Fakhar Zaman's blistering century helped Pakistan rock New Zealand by 21 runs by DLS method at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on November 4, Saturday to stay afloat in the World Cup 2023's semifinals contention.
While chasing a mammoth target of 402, the Men in Green were 200/1 when the umpires decided to call off the match.
After the early dismissal of Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar stitched a fiery 194-run partnership with captain Babar Azam for the second with to make sure Pakistan maintain the upperhand on the match, especially when the rain god kept hindering the play in Bengaluru. Zaman went on to hammer scintillating and remained unbeaten on 126 off just 81 balls while Babar smartly held the other end with 66 off 63.
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.
Riding on this win Pakistan surged to no.5 in the points table with eight points in as many games with a NRR of +0.036. Meanwhile, New Zealand recorded their fourth consecutive to sit fourth in the standings. Notably Kiwis and Pakistan share the same eight points in as many games but since New Zealand have the superior NRR (+0.398) they edged the Men in Green.
Earlier, New Zealand amassed a formidable 401/6 in their pivotal World Cup showdown with Pakistan. The exceptional century by Rachin Ravindra, a testament to his burgeoning talent, along with Kane Williamson's valiant comeback effort, leaving him just shy of a hundred, underscored a day of dominance for the Kiwis.
New Zealand's decision to bat first at the Chinnaswamy Stadium proved fruitful, as the Pakistani bowlers struggled to adapt to the favourable batting conditions. Ravindra's scintillating 108 off 94 deliveries, paired with Williamson's composed 95 off 79, left the Pakistani fielders in disarray.
This notable score is the event's second 400-plus total after South Africa's explosive innings against Sri Lanka in New Delhi.
The Kiwis' batting was a harmonious blend of elegance and power. Ravindra and Williamson's 180-run partnership for the second wicket set a robust foundation for New Zealand, which they desperately needed after setbacks in their last three outings.
Their partnership blossomed with a mixture of strategic singles and doubles, combined with boundaries that delighted the crowd. Williamson, joining after an opening partnership of 68 runs between Ravindra and Devon Conway, displayed batting finesse, punishing both pacers and spinners alike.
New Zealand's strategic yet assertive play saw them accelerate progressively, notching up a rate of 5.90 runs per over from the 11th to the 20th, before stepping on the gas. Williamson's play, especially a backfoot punch off Haris Rauf, exemplified sheer class.
Pakistan's attempt at containment with off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed was met with defiance as Williamson struck him for successive boundaries. Ravindra, too, showcased his mastery over the off-side, executing sublime drives and cuts with effortless grace.
The momentous century by Ravindra came amidst the echoing chants of his name, reminiscent of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar cheers from the 90s, further electrifying the atmosphere.
The high of the innings slightly tapered when Williamson missed his century, caught at long-on, and Ravindra's dismissal followed soon after. However, New Zealand's momentum was far from over as contributions from Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips intensified the Kiwis' scoring in the latter part of the innings.
By hammering 114 runs in the final 10 overs, New Zealand set a towering challenge for Pakistan but little did they know that Babar's army will have the last laugh in the game.
Pakistan will next face England on November 11 at the Eden Gardens while New Zealand will lock horns with Sri Lanka on November 9.
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