T20 World Cup Semi-final, NZ vs PAK: Key player battles
What's the story
An epic clash awaits New Zealand and Pakistan, the winner of which advances to the final of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. NZ have been a force right from the start of the tournament. Pakistan suffered successive defeats to India and Zimbabwe before turning their fortunes. Both sides are stacked with match-winners like no other. We decode the key player battles.
1
Finn Allen vs Shaheen Afridi
The Black Caps would be banking on a fiery start to the show and Finn Allen can be entrusted with the same. The fearless batter hammered a 16-ball 42 in NZ's opening fixture against Australia. Lately, he blasted 32 off 18 deliveries versus Ireland. Pakistan are well aware of these numbers and will bank on left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to curtain his stay.
2
Babar Azam vs Trent Boult
For Babar Azam, it has been a forgettable campaign so far. He has averaged 7.80 across five innings, with a high score of 25. Regardless, a must-win affair calls for a captain's knock from Babar. A lot will ride on him as he intends to survive a fiery spell off Trent Boult, who ran riot at SCG with a four-fer against Sri Lanka.
3
Glenn Phillips vs Shadab Khan
Glenn Phillips smacked a ton (104) against Sri Lanka at SCG, followed by a sublime 62 versus England. As for his match-up, Phillips could face spin wizard Shadab Khan in the middle overs. The latter has plucked 10 scalps in the tourney, averaging 11.20. While Phillips is a noted spin-basher, whether he comes on top over Shadab is something only time can tell.
4
Mohammad Rizwan vs Tim Southee
Batting-wise, Mohammad Rizwan is as important to Pakistan as Babar. He dominated the Asia Cup and T20I tri-series in New Zealand, bashing fifties for fun. Rizwan will look to shrug off his quiet run in the semi-final. To deny him from settling down, one could expect Tim Southee to do the honors. His in-swinging deliveries could shorten Rizwan's stay in the middle.