The game of ifs and buts will continue for another four days as Pakistan clinched a dramatic victory over New Zealand in a rain-hit match played at Bengaluru.
Blazing century from Fakhar Zaman coupled with rain had made an impossible a possible.
Earlier Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. Batting first New Zealand set a target of 402 runs that dampen the hopes of Pakistani cricket fans who believes that their team will make it to semi final under the Qudrat Ka Nezam (Nature’s work).
However, while chasing 402 runs Pakistan lost Abdula Shafique, but it was a heroic inning of Fakhar Zaman that saved his team from World Cup elimination.
Zaman’s magnificent century, a blistering 126 off just 81 balls, was adorned with a staggering 11 sixes and eight boundaries. His fearless display of power-hitting propelled Pakistan to 200-1 after 25.3 overs, chasing a revised Duckworth-Lewis-Stern target of 342 in 41 overs, securing a dramatic 21-run victory over New Zealand.
Zaman’s onslaught began early as he lifted Pakistan to 160-1 after 21.3 overs before a 90-minute rain interruption led to a revised target. Following the resumption, he continued his onslaught, smashing three sixes off spinner Ish Sodhi’s 25th over, ensuring Pakistan surpassed the 200-run mark.
Zaman found a formidable ally in skipper Babar Azam (66) with whom he stitched an unbroken 194-run partnership for the second wicket. Zaman’s half-century came in just 39 balls, featuring four sixes and as many boundaries. He reached his 11th ODI hundred, his first in a World Cup, with a six and a single off Mitchell Santner. His century, achieved in 63 balls, included a remarkable nine sixes and six boundaries.
Earlier, New Zealand set a daunting target of 402 runs, thanks to brilliant centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108 off 94 balls) and Kane Williamson (95 off 79 balls). Ravindra’s sublime form continued with his third century of the tournament, well-supported by Williamson, who showcased his class after recovering from a knee surgery just before the World Cup. The duo’s partnership of 180 runs for the second wicket laid the foundation for New Zealand’s imposing total.
Despite Mohammad Wasim’s impressive bowling performance, securing figures of 3-60, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled. Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded 90 runs, and Haris Rauf conceded 85, marking the worst-ever figures by Pakistan bowlers in all World Cups. Daryl Mitchell (29) and Mark Chapman (39) further accelerated New Zealand’s innings, ensuring a challenging chase for Pakistan.
With this electrifying win, Pakistan now has eight points from as many games, with their fate hanging in the balance. Their last group stage match against England in Kolkata on November 11 is a must-win, and they also rely on New Zealand losing to Sri Lanka on November 9 in Bengaluru, or the match being affected by rain, to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
