Pakistan is facing New Zeeland in the semifinals of the international twenty world cup today. Earlier, New Zeeland topped their group to reach the semifinals whereas Pakistan had a great escape to reach the semifinals.

However, the statistics are in favor of Pakistan when it comes to facing New Zeeland in the semifinals. Pakistan has defeated New Zeeland thrice in the ICC World Cups. Pakistan defeated New Zeeland in the 1992 world cup under the captaincy of Imran Khan at Auckland. The victory was due to the heroics of Inzamam-Ul-Haq. Pakistan again defeated New Zeeland in the semifinals of the 1999 world cup at Manchester where Shoaib Akhtar and Saeed Anwar helped Pakistan to win the match. Last time, Pakistan defeated New Zeeland in the semifinals of the ICC 2007 world cup at Cape Town.

The history is with Pakistan winning the semifinals against New Zeeland. However, every match is played with new fervor and zeal. New Zeeland is a far better side this time and Pakistan is playing in their backyard. Both teams have better bowling attacks. Pakistan has great momentum with them to play better cricket. The encouraging sign is that they are winning matches despite Babar and Rizwan not firing all cylinders.

Pakistan has a great bowling attack. There are four genuine fast bowlers with quality leg spinners in the form of Shadab Khan. There is also a left-arm spinner alongside an off-spinner in the shape of M. Nawaz and Iftikhar. Pakistan also bats deep at 8 as Muhammad Waseem can bat also. Toss is always very important. Then, these are big matches, and match winners are very important for these matches. These are pressure games and the team who will cope with the pressure will win ultimately.