The 35th showdown of the ICC ODI World Cup, Pakistan emerged victorious over New Zealand, clinching a 21-run win through the Duckworth-Louis (DLS) method.
The battleground was set in Bengaluru, a bustling city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Babar Azam, the stalwart captain of the national squad, won the crucial toss and extended the invitation for New Zealand to take the first swing.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs
In this rain-tinged battle, New Zealand managed to amass a commendable total of 401 runs, with 6 wickets down, within the stipulated 50 overs while taking the first turn at bat. Ultimately, they fell short by a margin of 21 runs.
🏏 Match Summary 🏏
A stunning ton from @FakharZamanLive and a calm knock from @babarazam258 as we earn a crucial win 👏#NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/eStwvvyUta
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 4, 2023
New Zealand Innings
The team from New Zealand achieved a total of 401 runs, losing 6 wickets in the span of 50 overs during their initial play. Richan Ravinder, the opening batsman, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 108 runs.
While at the crease, Captain Kane Williamson scored 95 runs before being dismissed. Devon Conway, another opener, was out after scoring 35 runs. Daryl Mitchell contributed 29 runs, Mark Chapman added 39, and Glenn Phillips secured 41. Mitchell Santner managed to put up 26 runs, while Tom Latham remained unbeaten at 2.
In the opposing team, Pakistan, Muhammad Wasim Jr. was successful in taking 3 wickets. Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Haris Rauf each claimed a single wicket.
Also Read: Main Player of the Indian Cricket Team is Out of the World Cup
Pakistan Innings
When Pakistan commenced their batting, their initial wicket tumbled for 11 runs, and Abdullah Shafiq headed back to the pavilion having garnered merely 4 runs.
Following the dismissal of one wicket, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman assumed control at the crease, with Fakhar Zaman executing a commendable play against the Kiwis’ bowler.
Rain arrives again with Pakistan 200-1 in 25.3 overs 🏏
The 194*-run partnership between @babarazam258 and @FakharZamanLive is the joint-highest for 🇵🇰 in a World Cup game 🤝#NZvPAK | #DattKePakistani | #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/RWNtKe7nHL
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 4, 2023
Fakhar Zaman notched up his 11th career century aided by 9 maximums and 6 boundaries from 63 deliveries, making it the swiftest hundred by Pakistan in the World Cup. Skipper Babar Azam also secured a fifty.
Chasing New Zealand’s target of 402 runs, Pakistan managed to accumulate 160 runs for the loss of a solitary wicket. However, the match was interrupted by rain, and as per the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method, Pakistan was set a revised target of 342 runs in 41 overs.
Prior to the initial rain delay, Pakistan had posted 160 runs for the loss of one wicket in 21.3 overs, while New Zealand had reached 133 runs for the loss of one wicket in 21 overs. On the Duckworth-Lewis method, Pakistan held a lead of 10 runs.
Upon the second rain interruption, using the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method, Pakistan was in the lead by 21 runs. At 25.3 overs, Pakistan needed to amass 179 runs for the loss of one wicket.
Pakistan win by 21 runs on DLS
A @FakharZamanLive masterclass for the ages as Pakistan bag two points! #NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #DattKePakistani pic.twitter.com/1SGycfJs0V
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 4, 2023
At that point, the national squad had accumulated 200 runs, having lost only a single wicket in 25.3 overs. However, as a result of persistent rainfall, the game was called off, and Pakistan emerged victorious by a margin of 21 runs as per the DLS system.
Fakhar Zaman concluded his innings with an unbeaten total of 126 runs, while Babar Azam maintained his unbeaten status, having contributed 66 runs.