Before this semifinal, both Azam and Rizwan struggled for runs in the tournament. Azam had scored 39 runs in five innings while Rizwan had also managed only 103 runs in five innings prior to this semifinal match.
Star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan found form at the right moment, smashing key half-centuries to help Pakistan cruise into the final of the ICC T20 World Cup after defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the first semifinal at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday
New Zealand have thrashed the hosts Australia and have wins in all matches of the tournament except one. One of their games was washed out. Pakistan are coming into the game after three back-to-back wins.
With this victory, Pakistan is on the top spot with two wins in two matches and four points. On the other hand, Kiwis are in the second position with one loss in one match and zero points
Babar Azam's side registered a narrow nine-run triumph over the gallant Netherlands in Rotterdam and moved equally on points with second-placed Bangladesh as a result of the victory.
Christchurch [New Zealand], March 26 (ANI): Despite a great 71-run victory over Pakistan, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine admitted that hosts are 'gutted' for not reaching the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.