Pakistan captain Babar Azam responded to criticism for his opening stand with Mohammad Rizwan by saying that ups and downs are part of the game. Babar Azam and Rizwan Khan put on a 105-run opening wicket stand-off 76 balls in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday, November 9.
After Rizwan and Babar laid the platform, Pakistan chased down 153 with five balls to spare and advanced to the final of the tournament. Rizwan went on to stay unbeaten after he scored 57 runs off 43 balls with five fours before Trent Boult accounted for his wicket.
Babar also heaped praise on Mohammad Haris, who has been in jaw-dropping form since replacing an injured Fakhar Zaman. After performing in the games against South Africa and Bangladesh, Haris scored 30 runs against the Black Caps.
“We were waiting for our time. As a cricketer, we try to play well in every match, but ups and downs come. You enjoyed this victory and the entire Pakistan crowd enjoyed it as well,” Babar was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.
“We planned to make utilization of the powerplay. When we attack, that’s when the other teams go on to the back foot. And we were successful. When you chase a target, you have to take risks and plan accordingly,” he stated.
“Our partnership gave Pakistan momentum. And once we got momentum, we tried and carry it forward. I go out, but the way Haris played was outstanding. It doesn’t seem like he is playing his first World Cup. The way he is batting is beneficial for us,” Babar added.
Pakistan are now waiting for their opponents in the final to be played on November 13 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India and England will lock horns in the second semi-final on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval.
