NZ vs PAK Review: Fakhar, Babar revive Pakistan in a rain-assisted chase
The 35th match of the ongoing ODI World Cup was played at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru where Pakistan and New Zealand faced off each other in an expected high-scoring game.
A batting first New Zealand posted an imposing total of 401/6, largely driven by a magnificent partnership between Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (95). Despite falling short of a century, Williamson’s return to the side after injury proved significant, while Ravindra notched up his third ODI century in the tournament.
Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Mitchel Santener all played quick cameos towards the end to help the Kiwis cross the 400-run mark. For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim Junior was the standout performer with the ball as he took three wickets even as both Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi struggled aplenty, leaking runs with both hands.
In their chase of 402, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique was dismissed early, but Fakhar Zaman showcased an exceptional batting performance, scoring a blitz of a century off just 63 balls. Meanwhile, captain Babar Azam also displayed solidity at the other end. However, rain interruptions disrupted the match, and when play resumed, Pakistan had a revised target of 342 in 41 overs. At that point, they were 10 runs ahead of the DLS par score.
Unfortunately, again the rain returned after three overs in the 26th over, with Pakistan at 200/1, and the match could not be restarted. As a result, Pakistan won by 21 runs by the DLS method. Zaman remained not out on 126 while Babar remained not out on 66 of 63 balls.
Top Performers of the Match
Fakhar Zaman (126* of 81)
All the Pakistani fans were hoping for a knock like that from their star batter and he delivered on the biggest stage at the most important time and smashed the Kiwi bowlers all around the park. He remained unbeaten on 126 off just 81 balls, including eight fours and 11 sixes. His partnership with Babar Azam played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory.
Mohammad Wasim Jr (3/60, 10 overs)
Mohammad Wasim Jr stood out with the ball for Pakistan, taking three important wickets including those of Ravindra, Chapman, and Phillips. His ability to generate reverse swing towards the end of the innings proved vital in restring the Kiwis to play big shots against him.
What next?
Going ahead, Pakistan will play against England on November 11, while New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka on November 9.
