ISLAMABAD: Pakistan star batter Fakhar Zaman’s blistering century of 126 not out, including 11 sixes, drove Pakistan to beat New Zealand by 21 runs under the Duckworth Lewis-Stern Method (DLS) in the ICC Contest played at Bengaluru, India on Saturday. The match was interrupted by rain twice, and Pakistan was declared the winner in the 26th over when the score reached 200 for 1.
Chasing a gigantic total of 402 to win, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman and Abdul Shafiq initiated the inning; however, the side lost their first wicket in the second over when Abdullah Shafiq was dismissed by Southee on 6. Shafiq was replaced by Babar who, along with Fakhar Zaman, accepted the difficult challenge.
Babar continued his inning with run-a-ball, but on the other hand, Fakhar Batton charged the Kiwis bowlers and accelerated the innings with some super sixes and fours. He completed his half-century in no time, and the team managed to reach the first 100 runs in 14 overs. Later, Babar also completed his half-century.
After reaching his fifty, Fakhar Zaman further accelerated his innings to convert his fifty to a stunning 100. Due to his excellent display of power-hitting, Fakhar Zaman later slammed a remarkable century off just 63 balls, setting a new record for the fastest World Cup ton by a Pakistan batter. His explosive knock, comprising 6 fours and 9 towering sixes, breathed life into Pakistan’s chase of a daunting 402-run target against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 clash.
Fakhar Zaman’s outstanding effort showcased his aggressive intent and exceptional skill, maintaining a staggering strike rate of over 158. His scintillating performance kept Pakistan in the hunt in what seemed like an insurmountable chase.
When Pakistan reached 160 for 1 in the 21st over, rain interrupted the game for about an hour. After the rain the play resumed. Pakistan required 182 runs to win in 19.3 overs, according to the Duckworth Lewis-Stern Method (DLS). After a couple of overs, rain interrupted the play again. When the play stopped for the second time, Pakistan were 200 for 1 in 25.3 overs and were 21 runs ahead of New Zealand as per the DLS. At the stage, Fakhar Zaman was batting on 126 while Babar Azam was unbeaten on 66.
Later, when the rain didn’t stop, Pakistan was declared as the winner under the DLS by 21 runs.
New Zealand Batting Against Pakistan
Earlier in the New Zealand batting, Rachin Ravindra’s century (108 off 94) and Kane Williamson’s 95 off 79 balls, laid a solid foundation, allowing their team to amass a massive total of 401/6. Ravindra’s third century of the tournament and the strong partnership with Williamson put New Zealand in a commanding position.
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first appeared to backfire, with their bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen. Mohammad Wasim Jr was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 3/60. However, the rest of the bowling attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali, endured a difficult day on the field, conceding significant runs.
