For Babar Azam and his Pakistan team, the last three weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster.
Pakistan's ambitions appeared to have been dashed before their campaign had really really begun thanks to last-ball defeats to India and Zimbabwe.
And with zero points after two games, they were left requiring almost a miracle to advance to the last four.
But miracles happen where Pakistan national cricket team is the 1st team who advance in Final match of 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Here is a match-by-match recount of Pakistan's extraordinary and improbable journey to the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final match.
PAKISTAN VS INDIA (MATCH 16 - 4 wicket loss)
It was always going to be terrible to lose the first game, but it was painful to lose it to rival India in front of a cheering crowd at the MCG off the game's final ball.
Similar to how their neighbors had been when the tables were turned a year earlier, Pakistan was rocked off balance as a result of their humbling loss to a Virat Kohli-led India.
PAKISTAN VS ZIMBABWE (MATCH 24 - 1 run loss)
In some ways, the defeat to India was far worse than the loss to Zimbabwe in the pivotal game.
With an opponent they would have expected to beat, Pakistan should have been able to keep winning the game from the position they were in throughout the chase.
But at just the wrong moment, a misfiring intermediate and lower order stuttered.
Two defeats are typically enough to send a team home from the Group Stage. After just one loss, Australia fell out of the Group 1 playoffs.
The Pakistani squad was defeated following the game because they recognized it would take a cricketing miracle to save their tournament from that situation.
PAKISTAN VS NETHERLAND (MATCH 29 - 6 WICKET WIN)
In order to get back on the board, Pakistan scored quickly and effectively, getting back to winning ways while dramatically increasing their net run rate.
The bowlers' outstanding teamwork decimated the Dutch middle order, paving the way for victory.
Just two batters reached double figures, while Bas de Leede was forced to leave the game hurt after taking a blow to the face, limiting the Netherlands to just 91/9.
Mohammad Rizwan was the one who started things off in response, scoring 49 in a calm pursuit that only required 13.5 overs.
PAKISTAN VS SOUTH AFRICA (MATCH 36 - 33 runs win by DLS Method)
At the end of the day, the game against a stronger South Africa proved to be the deciding factor.
Pakistan knew they needed to win in order to have a chance on the final day, and they were successful in doing so.
After a brilliant cameo from late call-up Mohammad Haris, Pakistan reached 185/9 with the help of Iftikhar Ahmed and Shadab Khan, both of whom scored elegant half-centuries.
Shadab stood out because he scored 52 runs in just 22 balls. He then contributed with the ball by dismissing Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram.
Shaheen Afridi was the star bowler, taking 3/14 as Pakistan thrashed the Proteas.
Rain curtailed the game, although given the state it was in prior to the interruption, it only served to lessen South Africa's setback.
PAKISTAN VS BANGLADESH (MATCH 41 - 5 wicket win)
Major players have a huge impact on big games, and Pakistan's stars had a significant impact.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who decimated Bangladesh with his bat and kept the Tigers from collecting a solid first-innings total, was responsible for the brunt of the damage.
And Pakistan's opening duo gave a calm (maybe even slow) and effective performance in the chase.
The opening stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, which was ineffective for the majority of the Super 12 stage, set the stage for a successful chase and kept Bangladesh's most dangerous bowlers out of the match.
Although it wasn't attractive, it worked incredibly well.
PAKISTAN VS NEW ZEALAND (SEMI FINAL 1 - 7 wickets win)
The team's atmosphere has changed, and facing a Pakistani side that is performing well is intimidating.
They defeated New Zealand in Sydney, with Shaheen Afridi igniting the night with his stunning first-over dismissal of Finn Allen.
The openers then appeared for the first time as a partnership after a team effort on the field and with the ball kept New Zealand to a very manageable 152/4.
The victory was made possible by Babar and Rizwan's century stand, which marked a welcome return to form for the duo at precisely the right time.
As the first team to reach the final match, Would Pakistan will get the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy?
For update , check and visit 11ic for details.
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