Pakistan pulled off a stunning comeback with Fakhar Zaman leading the charge, scoring a magnificent century, to clinch a 21-run victory using the DLS method in the 35th match of the World Cup at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
This win keeps Pakistan’s semi-final hopes alive. Faced with the daunting task of chasing down 402 runs, Pakistan launched an aggressive assault against New Zealand. Fakhar Zaman’s breathtaking century in just 63 balls and Babar Azam’s approaching half-century were halted by rain, with Pakistan at 160-1 in 21.3 overs.
After the rain interruption, the revised target was set at 342 runs in 41 overs, and Fakhar Zaman resumed his explosive innings, ultimately remaining unbeaten at 126 with eight boundaries and an astonishing 11 sixes. Babar contributed an unbeaten 66 to the partnership. Pakistan continued their aggressive play, adding 40 runs to their total in just four overs before rain returned.
Pakistan’s remarkable batting display put them 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score when the game was called off, securing a crucial victory. This win elevated them to eight points from eight matches, leveling with fourth-placed New Zealand.
In the first innings, New Zealand posted a commanding total of 401-6 in 50 overs, thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s third century of the World Cup and Kane Williamson’s return to form with a score of 95. Ravindra’s brilliant innings delighted the local fans, as he reached 108 from 94 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six. He combined with captain Williamson for a 180-run partnership, while other contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner helped swell New Zealand’s total.
With this crucial win Pakistan hope to qualify for knockout stage is still alive. .Pakistan with 8 points is present at number 5 of the points table.
