T20 WC semi-final: Will Pakistan repeat 1992 World Cup’s history against New Zealand?

Pakistan will take on New Zealand today in T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final at Sydney after being given a lifeline by the Netherlands that beat South Africa.

Both the teams reached the semi-final stage of the T20 World Cup last year, with New Zealand reaching the final while Pakistan was defeated by Australia in the semi-final.

Today’s semi-final match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, while in the 1992 World Cup, the teams of New Zealand and Pakistan faced each other in the semi-finals, the only difference is that the match was held in Wellington.

Pakistan has a much better record than New Zealand in history. But in the T20 matches, the past records will not matter more because the team that performs the best today will win. Although Pakistan has a psychological advantage due to past records.

The two teams faced each other 28 times in T20 matches in which Pakistan won 17 and New Zealand won 11.

Both the teams have faced each other in 6 matches of T20 World Cup in which Pakistan won 4 and Kiwis won 2.

Looking at the last five matches between Pakistan and New Zealand, Pakistan has won three matches while New Zealand has won two matches.

Pakistan’s performance in the current T20 World Cup has not been very impressive so far.

Babar Azam-led Pakistan had a terrible start to their World Cup campaign as they lost their opening two matches against India and Zimbabwe. However, in the next three matches, the team performed brilliantly, won matches and reached the semi-finals.

In today’s match, the Pakistani team will have to pay special attention to the batting department along with their bowling attack.

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to form with four wickets against Bangladesh.

Pakistan’s middle order has also shown signs of improvement in the last few matches. However, for sure success in today’s match, captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan have to show their best performance.

New Zealand led by Kane Williamson won three matches and lost one match during their campaign at the Super 12 stage.

New Zealand lost to England in the Super 12 stage while their match against Afghanistan was cancelled due to rain. The Kiwis won against Australia, Sri Lanka and Ireland.