Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan created history during the semifinal against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Stadium.

The pair, which was struggling for form in the ongoing tournament, answered their critics with a convincing performance with the bat.

They made a 105-run opening stand in 12.3 overs as Pakistan chased 153 in 19.1 over to secure the spot in the ICC T20 World Cup final.

Doing so, they became the first opening pair ever to have three 100plus opening stand in T20 World Cups surpassing the pair of Mathew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist.

Babar contributed with 53 off 42 with the help of seven boundaries, while Rizwan scored 48 off 34 in the partnership. He smashed five fours in the innings.