Pakistan continued their miraculous recovery at the World Cup with a vital win via the Duckworth-Lewis Stern method in Bengaluru, beating New Zealand by nine wickets in a rain-affected match.
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Two major rain stoppages during Pakistan’s chase complicated their pursuit, but Fakhar Zaman’s whirlwind century, of just 63 balls, ensured they were ahead of the DLS par score when play was suspended.
Chasing a mammoth 402 runs to win, they raced to 200-1 in 25.3 overs when the second rain break brought the innings to a premature end.
When the second break was called, Pakistan needed 142 runs in 93 balls, but persistent rain didn’t allow any more action. Play was called 15 minutes before the 7.40pm cutoff, throwing open the points table even further.
Fakhar Zaman wasn't even in the Pakistan team two games ago but he's now played an all-time classic World Cup hundred to keep his side's semi-final hopes alive.#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/FSgRq8Pem8
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 4, 2023
Earlier, New Zealand, powered by Rachin Ravindra’s third 2023 World Cup century and comeback man Kane Williamson’s 95, hit 401. A 25-ball 41 from Glenn Phillips and Santner’s 26 off 17 pushed them past the 400-mark.
In response, Pakistan were led by Zaman’s rapid start: he was on 126 off 81 when the final rain break arrived, along with Babar Azam’s more sedate 66 off 63.
Pakistan couldn’t overtake New Zealand’s net run-rate though, but their latest win, their second after four successive losses, has taken them to fifth place, over Afghanistan. Their net run-rate is now +0.036.
Pakistan’s next (and final) group stage fixture is in Kolkata against England, who are languishing at the bottom of the points table. New Zealand play Sri Lanka in Bengaluru before that.
