A stunning 21-run victory against New Zealand breathed new life into Pakistan's campaign for a semifinal spot in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Fakhar Zaman's spectacular century, along with Babar Azam's impressive fifty, powered Pakistan to a phenomenal win despite a daunting target of 402 set by New Zealand. Intermittent rains couldn't dampen Pakistan's fourth win in the tournament, placing them in a hopeful position for the semifinals if subsequent matches swing in their favor.
Rain halted the match when Pakistan's scoreboard read 160/1 after 21.3 overs with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman intact on the pitch. Then they were handed a revised target of 342 runs in 41 overs. Match resumed after the rain subsided and the duo of Fakhar and Babar quickly added 40 more runs on the board before rain god returned to haunt the game. When the match was called off Pakistan were 200/1 after 25.3 overs, which meant they were 21 runs ahead of the Kiwis as per DLS method and hence they were declared the winners of the match.
Pakistan's semifinal qualification scenario
In order to make it to the ODI World Cup 2023's semifinals, it is mandatory for them to defeat England in their final league match and then bank on New Zealand's defeat against Sri Lanka. A win against England would elevate Pakistan to 10 points, potentially outpacing New Zealand, provided the latter remains on 8 points after their own encounter.
The situation intensifies as both Pakistan and New Zealand could finish with 10 points each if they win their remaining matches. In such a scenario, the semifinal berth would be decided on net run rate, a metric where Pakistan currently lags behind New Zealand, thereby necessitating a sizeable win against England to improve their standing.
Pakistan's path to the semis could also be cleared if Australia face defeat in their remaining matches against England, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. Such outcomes would halt Australia at eight points, allowing Pakistan to surpass them with 10. Additionally, Pakistan would prefer an Afghan loss to South Africa, aiming to avoid any rivals exceeding the 10-point mark.
Talking about the Pakistan versus New Zealand's match, it was Fakhar, who blazed through to a 63-ball century, to position Pakistan at the forefront of the monumental chase. Babar Azam too contributed with an impressive 66 runs and stitched a crucial 197-run partnership to win the match.
Earlier, New Zealand had set a monumental target, thanks to Rachin Ravindra's third century of the tournament and Kane Williamson's crafty 95 runs. Their efforts propelled New Zealand to a mammoth total of 401/6, but only to go down to Pakistan.
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Fakhar Zaman's scorching ton propels Pakistan to 21-run win over Kiwis in rain-curtailed match to rekindle semis hopes
