Pakistan endured a battering by New Zealand’s top-order earlier than launching their very own onslaught by centurion Fakhar Zaman to win a rain-hit World Cup sport by 21 runs through the DLS methodology and keep alive within the hunt for a semi-final spot.
Chasing 402 to win the high-stakes conflict on Saturday, Pakistan took the assault to New Zealand as Fakhar hit a blistering century off 63 balls and Babar Azam inched in the direction of his fifty when rain halted play with the rating on 1 for 160 in 21.3 overs.
The goal was revised to 342 in 41 overs and Fakhar picked up from the place he left off, reaching 126 not out with eight fours and 11 sixes, whereas Babar struck an unbeaten 66 however the showers returned with Pakistan including 40 to their complete in 4 overs.
Pakistan’s fireworks meant they had been 21 runs forward of the DLS par rating when the sport was finally referred to as off, guaranteeing a victory that took them to eight factors from as many matches – stage with fourth-placed New Zealand, who’ve now misplaced 4 matches in a row.
“We know every game is do-or-die for us,” stated man-of-the-match Fakhar. “In the team meeting, our management decided that we would play aggressively, so we’re playing with that mindset and everybody was trying to score.
“This is considered one of my finest (centuries), I’ll at all times bear in mind my 193 towards South Africa, however that is considered one of my finest.
“We want to continue playing aggressively in our next game.”
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra smashed his third ton of the World Cup whereas a fit-again Kane Williamson made up for misplaced time with 95 as New Zealand posted a commanding 6 for 401 from 50 overs.
Ravindra, who was born in Wellington to Indian mother and father from Bengaluru, delighted the native followers with measured stroke play and offered moments of magic to go previous 500 runs within the World Cup with a 94-ball 108 that included 15 fours and a six.
The 23-year-old stitched collectively a 180-run partnership with captain Williamson whereas Daryl Mitchell (29), Mark Chapman (39), Glenn Phillips (41) and Mitchell Santner (26 not out) fired to swell the New Zealand complete to 401.
Babar’s choice to bowl first after successful the toss had raised some eyebrows as New Zealand made a fiery begin on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with opening batsmen Devon Conway and Ravindra dominating the powerplay.
Hasan Ali, who changed Usama Mir to offer the 1992 champions an additional tempo possibility, had Conway caught behind for 35 to finish the pair’s 68-run stand and convey Williamson to the wicket.
Playing his first match since sustaining a fractured thumb towards Bangladesh final month, Williamson toyed with the bowlers and offered the proper foil to Ravindra earlier than chopping unfastened, having made his second half-century of the event.
Williamson fell to Iftikhar Ahmed whereas going for his third six, earlier than Ravindra was dismissed by Mohammad Wasim (3-60), however 2019 runners-up New Zealand would heap extra distress on Pakistan, solely to undergo disappointment later.
“They played exceptionally well, gave themselves every chance and got over the line, they were certainly on target with their chase,” Williamson stated.
“Zaman played beautifully, they deserved that result today and for us it’s about moving on to our next challenge.”
New Zealand’s last group match is towards Sri Lanka in Bangalore on Thursday. Pakistan face England on Saturday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
