Pakistan’s Journey to T20 World Cup 2022 Semifinal

Cricket, Sports

The unthinkable has been done by Pakistan. They are now going to play against New Zealand in this year’s T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal Wednesday (November 9, 2022).

Pakistan will play in T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against New Zealand & here we will know Pakistan’s journey to T20 World Cup Semifinal. The odds were in their favor, thanks to them. We examine here the Pakistani team’s progress in the T20 World Cup competition thus far, which is led by Babar Azam.

Against all odds, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by five wickets at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday to miraculously advance to the semifinals of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022. Mohammad Rizwan scored 32 runs off of 32 balls to help Pakistan reach 128 for five in 18.1 overs while chasing a 128-run mark. Earlier, bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed four wickets as Bangladesh reached 127 for 8 in 20 overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto led Bangladesh in scoring with a half-century (54 off 48 balls), but Pakistan easily chased it down to go to the final four of the virtual knockout.

They were eliminated completely after losses to India and a shocking upset against Zimbabwe, and their chances of making the semifinals hung in the balance. However, a bizarre turn of events saw them fight back valiantly, and along with a few other results going their way, they advanced to the semifinals, where they will probably face New Zealand on Wednesday.

Here is how their circumstances evolved. Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign didn’t get off to the best of beginnings as they lost to England in one of their exhibition games while the other was canceled. Pakistan was expected to play better when the Super 12 Stage started, however in their opening encounter, they were defeated by India by four wickets.

Pakistan faced South Africa, whom they defeated after the Proteas committed hara-kiri, after easily defeating the Dutch to prevent a second shock. Pakistan defeated South Africa by a score of 33 runs (DLS method) to reclaim a semifinal spot.

🗣️ Skipper @babarazam258 speaks to his team after Pakistan qualify for the #T20WorldCup semifinals 🔊#WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/CkmpJCj6o3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 6, 2022

The victory over South Africa opened up Group 2 and propelled Pakistan to third place in the standings. The Proteas suffered a shocking setback to the Netherlands, losing by 13 runs and were eliminated as a result.

Pakistan’s Road to T20 World Cup Semifinal

Pakistan vs. India

In Melbourne, Pakistan amassed 159/8 in 20 overs as Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed each reached a half-century. The Indian batting order was then completely dismantled by the bowlers, leaving them at a precarious 31/4.

However, a 113-run stand between Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya for the fifth wicket revealed that they had different ideas. The game’s last phase saw a greater escalation in the high-stress confrontation. When Kohli displayed class and hit two consecutive sixes against Haris Rauf on the final two balls of the 19th over, India needed 31 runs from the final two balls.

Babar gave the ball to Nawaz, who had a difficult day at work, since the equation had been reduced to 16 needed off of 6. But Pandya was out after the first ball, and the spinner only allowed three runs in the first three deliveries.

But he then committed a grave error. Nawaz threw Kohli a waist-height no-ball, which the batsman hit for a six. India eventually received three byes on the free shot when the bowler followed it up with a wide. With Dinesh Karthik on strike, India needed two off two. The club found itself in trouble once more as the right-handed hitter stepped out but utterly missed it, getting stumped out.

The Indian batsman maintained composure and hit the final pitch over mid-off to score the go-ahead runs. India prevailed by 4 wickets. On 82 off 53, Kohli continued his perfect record.

.@shani_official leads the conversation with @iShaheenAfridi and @iamharis63 after 🇵🇰 booked a semi-final berth 🎙️#WeHaveWeWill | #T20WorldCup | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/s3uHUdghgA

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 6, 2022

Zimbabwe vs. Pakistan

This was likely one of the biggest upsets in the T20 World Cup this year. Following their successful restriction of Zimbabwe to 130/8 in 20 overs, Pakistan’s bowlers had done their job.

However, the side’s hitters had a poor run as they regularly dropped wickets, limiting them to 129/8 in 20 overs. Shan Masood demonstrated some tenacity by scoring 44 points off of 38 shots, but his efforts fell short of bringing the team home. Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan by one run.

Pakistan vs. Netherlands

By defeating the Netherlands by 6 wickets while chasing a 92-run total, Pakistan finally got off to a winning start. After limiting the Dutch to 91/9 in 20 overs, Babar Azam’s team chased down the mark in the 14th over. Rizwan had the highest score with 49 off 39.

India vs. Pakistan

The South Africa-Pakistan matchup undoubtedly altered the formula and qualification prospects. Rain also once again ruined the game, but this time it went in Pakistan’s favor. The Asian team scored 185/9 in 20 overs while batting first. When play was stopped owing to rain, the Proteas were 69/4 in 9 overs. The target was then lowered to 142 in 14 overs.

South Africa was limited to 108/9 despite needing 73 from the final five overs. Shaheen Afridi scored three times as Pakistan gained two significant points.

Adelaide ✈️ Sydney #WeHaveWeWill | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/uyncm4WPjJ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 7, 2022

Bangladesh vs. Pakistan

South Africa now had five points after one of their games was also postponed due to rain, while Pakistan had four points after four games. To advance from the group stage, Temba Bavuma’s team needed to defeat the Netherlands in their final game. The equation, though, was suddenly a little difficult for Pakistan.

Due to the fact that both Pakistan and Bangladesh had four points apiece and were scheduled to play each other in their final group stage match, South Africa’s loss to the Netherlands would have given both teams a reasonable chance to qualify.

By losing to the Netherlands, South Africa gave Pakistan and Bangladesh a real chance to go to the semifinals. Shaheen Afridi rose to the occasion and claimed four wickets for Pakistan against Bangladesh. Pakistan did not let this opportunity pass them by. They were held to 127/8 in 20 overs by Pakistan, who then defeated the goal by 5 wickets. On Wednesday in Sydney, Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the semifinal.