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England will face Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final IF they beat India as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan propel their side to a huge win over New Zealand in Sydney
- Pakistan has advanced to the T20 World Cup final after beating New Zealand
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan helped chase a 153-run goal
- It means they will play against England or India in Sunday’s final in Melbourne
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan hit top form in time to propel Pakistan to the T20 World Cup final when they defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in Sydney.
The opening pair are widely regarded as two of the best white-ball hitters in the world, and while they’ve both had low-key tournaments thus far, they thrived when it mattered most against the Black Caps.
A bit of luck was involved as Babar dropped his first ball before registering 53 of 42 deliveries, taking the sting out of a 153 chase alongside Rizwan in a 105-run first-wicket stand.
Pakistan has reached the Twenty20 World Cup final after beating New Zealand
The Black Caps chose to bat first, but made just 152 runs in total at the SCG on Wednesday
New Zealand bowler Trent Boult looks downcast with the Kiwis wrestling in the field
Rizwan started for 57 balls from 43 balls and needed 21 more from the last three overs, but despite New Zealand’s best efforts there was no dramatic turn to come as Pakistan came home with five balls left.
Shan Masood’s single from the first pass of the final over saw Pakistan head to the MCG on Sunday to face either India or England, who play the other semi-final in Adelaide on Thursday.
Only one win separates Pakistan from the most unlikely tournament win. They lost their first two games of the campaign and only left the group after the Netherlands upset South Africa.
More to follow.
Pakistan fans celebrate and play in Melbourne in the final against England or India on Sunday