Using the DLS technique, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs in a rain-soaked match in Bengaluru to advance to the present ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals.
Babar Azam gave the Kiwis the option to bat first after winning the toss, but it was a bad decision because the Men in Green gave up a huge amount of runs in the allowed overs. Tim Southee sent Abdullah Shafique back to the pavilion for just four runs in the second over, giving Pakistan, chasing a 402-run mark, an early blow. Rain interrupted Pakistan’s innings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium after they had reached 160/1 in 21.3 overs, with the in-form Fakhar Zaman scoring an impressive century off just 63 balls. His century is noteworthy for being the fastest by a Pakistani hitter in the ODI World Cup’s history.
Notably, after nearly an hour-long rain delay, Pakistan was handed a revised target of 342 in 41 overs (DLS) to win. After the break, Fakhar kept up their forceful hitting. When the rain came again in the 26th over, Pakistan was reeling at 200-1. This time, the match was declared over and the 1992 champions were declared the winners because they were ahead of the needed pace.
With eight boundaries and eleven maximums in his 126* off 81 deliveries, the opening batter was declared the Player of the Match for the first time in the competition. In contrast, Babar scored a noteworthy 66 runs off of 63 balls.
Rachin Ravindra, a budding star, hit an incredible 108 runs to help New Zealand register a massive 401 runs earlier. The captain of the New Zealand team, Kane Williamson, greatly aided his team’s innings after returning to the field following an injury. He missed out on a well-deserved century by just five runs when Fakhar Zaman caught Iftikar Ahmed’s delivery. As he took three wickets for sixty runs, Mohammad Wasim Jr. proved crucial for Pakistan.
Here’s how ‘X’ reacted to Pakistan’s win over New Zealand:
Fakhar zaman is a real hero. A match-winner, Entertainer, six hitter. #NZvsPAK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 4, 2023
Brilliant hitting by Fakhar Zaman. I said that during a mid-show that if Pakistan is coming close to winning this game, then it has to be Fakhar who can take them home. His fearless approach makes him dangerous in this situation
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 4, 2023
Fakhar Zaman Single handidly is keeping the #India v #Pakistan semi final alive … What an incredible innings 👍👍 #CWC23
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 4, 2023
If Pakistan wins it through DLS today. Its not a fluke or just good luck, its earned through immense conviction & intent.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 4, 2023
FAKHAR🔥🔥#PAKvNZ
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) November 4, 2023
what a knock by @FakharZamanLive.
that’s the difference of a impact player 👏.— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) November 4, 2023
Brilliant batting by Fakhar. Keep it up. You gonna win this and make us proud. Keep this spirit till the last ball. All the very best and loads of prayers.#PAKvNZ
— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 4, 2023
India
