SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Shaheen Shah Afridi of Pakistan celebrates dismissing Finn Allen of New Zealand during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on November 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
The T20 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and Pakistan has gotten off to an intense start at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with New Zealand losing their first wicket in the first over.
On a pitch virtually devoid of grass and hard to read, the Black Caps opener Finn Allen looked to take the attack to Pakistan new ball bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi instantly.
The first ball, which was overpitched, disappeared down the ground for a boundary off the opening ball of the innings, however, Allen's innings would take a dramatic and fatal turn over the next two balls.
On the second ball of the game, Afridi would attack the stumps and strike the pads of Allen, and, after a long deliberation from umpire Marais Erasmus, was given out.
That last for all of about two seconds though, with Allen reviewing immediately and the third umpire finding a significant inside edge onto the pads of Allen.
After the overturned call, Afridi would rap the pads of Allen again on the following ball, seeing umpire Erasmus give the Black Caps' opener out for a second time in as many balls.
Allen reviewed once again, but was found out on the second instance of heading upstairs, with the ball pitching in line and going onto strike the stumps after missing the inside edge of Allan.
The dismissal would bring New Zealand captain Kane Williamson to the crease, who will feel plenty of pressure on a pitch where the par score is up in the air.
New Zealand were 1 for 14 after 2 overs.