Through this collaboration, Partisia Blockchain Foundation is set to discover and support the next generation of Web3 innovators
Pakistan will continue their roller-coaster ride at the Twenty20 World Cup into the final after beating New Zealand by seven wickets in front of a raucous crowd largely made up of their compatriots at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
Paceman Shaheen Afridi led the way with 2-24 as the Black Caps were restricted to 152-4 before openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam finally found their scoring touch with half centuries in a 105-run stand to lay the foundation for victory.
Pakistan scraped into the last four only after the Netherlands had upset South Africa last Sunday but will now play India or England, who face off in the second semifinal in Adelaide on Thursday, in Sunday's title decider in Melbourne.
"It means a lot (to reach the final)," said Pakistan captain Babar.
"We did not start the tournament well but after South Africa lost we took our opportunity and we are playing our best cricket and in the final."
Riding the momentum of their great escape from the group stage, the 2009 champions lost the toss but still looked charged with confidence from the moment Afridi took the ball for the opening over.
New Zealand's powerplay maestro Finn Allen cracked a four off the first delivery but had to be rescued from an lbw decision by DRS on the second before departing trapped in front on the third.
Devon Conway was run out by a direct hit from Shadab Khan for 21 on the final ball of the powerplay to leave New Zealand on 38-2 and another dangerman Glenn Phillips was meekly caught and bowled by spinner Mohammad Nawaz for six soon afterwards.
Skipper Kane Williamson steadied the ship with Daryl Mitchell but departed for 46 when he attempted to paddle a slower Afridi delivery which rattled into his unguarded stumps.
Mitchell, New Zealand's batting hero on their run to last year's final in Abu Dhabi, continued to an unbeaten 53 but his 35-ball innings featured only four boundaries as tight bowling and athletic fielding kept him shackled.
Babar and Rizwan had failed to deliver on their considerable reputations in the group stage but made up for it in some style with a blockbuster opening partnership.
The captain enjoyed a stroke of luck when he was dropped by wicketkeeper Conway off his first ball from Trent Boult but hammered 53 runs off the next 41 deliveries he faced before holing out in the deep.
Mon of the match Rizwan reached the half century mark soon afterwards before also holing out for 57 but Mohammad Haris kept up the pace with a bright 30 and Shan Masood got them over the line at 153-3 with five balls to spare.
"Credit to Pakistan, they were too good today," said Williamson.
"At the halfway stage we felt we had something to defend there (but) Pakistan were outstanding with the bat and they ran that down with ease. We certainly wanted to make them work harder for those runs."
ALSO READ:
Through this collaboration, Partisia Blockchain Foundation is set to discover and support the next generation of Web3 innovators
Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's firm position supporting Palestinian people's right to self-determination and establishment of an independent state
As part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, food, shelter tents, and basic supplies were provided to Palestinian families
The South African is tied with Denmark’s Nicolai Kristensen at the halfway stage of the tournament
The neighbourhood around the consulate was closed after the 60-year-old entered the premises, claiming to be armed with an explosive vest
All competent authorities must work together and coordinate to expedite possible means of support
Emirati Jiu-Jitsu stars win 23 medals, athletes grab 11 medals, and People of Determination excel with 14 medals
The first of seven phases, Friday's vote covered 166 million voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and territories