Rex Clementine in Sydney
It’s a funny game this cricket is. Last week, South Africa were expected to top their group and go on to play the Adelaide semi-final of the ICC T-20 World Cup here in Australia. But then Pakistan inspired by lower-order batsman Shadab Khan’s 20-ball half-century took momentum off their campaign. They could have still qualified for the second semi-final in Sydney and in their last Super 12 game against the Netherlands, they choked. Pakistan seized the opportunity with both hands and a win over Bangladesh, later that night, was sufficient for them to knock South Africa out and progress to the last four.
Pakistan have peaked at the right time and heading into the semi-final they will be favourites over New Zealand. Here’s why.
Rain in Sydney during the Super 12 stage meant there was moisture on the pitch and New Zealand seamers Trent Boult and Tim Southee loved the conditions. The two Kiwis form a formidable combination but when there’s no seam movement, they aren’t as threatening as when the ball moves around. Sydney has been quite dry this week and Pakistan should negate the new ball threat.
Sydney also has produced some high-scoring games. There were two occasions where scores of 200 were made. Towards the later part of the Super 12s the pitch had become slower, like during the England – Sri Lanka clash. This was as a result of Australia wanting a used wicket in a bid to knock England out and boost their chances of going through. That didn’t happen as England beat Sri Lanka in the last over to edge defending champions Aussies out.
Pakistan’s middle order has been vulnerable and too much depend on their openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Their lower order has bailed them out on a couple of occasions, but to expect that to happen all the time is wishful thinking.
South Africa has been a generous giver of cricketing talents to other parts of the world. New Zealand have been one of the beneficiaries. Both their key batsmen in this World Cup – Glenn Philips and Devon Conway were born in South Africa. Both batters have been in good nick and together with captain Kane Williamson hold the New Zealand batting together.
New Zealand’s only blemish in this competition came against England in Brisbane when they lost by 20 runs. They are a hard team to beat and it remains to be seen whether Pakistan will be able to knock them out of the competition.