They scraped into the finals but Pakistan have timed their run to perfection, smashing New Zealand to make the T20 World Cup final.
Semi-finalists in 2021, Pakistan are just one match away from sealing an incredible comeback from 0-2 in the Super 12 stage to win the World Cup.
Here are our talking points from Pakistan’s seven-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
It’s crunch time at the T20 World Cup and you can catch every match live and ad-free in play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
2nd time lucky but SHOCKER first review! | 00:57
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
It was mere days ago that the world was brought into the Pakistani dressing sheds as former Australian opener Matthew Hayden delivered an inspiring speech.
There the watching world got a unique insight into the mindset of one of the titans of modern cricket. A man who suffered his fair share of blows and setbacks before dominating all three forms of cricket, winning two World Cups and succeeding in every part of the world.
“Boys, we are dangerous, just understand and appreciate that,” Hayden said in his address to the team following their final Group 2 match as Pakistan somehow lived to fight another day as the Netherlands shocked South Africa.
“The moment Pakistan cricket fires off with intent and starts to reveal its teeth, we become a real threat.
“There will be no one in this world and this competition that would want to face us right now. not one.
“They thought they got rid of us, but now they are not going to get rid of us. We are here, dug in and I actually love how we have gone about this compared to the last World Cup because the expectations were enormous in the last World Cup. We blew everyone off the face of the planet.
“It hasn’t been smooth sailing. If it wasn’t for the Dutch, we are not here. But we are here and it is powerful because no one wants to see us and that’s the element of surprise we have got the advantage.
“Boys moving into the next couple of days, clear your minds. Be free and be fresh for whichever game we play and just unleash again with just good, positive intent.
“Fearless cricket, almost forgetful cricket.
“Who cares what has happened over the last three weeks, we are here. So, well done. Just a magic day and you’re going to have to punch the smile off of my face.”
Hayden’s appointment as a mentor has been nothing short of a stroke of genius, with the former left-hander a spiritual person who can relate to Pakistan’s players.
But in Pakistan’s clinical showing at the SCG, we saw a team that delivered on Hayden’s message that the rest of the competition would fear their strike power.
It wasn’t just his spirit either; it was also his knowledge of the old standby that form is temporary, but class is permanent, especially when it comes to Babar Azam who had reached double figures just once throughout the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the match on Tuesday, Hayden had what commentator Simon Doull called a “Yoda moment”. (See the below video.)
Hayden likens Babar to Gilchrist | 01:03
“There’s no question that Babar has been under some adversity. That will only make him an even greater player,” Hayden said.
“As we all know about the weather, once there’s a lull, there’s often a storm that follows. So look out, rest of the world, because I think you’re about to see something very special from Babar.”
Babar’s 53 off 42, in an opening partnership that essentially won Pakistan the match, suggests perhaps all they needed was that ruthless self-belief which was the hallmark of Hayden’s.
OPENERS CATCH FIRE
Pakistan’s opening duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan had hardly needed a bat during the Super 12 stage.
The pair was blown away in their opening match of the tournament by India’s pace attack.
It set the tone of the tournament as India struck first blood and it left the right-handed pair feeling for the ball.
It was in stark contrast to their opening match a year earlier as the duo motored down India’s under-par score in the 2021 T20 World Cup and led Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory.
But in Sydney, on a slow wicket, Pakistan’s opening duo took the game away from the outset.
It started with a backfoot punch from Rizwan through cover-point to the boundary from Trent Boult’s opening delivery as the left-armer stumbled on the ageing SCG wicket. His tumble was a sign of things to come, as the duo put on 105 for the opening stand before Babar was caught in the deep.
SCENE SETTER
The opening over of the match was almost comical.
A boundary first ball was followed by two reviews. The first saw Finn Allen successfully overturn it but there was no saving the right-hander third ball as Afridi struck the opener in front.
Afridi’s brilliant spell set the tone for Pakistan.
The towering left-arm quick bowled with pace, found his lengths and got the ball to swing at times.
Just as importantly, he was the pulse Pakistan needed. He was enforcer, the intimidator and he whipped the Pakistan-heavy contingent into a frenzy.
Afridi finished with 2-24 off four overs, while he was superbly supported by fellow new-ball bowler Naseem Shah (0-30).
Buttler not fussed by used Adelaide Oval | 00:48
ALWAYS THE BRIDESMAIDE NEVER THE BRIDE
Once again it was a case of so close yet so far for New Zealand.
Runners up in the 2015 and 2019 ODIs, as well as in last year’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand were in cruise control for the tournament after their dominate win over Australia on the opening evening of the group stages, but they will return across the ditch without any silverware.
The Black Caps were never quite in the match.
They threatened at times but their total always looked 20 runs short, particularly on a night where there was little pace in the pitch.
Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s greatest batter but his career would look very different had his side been able to win secure a big white ball tournament.
THE SHOWSHOW LOOMS
Dare to dream?
India’s unbelievable final ball win over Pakistan lit the tournament up on the second night in Melbourne.
Now we’re only one game away from having the perfect finale (don’t tell Andrew McDonald) at the MCG.
Of course India will face an almighty task against an English side that is well balanced from top to bottom. There’s not a weak spot in the English side, although they do lack a Kohli-like figure at No.3.
But there are matchwinners in that English side from Jos Buttler to Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali to Chris Jordan.
If India do prevail, however, the MCG won’t be big enough. It’ll be the hottest ticket in Australian sport all year.
Now pray the rain stays away, or start preparing the Marvel Stadium wicket (not that the ICC will use it), with Sunday looking grim in the sporting capital of Australia.
Monday is the reserve day… and there’s rain on the long-term radar for then, too.
