T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand vs Pakistan Match Preview, Playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV, & Live Streaming Details for T20 WC

And then there were four. The Super 12 stage has been done and dusted, and after a series of twists and turns, New Zealand, England, India, and Pakistan remain to fight for the ultimate prize. Last year's losing finalists New Zealand, will square off against dark horses Pakistan in the first semi-final at the SCG on Wednesday, November 9.

The Blackcaps head into the knockout game after a dominant performance at the Super 12 stage, unlike Pakistan, who barely escaped the embarrassment of an early exit to seal their place in the semis. Although it is almost impossible to predict a favourite in the ongoing tournament, Pakistani fans will be remembering the 1992 WC clash against the same opposition, drawing parallels to their journey.

Pakistan were down and out after losing their opening two fixtures in thrilling encounters against India and Zimbabwe. But the Men in Green find themselves two steps away from clinching the coveted title, which they won for the first time back in 2009.

What happened in the earlier part of the tournament is history now as a fresh challenge awaits both sides in the first semi-final. New Zealand will be hoping to make the final of the T20 World Cup for a second successive time, while Pakistan will be eyeing a major coup against the Kiwis in what proposes to be a thrilling contest.

Pitch Conditions

The surface at the SCG has been a batting paradise in the tournament even though the last encounter at the venue produced a low-scoring contest between England and Sri Lanka. The spinner will get a decent amount of grip and turn in the latter stages of the match, but the batters will dominate the game for the majority of its duration.

Playing Combinations for NZ vs PAK

New Zealand

There were concerns regarding skipper Kane Williamson's scratchy form, but the classy batter silenced his critics with a brisk half-century against Ireland. Trent Boult and Tim Southee continue to torment batters with the new ball, while Mitchell Santner has been an indispensable asset in the middle overs.

Predicted Playing XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Pakistan

Pakistan's opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been at their best in the tournament, but the middle order are starting to fire on all cylinders. Mercurial all-rounder Shadab Khan has been one of the performers of the World Cup so far, and fast bowling sensation Shaheen Afridi finally looks to have found his mojo in the lead-up to the semi-final.

Predicted Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi

NZ vs PAK Head-to-Head

Played- 28 | New Zealand- 11 | Pakistan- 17

NZ vs PAK Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 1:30 PM IST

TV- Star Sports

Streaming- Disney+Hotstar