Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system, sending the Black Caps home from the World Cup for the fourth time in a row. Fakhar Zaman hit a century off just 62 balls. Not only did Pakistan’s win keep their semi-finals aspirations alive, but it also helped extend England’s tournament until their later 33-run loss to Australia formally ended their terrible title defense with two games to spare.
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Quick Recap: New Zealand vs Pakistan
As the Black Caps blasted 401-6 from their 50 overs, the outlook was bleak for Babar Azam’s side, who had already been eliminated from the tournament if they lost. Rachin Ravindra (108) cracked his third century of the World Cup, and a healthy Kane Williamson (95) returned to the lineup after missing four games with a fractured thumb.
Fakhar Smashing Records
Fakhar (126no) smashed Pakistan’s quickest hundred at a World Cup, putting them in a strong position at 160-1, 10 runs ahead on DLS, in the 21.3 overs bowled in the run-chase before the first rain delay of around 90 minutes.
When play restarted, the equation had previously been lowered to 342 needed across 41 overs, virtually converting the run-chase into a T20 game with Pakistan requiring 182 from 197 deliveries. Fakhar hit his 10th and 11th sixes of a fantastic innings, and he and Babar (66 not out) blasted three balls in one Ish Sodhi over for 40 runs before the rain came back and ended the game.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
After eight games, both Pakistan and New Zealand have won four and lost four, for a total of eight points; Pakistan is in fifth place, while New Zealand is in fourth due to a better net run rate. In their last group games, they face off against England and Sri Lanka, respectively.
Afghanistan is in sixth place with eight points after playing one fewer game. Their last two opponents are Australia (ranked third) and South Africa (ranked second), with the latter already having secured a spot in the semi-finals thanks to Pakistan’s victory.
What of the Netherlands Now?
With two games remaining, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands (both on four points) are on the cusp of qualification. Only England and Bangladesh remain in the competition after everyone else was knocked out. An earlier superb 108 from Ravindra, who was raised in Wellington to Indian parents from Bangalore, wowed the home crowd.
Daryl Mitchell (29 off 18 ball), Mark Chapman (39 off 27), and Glenn Phillips (41 off 25) provided late-game strength after he and captain Williamson put on an excellent 180-run stand. New Zealand’s World Cup dreams are in jeopardy after their total proved insufficient against Fakhar’s deadly striking and the worst of the weather.
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman
Run chase was halted by weather but was led by opener Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 126 and aided by skipper Babar Azam’s 66 not out. Rachin Ravindra (108 runs) and Kane Williamson (95 runs) helped New Zealand to a massive 401/6 in their 50 overs. However, following a weather delay, Pakistan was given a revised goal of 342 runs in 41 overs.
Zaman’s bludgeoning century off of 63 balls, with 11 sixes against pace and spin, kept his team in the hunt before rain forced them off the field twice in Bengaluru. He put up 194 runs with Babar Azam.
Score: New Zealand v Pakistan
| New Zealand | 401/6 | 50 overs |
| Pakistan | 200/1 | 25.3 overs |
| Pakistan won by 21 runs (D/L method) | ||
India, the tournament hosts, will face tournament leaders South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday. Both teams are undefeated thus far. India is off to a perfect start with seven consecutive victories, while the Proteas have won six straight games after suffering an unexpected loss to the Netherlands in the first game of the tournament. On Thursday, New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka, while on Saturday, Pakistan will face off against England. Apart from the latest of cricket news, you can also get the best cricket betting odds and the top cricket betting sites here at TopCricketBetting!