Mitchell fifty leads New Zealand to 152-4 in 1st semifinal

Sports desk: Daryl Mitchell struck an unbeaten 53 off 35 as New Zealand posted 152-4 against Pakistan in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup at Sydney Cricket Ground today.

Considering the slow nature of the wicket, it is believed to be a good total on the board for the Kiwis who are yet to beat Pakistan in the knock out match of any ICC tournament.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was the best bowler for Pakistan with 2-24 and struck in just first over when he trapped Finn Allen leg-before for 4.

Allen started the day with boundary of the first ball of Afridi after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson opted to bat first.

But the celebrated fast bowler took the revenge in the third ball and stifled the Kiwis with a display fierce bowling.

As New Zealand tried to recover with Devon Conway and Williamson, Pakistan further slowed the pace, inflicting a run out that caused the dismissal of the former for 21.

Mohammad Nawaz further worsened New Zealand, removing Glenn Phillips for 6, as the Kiwis limped to 49-3 in eighth over.

Williamson and Mitchell brought the side back in contention with 68-run partnership for the fourth wicket even though their innings never got the expected pace.

Afridi then came back to his second spell to get rid of Williamson who just looked set to go on berserk. Williamson made 46 off 42 with one four and one six.

Mithcell however took the side past 150, hitting three fours and one six in his 35 ball-53 not out. James Neesham was not out on 16 alongside him.