T20 World Cup 2022: Semi-Final 1 - Predicted New Zealand Playing XI vs Pakistan

The first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 will see New Zealand and Pakistan locking horns at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Men in Green have miraculously made it to the last four of the event down under following their win against Bangladesh.

On the other hand, the Kiwis will look to better their performance from last year and will hope to clinch the coveted title this edition. Moreover, the side has played sensational cricket in their campaign thus far, projecting sheer dominance in Group 1 against Australia, Sri Lanka, and Ireland. Furthermore, the side will look to keep up the fine form against the Babar Azam-led side and cruise to the finals.

Speaking of their head-to-head record in the marquee event, the Men in Green have got the better of New Zealand four times in six outings. Adding to this, Pakistan’s recent triumph in the tri-series contest against New Zealand and Bangladesh makes the former favourites coming into the fixture.

Let’s look at New Zealand's probable playing XI against Pakistan:

Openers: Finn Allen and Devon Conway (wk)

Devon Conway takes his time to settle and then picks up by playing the big shots. At the other end, Finn Allen does not like wasting much time and gets going swiftly as seen in the first match against the hosts and defending champions, Australia. Against Pakistan, the duo will look to give the side ahead in the match by building a solid partnership before the middle-order batters pitch in and get the job done.

Middle-Order: Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips

Skipper Kane Williamson endured a string of slow outings in their Super 12 campaign as he was unable to play his natural game. However, against Ireland in their last group-stage fixture, the skipper smashed a 35-ball 61 at a strike rate of 174.29. That one knock must have surely handed the side a major boost and a personal uptick in morale for the batter ahead of the semi-finals.

Glenn Phillips has been explosive for the side and wastes no time at all as he comes in the middle order. His natural game is to target bowlers regardless of how economical the rival side has been. He will be one batter, the opposition side will look to dismiss him early.

All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner

The Black Caps have backed Daryl Mitchell since his return to the national side to adapt to the conditions. He gave a little glimpse of what he can do when he gets going in the previous encounter against Ireland. The Kiwis will hope he hits the ground running against Pakistan and displays his attacking prowess.

James Neesham has been underwhelming with the bat as his only decent performance came against the Aussies where he scored a 13-ball 26. Since then, he just has not been able to get runs while coming down the middle order. In any case, he could have his way against the Pakistan bowlers but would surely be a tricky outing for him considering his decline in form with the bat.

Mitchell Santner's versatility has instilled confidence in the management as he has been sublime with both bat and ball. Moreover, the all-rounder does not like to waste much time if a few overs are remaining as he can hit some blows with the bat.

Bowlers: Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Tim Southee and Trent Boult will look to get the new ball moving around against Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The opener duo will be under pressure to perform against Boult and Southee and the latter could take advantage of this situation to get the breakthroughs. Both the pace spearheads have been in terrific form in the Super 12 stage and they will look to keep the economical figures they’ve maintained in the semi-finals.

Lockie Ferguson proved to be expensive against England as he leaked 45 runs in his four overs at an economy rate of 11.25. However, in the following match against Ireland, the pacer drastically improved, giving away only 22 runs in his four overs and scalping three wickets.

Ish Sodhi also has been impressive in his outings for the side and the batters have found it hard to target him for the big shots. He will look to use the bigger grounds coupled with his slower deliveries to his advantage to get the breakthroughs.

New Zealand predicted XI against Pakistan: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult