NZ vs PAK: Fakhar Azam and Babar Azam led Pakistan to an exciting 21-run victory against New Zealand in a rain-affected game to keep alive at Cricket World Cup 2016.
Pakistan has eight points after four matches, with England as their final opponent on November 11 in Kolkata.
On Saturday, Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaid scored the fastest century in World Cup history for his nation.
Pakistan was 10 runs ahead of their Duckworth Lewis par score when play was called off after 21.3 overs, comfortably on 160-1 and their quest for 402 wins.
Due to rain delays on Saturday and a revised target for New Zealand of 342 runs in 41 overs to maintain their World Cup dreams, play resumed again today, with Pakistan having to meet an improved target score to continue in their pursuit of 402 victories and remain relevant in World Cup competition.
Rachin Ravindra’s (108 off 94) third century in the World Cup they have embarrassed Pakistan. Kane Williamson (95% off 79), setting New Zealand up with 180 runs shared for the second wicket, was responsible for their team scoring successfully.
Pakistan must reach the target within 35.2 overs to defeat New Zealand and remain competitive in this tournament.
Mark Chapman (39 off 27), Daryl Mitchell (29 off 18), and Glenn Phillips (41/off 25) all made vital runs that helped New Zealand win their match against Zimbabwe.
Mohammad Wasim (3/60) led the Pakistani spinners, with Iftikhar Ahmad (1/55), Hasan Ali (1/22), and Haris Raf (1/85) all collecting one wicket each.
New Zealand began the 2023 World Cup campaign by defeating England by an emphatic margin; since then, they have experienced three straight losses, with South Africa defeating them by 190 runs in their most recent encounter.
Pakistan, on the other hand, ended a four-game losing streak against Bangladesh with their win and must continue winning as this match approaches a crucial stage to keep hopes alive of reaching the semifinals.
New Zealand currently stands with four wins and three losses, the latest being an innings defeat against South Africa by 190 runs that has cast serious doubt over their abilities.
Pakistan, on the other hand, regained confidence with an emphatic seven-wicket win against Bangladesh that left their score standing at six, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the semifinals alive if they can beat New Zealand;
Winning could keep those hopes alive, but it would require winning multiple matches while hoping that other results go their way too.
Will Young was replaced in New Zealand’s team by skipper Williamson; Ish Sodhi replaced Matt Henry, while Mark Chapman took James Neesham’s place. Pakistan made one change: Hasan Ali returned to Usama Mir.
Highlights NZ vs PAK
Kane Williamson entered the fray after Ravindra and Devon Conway had scored 68 runs together to open their innings, and his right-left combination caused Pakistan no end of trouble.
Ravindra produced another century with Mohammad Wasim as the crowd shouted for him – with many calling “Raachin Raachin!” The weekend crowd also responded well and enjoyed watching their performance.
Fakharzaman, at long-on, made an exceptional catch to end Williamson’s double-barrel shooting and prevent another century-run chase. Williamson was well on his way towards scoring his 14th ODI century at that stage.
Saud Shakeel stole Ravindra Wasim’s pull-off Wasim at his square leg.
Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and the Kiwis added further momentum to their innings by scoring 57 runs off 32 balls for the fourth wicket.
Glenn Phillips (41/26) contributed with powerful hits as the Black Cap’s innings quickly advanced.
New Zealand scored 114 runs over ten overs to present Pakistan with an impossible task of reaching their total.
Fakhar Azam and Babar Azam (66), his captain, formed an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 194 runs without breaks.
Fakhar Zakai took on New Zealand bowlers with four sixes and four boundaries in his 49-ball 50 score.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan wins the toss and opts to field
- New Zealand has made three changes: Ish Sodhi replaces Matt Henry, and Mark Chapman returns James Neesham.
- Hasan Ali will replace Usama Mir in Pakistan.
- Rachin Ravindra finishes third in his debut World Cup.
- Kane Williamson registers half-century.
- Kane Williamson was dismissed in the 35th round for 95.
- Rachin Ravindra becomes the first batter to reach 3 tons at the World Cup after being dismissed for 108 runs in the 36th over.
- New Zealand scores 401/6 from 50 overs.
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