Due to heavy rain in Bengaluru, the World Cup 2023 match between Pakistan and New Zealand was called off on Saturday, with Pakistan emerging victorious. The match was a must-win for Babar Azam’s team, and the 21-run victory kept them alive in the World Cup. With the help of skipper Babar Azam and star player Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan beats New Zealand, the Black Caps by a thrilling 21-run margin in pouring rain.
Fakhar Zaman led Pakistan’s drive with a century off 63 balls in a massive chase against New Zealand. Tim Southee dismissed Abdullah Shafique for 4 runs in the second over, putting Pakistan in trouble. Fakhar continued to strike Trent Boult and Glenn Philips hard. He scored Pakistan’s fastest World Cup century. Babar Azam also stood firm at the crease.
Pakistan beat New Zealand by DLS method as match called off due to rain
Rain caused a pause in the 21st over, with Pakistan down 160-1 after New Zealand had amassed a massive 401-6 lead. With the rain returning, the game ended with Pakistan leading the way as they were ahead of the needed rate. The original target of 342 off 41 overs was altered, and by the time it did, Zaman had reached 126 and Azam was on 66 with his team on 200-1 in the 26th over. With one game remaining in the group stage for each, Pakistan and New Zealand both have eight points and are still in the running for semi-final positions.
In Bengaluru on Saturday, fourth-placed New Zealand scored 401/6 in 50 overs against sixth-placed Pakistan, with Rachin Ravindra’s tonne adding drama to the fight to the top four. Pakistan won the toss and bowled. New Zealand started boldly by promoting Ravindra to opener with Devon Conway. The pair started this 2023 World Cup match well, threatening Pakistan pacers. Conway (35) was bowled by Hasan Ali in the 11th over. Mohammad Rizwan caught Hasan after the Kiwi batter under-edged him.
New Zealand had four wins and three losses, including a 190-run setback to South Africa, casting doubt on their powers. Pakistan, however, won seven wickets over already-eliminated Bangladesh to reignite their campaign. The outcome gave Pakistan six points. Pakistan’s semifinal dreams in India will evaporate if they lose to New Zealand. They can yet make the knockouts if they win their other encounter and if other outcomes go their way.
Pakistan Took Control
Pakistan appeared to take control after their initial breakthrough. Ravindra scored a half-century in the 20th over. It was his third fifty in his World Cup debut. The all-rounder and captain Kane Williamson worked well together. Ravindra became the first batter to score 3 tonnes in his debut World Cup in the 34th over. Williamson was dismissed for 95 by Iftikhar Ahmed in the 35th over.
