T20 World Cup semi-final: "Our Karan Arjun are officially back" Twitteratis reacts to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan returning to form vs NZ

Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan cashed in on field-restricted overs to set the foundation for a 152-run chase in the first semi-final against New Zealand on Wednesday, November 9, at the Adelaide Oval.

Rizwan started the innings with a boundary through the covers of Trent Boult to build momentum. His shots had the sound of thunder and displayed intent to fire up. However, the concern was Babar, who took his time to play the big shots. The Pakistan skipper played his trademark cover drive off Boult and followed it with an elegant straight drive against Lockie Ferguson.

Rizwan became the aggressor in the powerplay overs and smashed successive boundaries of Tim Southee in the fifth over. Pakistan made 55 runs in the Powerplay as both the openers recalibrated their batting forms in the all-important clash of the T20 World Cup.

Soon after the powerplay, Babar switched gears and racked up his 30th half-century in 38 balls. Babar and Rizwan recorded their ninth 100-plus stand in T20Is before Babar departed for 53 in 42 balls in the 13th over.

The Pakistan openers were pumped up after failing to deliver in the Super 12 stage. Babar (39 runs in five innings) and Rizwan (103 in five innings) faced the wrath of their supporters and former players. Some Pakistan experts asked Babar to push down the batting order at No.3 and allow youngster Mohammad Haris to open with Mohammad Rizwan.

Cricket fans were thrilled to see Babar and Rizwan return to form and here's how they reacted to their aggressive approach.

Ha55an 🇵🇰

@sheikh_dot_com

Our karan Arjun are officially back #PakvsNz

22

7

Our karan Arjun are officially back 😍🔥 #PakvsNz https://t.co/vUiMG4wcRu

JahanZaib

@JahanZaibb_

Seeing Babar's cover drive after a long time is a big relief to the heart. #PakvsNz

151

20

Seeing Babar's cover drive after a long time is a big relief to the heart. ❤️#PakvsNz https://t.co/7BnqH6CWIS

Tehseen Qasim

@Tehseenqasim

Babar Azam proving it today!
#PakvsNz

22

3

Babar Azam proving it today!
#PakvsNz https://t.co/iBtu0Fy19d

Farhan Saeed

@farhan_saeed

You can’t ask your bowlers to do better than this , great performance. Lets go and chase it inshAllah 🤞

#PakvsNz

1964

114

You can’t ask your bowlers to do better than this , great performance. Lets go and chase it inshAllah 🤞

#PakvsNz

Shanzay🇵🇰

@dekheeenjiii

Evil eyes off 🤲
Riz-Bar 🫶
#PakvsNz #SemiFinals

374

44

Evil eyes off 🤲❤️
Riz-Bar 🫶
#PakvsNz #SemiFinals https://t.co/uHG1ksjoZg

Adv. Mian Omer🇵🇰

@Iam_Mian

Agree or Not , but this is the best opening pair without any doubt 🤩 #PakvsNz

159

15

Agree or Not , but this is the best opening pair without any doubt ❤️🤩 #PakvsNz https://t.co/pgYr2XMdWe

MUSKAN 🇵🇰

@Musskey

Hmaray openers #PAKvsNZ

63

4

Hmaray openers #PAKvsNZ https://t.co/r9KM76aM7R

Shaun Tait 🇦🇺

@shauntait161

Temperature in India is rising exponentially.
Millions of asses are burning there.
Babar is back
#PakvsNz

551

73

Temperature in India is rising exponentially.
Millions of asses are burning there.
Babar is back
#PakvsNz

Adv. Mian Omer🇵🇰

@Iam_Mian

If You don't Then You don't
Support him Deserve him
At his Worst At his Best
#PakvsNz #PAKvNZ

48

7

If You don't Then You don't
Support him Deserve him
At his Worst At his Best
#PakvsNz #PAKvNZ https://t.co/32z1tijfMV

MUSKAN 🇵🇰

@Musskey

Babar & Rizwan today! #PAKvsNZ

56

5

Babar & Rizwan today! #PAKvsNZ https://t.co/a6EU1kKNAa

Assad Bajwa

@oyebajwey

Well played Kings. Welcome back
#PakvsNz #BabarAzam𓃵

28

1

Well played Kings. Welcome back 👑❤️
#PakvsNz #BabarAzam𓃵 https://t.co/ORrheXlqac

Earlier in the match, Pakistan's bowlers bowled brilliantly to restrict the Blackcaps to a moderate score of 152 for four wickets. Shaheen Afridi was once again the leading wicket-taker in their innings. He trapped Finn Allen on the third ball of the game before cleaning up New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who tried to play a scoop against the left-arm pacer.

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