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Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam hit half-centuries as Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to advance to the Twenty20 World Cup final on Wednesday.
In the November 13 decider at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 2009 champions will face either England or India, who play on Thursday in Adelaide.
Pakistan set the tone at the Sydney Cricket Ground with razor-sharp fielding and disciplined bowling, limiting New Zealand to 152-4.
Rizwan (57) and Azam (53) destroyed New Zealand’s renowned bowling attack in a 105-run opening stand in front of 36,443 strongly pro-Pakistan supporters.
Despite a tense finish after both fell, Mohammad Haris’ 30 off 26 balls contributed to a well-deserved victory with five balls to spare.
“Obviously, me and Babar decided to go after the new ball and the pitch was difficult,” said Rizwan, who was named player of the match.
“When we finished the powerplay, the discussion was one of the guys to go deep. The guys have worked hard and we have always believed.”
Pakistan won the title in 2009 at Lord’s in England, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets, and making another final in Australia has been a roller coaster ride.
After suffering heartbreaking last-ball losses to India and Zimbabwe in the group stage, they came back to defeat the Netherlands and South Africa.
Then, against all odds, they won when the Proteas were stunned by the Dutch and Pakistan easily defeated Bangladesh.
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