By Mashal Khan 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Team on Wednesday defeated New Zealand in the T20 cricket world cup semi-final and recalled the memories of the 1992 world cup when former cricket star Imran Khan led team had won the Semi-Final from Kiwis team. 

Green Shirts beat New Zealand by seven wickets in their World Cup semi-final clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"The reward for them is an entry in the World Cup final opposite one of England and India on Sunday. If it turns out to be the former, than it would keep them on track to replicate the template of their successful World Cup run from 30 years ago when they had come back from the dead to beat the Kiwis in the semis and England in the final," Dawn reported.

On Wednesday, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam lost the toss and New Zealand decided to bat first.

On the first ball of the over, their star pacer Shaheen Afridi was hit for a four. From that point on, however, it was all Pakistan.

"From bowling to fielding and even decision making, Babar and Co got every single thing right as the Kiwis were a distant second. Set a target of 153, it was expected that the out-of-form pairing of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan could struggle. Those concerns were quickly put to bed as the Pakistan openers dominated Kiwi pacers," the daily reported.

Babar and Rizwan played well and finally took their team to the final.

India and England will fight in the second semi-final on Sunday.

"Congratulations to Babar Azam and the team for a great win," Imran Khan, former cricket star turned politician tweeted.

"Wishing Babar Azam and his team prayers and best wishes from the nation. All we expect from you is to fight till the last ball," Khan added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated its team and said "Heartiest congratulations to Pakistan Women Cricket Team for a clean sweep against Ireland in a three-match series. You have made the nation proud. Keep rising & shining!."

Pakistan Army also congratulated the green shirts and expressed best wishes for next final match.

"Congratulations Team Pakistan 🇵🇰 for a stellar performance and winning #SemiFinalT20WC. Good luck for the Final. Pakistan 🇵🇰 Zindabad!," ISPR said in a statement.