Black Caps batsman Daryl Mitchell. Photo: Photosport
New Zealand are out of the T20 Cricket World Cup, losing to Pakistan by seven wickets in the semi-final in Sydney.
New Zealand scored 152-4 which Pakistan reached with five balls to spare.
Having won the toss and opting to bat New Zealand got off to a disappointing start with Finn Allen dismissed in the first over.
Devon Conway got a start but went for 20 and when Glen Phillips followed soon afterwards New Zealand were struggling at 49 for three.
The Pakistan bowlers utilised conditions well, with the the ball not coming on as quickly as it has during other matches played at the Sydney Cricket Ground during the tournament.
Pace bowler Shaheen Afridi led the way with 2-24 while the Pakistan fielding effort backed up their bowlers keeping the Black Caps tied down.
Skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell combined for a 68 run stand but boundaries were few and far between with the pair having to run a lot of ones and twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
All up New Zealand only managed 12 bounadaries - ten fours and two sixes.
Williamson eventually went for 46 off 42 balls, while Mitchell finished unbeaten on 53 off 35.
Shaheen Afridi celebrates the wicket of Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson during Pakistan's semi-final win. Photo: Photosport
Pakistan began their run chase in positive fashion.
Having been out of form Pakistan openers Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam finally found their touch.
They both scored half centuries as they put on 105 for the first wicket, laying the platform for victory.
New Zealand's bowling and fielding was below par and they will rue dropping Babar in the opening over, when wicketkeeper Devon Conway missed a diving catch off the bowling of Trent Boult.
Pakistan only scraped into the last four, when South Africa suffered a shock loss to the Netherlands in their last pool match, now they in the final in Melbourne on Sunday and will India or England in the title decider.
-RNZ
