-up ball and it comes onto the bat nicely. Williamson pulls it over the square leg fence for a biggie.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Outstanding running! When boundaries are hard to come by, these twos are what releases the pressure! On middle, this is played wide of long on for two.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Williamson wanted two but just the one! On middle, this is worked with soft hands through mid-wicket. Only one.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, That is hit well but for two! Shorter and on middle, this is pulled to the right of long on. Two taken.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, Daryl Mitchell misses out! On the pads, he looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls towards short fine leg. A leg bye taken.
Naseem Shah to Kane Williamson, Outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson pushes it through covers for one.
Naseem Shah to Daryl Mitchell, A short ball, slower in pace, Daryl Mitchell looks to pull, it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A single to end but the damage was done earlier on. Just the kind of over New Zealand needed. On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! That is a powerful strike down the ground and Daryl Mitchell has probably made his intentions clear after the break! He is looking to step on the gas! Steps out, gets to the pitch and slams it down to the long on fence.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Good fielding again by Haris Rauf! Daryl Mitchell walks across now and pulls it through mid-wicket. Rauf runs to his left, dives and pushes it back in. Shaheen Afridi who runs to his right from long on picks it up but the two can't stop two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, In the gap and two more! Shorter and on off, Daryl Mitchell manages to drag it wide of long on and takes two.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, ! Just wide and into the fence! Slightly shorter and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slashes, there is extra bounce and it goes more off the top edge, just wide of the fielder at point and into the fence behind. Welcome boundary. Just what New Zealand needed.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, ! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! A big wicket for Pakistan as the man in form goes for a low score. Glenn Phillips is livid with himself. Could have played a bit more carefully. He tries to play with the spin but mistimes here. Pakistan all over New Zealand at the moment. Nawaz tosses it up and on midde, this one holds onto the surface. Glenn Phillips tries to flick it away but gets a leading edge and the ball lobs back to Nawaz who holds onto it.
DRINKS! It has been Pakistan all the way till now! Their bowlers have really not let the Kiwi batters off the hook and have also bagged three wickets. They would hope they can continue the same. New Zealand on the other hand, really need a good partnership here. They have Williamson set, they need him to play long and the rest to play around him. The Kiwis will probably be aiming for something around 150-160. Can they get there is the question.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Two runs to end the over! 7 off the over! Mitchell dances down the track, this is around middle, it is flicked wide of deep mid-wicket for two. New Zealand are 59 for 3 at the halfway mark.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, A single again! Too full and on middle. Kane opens his body up and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted full and on middle. Mitchell works it to deep square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Nawaz slows it up, this is full and on leg. Kane Williamson drills it to long on for one.
Mohammad Nawaz to Daryl Mitchell, A full toss and Mitchell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Kane drills it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, A risky single! No damage this time but again it would have been really tight! Floated, outside off. Mitchell taps it to covers and takes a single. He gave up as he runs across but the fielder misses his shy at the bower's end. The replay shows Mitchell was out by inches.Â
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, A single to end the over! Just three runs off the over! Spinners controlling for Pakistan. On middle, bunted to square leg for one.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Around off, pushed to covers.
Shadab Khan to Daryl Mitchell, Outside off. Mitchell guides it to backward point.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. Kane Williamson works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, On middle. Defended.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Very full and angling on the pads. Kane Williamson whips it behind square leg for a single.
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Good running! Two runs! Tossed up on middle. Kane Williamson nudges it wide of long on for a brace.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle. Phillips punches it back to the bowler. Ohh there, tell you what, Kane Williamson was backing up a long way. A shy at the bowler's end would have been interesting.Â
Mohammad Nawaz to Kane Williamson, Flatter and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! RUN OUT! BULL'S EYE FROM SHADAB KHAN! A successful Powerplay for Pakistan and they are right on top in the game. A length ball, outside off. Conway checks his shot as he chips it straight to mid off and calls for a quick single. A risky one. Shadab Khan collects the ball on a bounce, at a good height and hits at the bowler's end. He along with other Pakistani players were confident about the result and the replay confirms that Devon Conway is out. Just wh
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, This is full and outside off, spins in. Phillips eases it straight to cover. A tidy start by Shadab Khan.
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Touch short and outside off. Phillips cuts but finds point.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. Defended out.
Shadab Khan to Kane Williamson, Fuller and around off. Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, ! One thing about Phillips is he will keep himself very busy in the middle. Good shot this. Short and outside off, this is cut past point for a boundary.Â
Shadab Khan to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, outside off, pushed to covers for a quick single. Phillips is underway.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A rare dot ball! On a length and tight on middle. Conway blocks it out.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Rauf goes short, this is on middle. Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Another quick single. New Zealand have been busy between the wickets. Rauf rolls his finger on the ball, this is full and on middle. Williamson tucks it to mid on for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A length ball, outside off. Conway drops it to covers for a single.Â
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, ! SUBLIME SHOT! On a length and outside off. Conway takes the charge as he uses his feet. He lofts it over covers and bags a boundary.Â
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Another single! End of a good over by Wasim too. The boundaries have dried up! Shorter and on off, Conway looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body, it rolls on the off side. A run taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Another single! Angled into the pads, Williamson flicks it through square leg and gets to the other end.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Two! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep and a couple is taken.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, He does this time and Conway almost plays it on! Outside off, length, Conway pushes at it away from the body, it goes off the inside edge just past the leg pole and towards short fine leg for one. The fielder does hit the stumps at the bowler's end but Conway is in.
Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Excellent fielding! They are up for this are Pakistan! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. Haris Rauf dives to his right and makes a really good stop. Rizwan does the mopping up job and it is only one. Wasim needs to get his line right here.
Mohammad Wasim to Devon Conway, Conway misses out! A little to the left of the right and it would have been a boundary! On the body, Conway pulls it towards short fine leg. The fielder moves to his left and stops it well.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, A yorker to end, it is on middle. Kane Williamson does well to jam it out. Good start from Rauf, good from Pakistan so far.
Kane Williamson is having an issue with the sight screen.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, On the fuller side again, Kane Williamson pushes it on the up to mid off. A dot.
Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Back of a length and on off, Conway pushes it towards mid off for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Lets the ball come to him, plays it late as he works it through square leg for one.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, Kane Williamson defends.
Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Two more! Really good fielding! On middle, Williamson shows the full face of the bat and hits it firmly towards mid on. Shadab Khan dives to his left, he gets a hand to it, saves two at least for his side.
Change. Haris Rauf to bowl now.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A dot to end! On off, this is pushed to cover.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Around off, this is guided down to third man for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Nicely played in the end! Steps out, this is banged in short and on the body, Conway adjusts well and pulls it towards deep square leg for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller and on middle, Conway drives it crisply but to mid on.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Going down leg! Shaheen gets this one to come back in, the line is a little too straight. Conway looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Uppish but in the gap! Length and on off, Williamson is early in the drive as the ball holds in the surface. He hits it uppishly but through covers for three.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Ends the over with a boundary and that is a good one for New Zealand! Conway steps out, he does not get to the pitch of it but still goes ahead with the stroke. Ends up lofting it over mid on and it races away again.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, That almost goes back onto the stumps! That is so, so close! On off, Conway looks to drop and run. He looks to take off after playing it with soft hands. The ball though starts bouncing back towards the stumps. Conway realises that, he turns and looks to push it away but then sees the ball go just past the leg pole. It was a whisker away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, ! Slightly shorter and put away! Shorter side and the fielder in the deep had no chance. Fractionally short this time and on the body, Conway pulls it wide of deep square leg and it races away.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Good pace again! Length and on off, not offering any kind of width to Conway to free his hands. It is guided to point.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, Hits the splice of the bat! Bends his back this time and lands it on off, Conway blocks.
Naseem Shah to Devon Conway, A really good delivery to begin with! Not a lot of carry for Naseem too! Length and on off, this lands and mvoes away. Conway is beaten as he tries to defend. It goes to the keeper on the bounce.
Naseem Shah to share the ball.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, End of a successful first over by Shaheen! Not a lot of carry on the last ball. This is outside off, it is left alone. Gets to the keeper on the bounce.
Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Good running! Good positive running from Conway to get off the mark! On off, this is pushed to mid off for one.
Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson is off the mark! On middle, Williamson works it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
Kane Williamson is the new man in.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, THE FINGER IS RAISED YET AGAIN AS THERE IS ANOTHER APPEAL FOR LBW! This looks out but Allen reviews. HAWK EYE SHOWS THREE REDS! ! Allen has to walk back this time as the review does not save him. He takes a review along with him. Shaheen has his revenge and New Zealand have been set back early. Perfect for Pakistan. Allen just moves across way too much. He was almost standing around the off pole. Shaheen goes full again, he gets it to tail back in from off.
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, A LOUD SH FOR LBW! The umpire gives it a thought and then raises his finger. Allen reviews. There seems to be an inside edge. NOT OUT! There indeed is a big inside edge and that is why Allen reviewed it immediately. Allen survives. Pakistan's celebration has been cut short. This is full and on middle, this time he gets it to tail back in. Allen looks to flick, it does hit the pad. A loud appeal. The umpire thinks, thinks and thinks and then eventually raises
Shaheen Afridi to Finn Allen, ! Off the mark in style! That is a top shot against a top bowler. Just no fear, nothing from Allen! Shaheen Afridi goes full, he is looking for some swing but there is not a lot. It ends up being a half volley on middle, Allen thumps it down the ground to the long on fence.
It's time for action. The Pakistani players are in a huddle as Babar Azam gives a final pep-talk. Finn Allen and Devon Conway are the openers for the Kiwis. Shaheen Afridi has finally found his stripes and is back again with the wickets. He will open with the ball. A slip in place. Let's go...
It's time for the national anthems. The players line up in the middle. It will be New Zealand's first followed by Pakistan's.
PAKISTAN (Unchanged Playing XI) - Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi.
NEW ZEALAND (Unchanged Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Devon Conway (WK), Kane Williamson (C), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan says they would now look to pick early wickets and put them under pressure. Informs they are unchanged. Adds they are confident heading into this game, they did not start that well but now are playing their best cricket. Ends by saying, he hopes they can make it into the finals.
Kane Williamson the skipper of New Zealand says they want to bat, it seems a used surface. Informs they are playing the same team. Adds they need to stick to their plans and do the basic right. Ends by saying they are focused and they just want to express themselves.
TOSS - NEW ZEALAND have won the toss and will BAT first!