New Delhi: Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam showcased their exceptional batting prowess at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading Pakistan to a victory over New Zealand through the DLS method in a rain-interrupted, high-scoring encounter on Saturday.
This crucial victory has reignited Pakistan’s aspirations for a spot in the ODI World Cup semifinals, offering a glimmer of hope for the struggling team.
Following an early setback with the loss of opener Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman joined forces to orchestrate a dazzling and explosive partnership. Their combined brilliance propelled Pakistan to a commanding 200/1 after just 25.3 overs. However, persistent rain interruptions forced the match to conclude prematurely, ultimately determining the result using the DLS method.
Fakhar Zaman scored an unbeaten 126 off just 81 balls, while Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored 66 runs off 63 balls to register a 21-run victory over the Kiwis by the DLS method.
Earlier, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding performances propelled New Zealand to their highest-ever ODI total of 401/6. Williamson played a captain’s inning, scoring 95 runs off 79 balls. Ravindra notched up a brilliant century, his third in the ongoing quadrennial event, with a score of 108.
Pakistan Playing 11: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf
New Zealand Playing 11: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult