The intense chase for the Semifinals is heating up; today’s match between New Zealand and Pakistan is the perfect example of the situation on top. Fakhar Zamana’s incomplete innings of 126 runs secured Pakistan a historic victory of 21 runs through the DLS method.
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Match Summary: Pakistan Vs New Zealand
Coming into bat first, the Kiwi batters rained boundaries at Bengaluru to collect 400 runs for only 6 wickets in 50 Overs. Rachin Ravindra (108) and skipper Kane Williamson (95) complemented each other on the pitch with boundaries, giving New Zealand a very safe total of 400 runs. Kiwi middle-order batters like Daryl Mitchell (29), Chapman (39) & Glenn Phillips (41) summed up the innings for New Zealand. Pakistani bowlers couldn’t find any rhythm on the wicket & failed to stop the Kiwi run engine.
Pakistan started badly after losing Abdullah Shafique in the 2nd Over. However, Fakhar Zaman organized a historic chase with Babar Azam in a supportive role. Fakhar’s century in 63 balls created a solid momentum for Pakistan. Babar’s slow and methodical approach, combined with Fakhar’s barrage of boundaries, left Pakistan victorious tonight. Even though Pakistan suffered a rain delay at 160/1, the Fakhar & Babar duo kept the run-rate high enough to ensure their victory even by DLS method.
A blitz from Fakhar Zaman helped Pakistan stay ahead of New Zealand in a rain-affected encounter ✌
With this win, Pakistan remain in contention for a #CWC23 knockout spot.#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/QTOvEv0pLi
— ICC (@ICC) November 4, 2023
Fakhar Zaman has been credited with the Player of the Match title for his fastest century in Pakistan’s CWC history. After this comforting victory, Pakistan is in 5th position on the points table behind New Zealand. Although both teams have the same points (8), New Zealand’s Net Run Rate (+0.398) is slightly higher than Pakistan’s (+0.036).
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When asked, the Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson praised Fakhar’s innings, saying, “The ground was just not big enough for Fakha,r Zaman tonight; Pakistan deserve the win as they were exceptional in the chase.” Pakistan came back strong after suffering some initial blows. Their next & last match is against England on November 11th. In contrast, New Zealand will be scrapping to gain more NRR against Sri Lanka on November 9th.
