Pakistan stays alive in World Cup with crucial win in a rain-hit match against New Zealand

In the 35th match of the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan secured a thrilling victory over New Zealand by 21 runs (DLS method) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India, on a Saturday. This win keeps Pakistan’s hopes alive in their quest for a spot in the semi-finals of this mega event.

The match witnessed an interruption due to rain while the Green Shirts were at the crease, standing at 200-1 in 25.3 overs. Fakhar Zaman, who remained unbeaten at 126, and the skipper, Babar Azam, with 66 runs, displayed exceptional batting prowess. Thanks to Fakhar’s blistering performance, Pakistan was 21 runs ahead on the DLS score after 25.3 overs, securing a vital win.

The highlight of the match was the phenomenal 194-run partnership between Azam and Fakhar, which propelled Pakistan to this crucial victory. Their next challenge will be against the struggling England team at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 11.

Fakhar Zaman’s outstanding performance set a new record by scoring the fastest century for Pakistan in a World Cup match, achieving this feat in just 63 balls. This remarkable accomplishment surpassed former cricketer Imran Nazir’s record of 95 balls against Zimbabwe in the 2007 World Cup. Additionally, Fakhar hit an impressive 11 sixes during his innings, making him one of only four batters in the history of the World Cup to score ten or more sixes in a single match.

Fakhar Zaman earned the “Man of the Match” award for his outstanding performance against New Zealand.

In the first innings, the Black Caps posted a formidable total of 401-6, which is the second-highest score in the ongoing competition. This remarkable total was built on the solid performances of Rachin Ravindra (108), Kane Williamson (95), and Glenn Phillips (41). Contributions from Mark Chapman (39), Daryl Mitchell (29), and Mitchell Santner (26) further strengthened New Zealand’s position. Kane Williamson, who returned to the team after recovering from an injury, fell just short of a century, scoring 95 runs and sharing a remarkable 180-run second-wicket partnership with Ravindra.

Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, set unwanted records in this match. They delivered the most expensive spells for the Men in Green in World Cup history, with Shaheen conceding 90 runs in his 10 overs and Haris giving away 85 runs in his 10 overs.

Looking ahead, New Zealand is scheduled to face Sri Lanka in a crucial match on November 9 at the same venue. If the Black Caps emerge victorious in that contest, it could pose significant challenges for Babar Azam’s unit.