In an electrifying encounter at Bengaluru in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan emerged victorious against New Zealand through the DLS method, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra delivered a stunning century, propelling his team to a formidable total of 401/6 in their first innings.
However, Pakistan mounted an incredible comeback, led by Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, who formed a sensational partnership, pushing Pakistan to 200/1 in just 25.3 overs. Their aggressive batting was comfortably ahead of the required run rate when rain abruptly halted the match.
Fakhar Zaman was the star performer, smashing an impressive nine sixes on his way to a century in just 63 balls during the first 20 overs.
While rain caused a delay in the 22nd over, Pakistan was remarkably ahead according to the DLS method. Following a prolonged rain delay and wet outfield conditions, the match was shortened to 41 overs, with Pakistan’s target adjusted to 342. The second-wicket pair continued their formidable partnership, steadily advancing towards the revised target.
When the rain returned and became too heavy to continue, Pakistan was ahead by 21 runs according to the DLS method. This victory propelled Babar Azam’s side to eight points, putting them level with New Zealand and reigniting their chances of advancing to the semi-finals.
Although a brief drizzle delayed the start of the second innings, New Zealand had already set the stage for a massive total with Ravindra’s brilliant century, who scored 108 runs from 94 balls, supported by Kane Williamson’s 95 runs. Williamson and Ravindra contributed to a 180-run partnership for the second wicket.
Except for Mohammad Wasim, who took 3 wickets for 60 runs, Pakistan’s bowlers faced a challenging situation in Bengaluru.
Kane Williamson’s exceptional catch removed Abdullah Shafique early in the second over, denting Pakistan’s hopes of chasing down New Zealand’s imposing score. However, Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive batting display turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor.
Fakhar and Babar maintained their momentum after the rain delay, with Babar Azam also hitting two maximums. When the rain returned for good, Pakistan was at 200/1, potentially on course for one of the highest run chases ever seen in this format.
The abandonment denied New Zealand the opportunity to make a comeback with the ball, as Pakistan’s superb batting performance secured their win through the DLS method, intensifying the semi-final qualification race.
In the earlier innings, New Zealand’s top order had put on a commanding display in Bengaluru, with Ravindra and Williamson leading the charge. Heavy-hitters Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman further accelerated the scoring, pushing New Zealand past 300 with over 10 overs to spare.
In the end, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner ensured a late flourish to the innings, solidifying New Zealand’s position. However, their efforts were in vain as they suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving their semi-final hopes in jeopardy.
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