Chasing 402 to win the high-stakes clash, Pakistan took the attack to New Zealand as Fakhar hit a blistering century off 63 balls
04 November, 2023
PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan endured a battering by New Zealand's top-order before launching their own onslaught through centurion Fakhar Zaman to win a rain-hit World Cup game by 21 runs via the DLS method on Saturday and stay alive in the hunt for a semi-final spot.
Chasing 402 to win the high-stakes clash, Pakistan took the attack to New Zealand as Fakhar hit a blistering century off 63 balls and Babar Azam inched towards his fifty when rain halted play with the score on 160-1 in 21.3 overs.
The target was revised to 342 in 41 overs and Fakhar picked up from where he left off, reaching 126 not out with eight fours and 11 sixes, while Babar struck an unbeaten 66 but the showers returned with Pakistan adding 40 to their total in four overs.
Pakistan's fireworks meant they were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score when the game was eventually called off, ensuring a victory that took them to eight points from as many matches - level on points with fourth-placed New Zealand.
"We know every game is do-or-die for us," said man-of-the-match Fakhar. "In the team meeting, our management decided that we would play aggressively, so we're playing with that mindset and everybody was trying to score.
"This is one of my best (centuries), I'll always remember my 193 against South Africa, but this is one of my best.
"We want to continue playing aggressively in our next game. We still believe we can play the semi-final and final. We're also looking to the Sri Lanka and New Zealand game, and we're hopeful the result will go our way."
Fakhar also revealed he was keeping an eye on the rain and DLS par scores during his partnership with Babar.
"After we batted for 15 overs, we sent a message to the management that there's slight rain so inform us about the target for 20 overs. Planning is really important in these situations," Fakhar added.
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra smashed his third ton of the World Cup while a fit-again Kane Williamson made up for lost time with a 95 as New Zealand posted a commanding 401-6 from 50 overs.
Ravindra, who was born in Wellington to Indian parents from Bengaluru, delighted the local fans with measured strokeplay and provided moments of magic to go past 500 runs in the World Cup with a 94-ball 108 that included 15 fours and a six.
The 23-year-old stitched together a 180-run partnership with captain Williamson while Daryl Mitchell (29), Mark Chapman (39), Glenn Phillips (41) and Mitchell Santner (26 not out) fired to swell the New Zealand total to 401-6 in 50 overs.
Babar's decision to bowl first after winning the toss had raised some eyebrows. However, the Pakistan captain was confident of chasing the target set by the Kiwis.
"When we started batting, we believed (in ourselves). Inside the dressing room, we passed the message that we need one good partnership. Back of the mind, we knew rain was coming, but didn't expect it to be too much," Babar said after the game.
"We knew we had short boundaries and we tried to utilise it. I just tried to give the strike to Fakhar because it's like he was playing on a different pitch. We were trying to give 100 % but in some matches we were not up to the mark. If we win our next match, let's see...we will try to play positively and we are going match by match," he added.
NZ skipper Williamson also heaped praise on Fakhar’s knock.
"They played exceptionally well, gave themselves every chance and got over the line, they were certainly on target with their chase," Williamson said.
"Zaman played beautifully and the ground wasn't big enough for him, and he played an exceptional knock. Pakistan deserved that result today and for us it's about moving on to our next challenge."
