Pakistan kept their World Cup 2023 semi-final hopes alive with a 21-run victory (DLS method) over New Zealand at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday (November 4).
Chasing 402 to win, Pakistan lost Abdullah Shafique (4) cheaply. However, Fakhar Zaman took on the Kiwi bowlers right from the word go.
The southpaw completed his half-century in 38 balls and then accelerated the run-scoring even further. As a result, he reached the three-figure mark in 63 balls – the fastest by a Pakistani batter in World Cup history.
Pakistan were cruising in the chase at 160/1 after 21.3 overs when rain arrived and halted the game for nearly one hour. After the interruption, the Men in Green were set a revised target of 342 in 41 overs and Fakhar continued his carnage.
However, the drizzle returned in the 26th over with Pakistan on 200/1. This time around, it was heavier and the game was eventually called off with Fakhar (126* off 81) and Babar Azam (66* off 63) staying unbeaten.
Since Pakistan were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score, they were declared winners in what was a virtual knock-out match for them.
After the game, Fakhar Zaman insisted that Pakistan could have chased down the mammoth target in Bangalore.
"The best thing about our players and the team management is that we are always positive and have never lost hope of a semi-final place," Zaman said in the post-match presser.
"We knew that rain was due to come so we were looking at the DLS par score and after 21 overs we were above that par score, so we knew all the calculations," he added.
Fakhar, 33, was left out of the playing XI after scoring just 12 in Pakistan's first World Cup match against the Netherlands. He then missed the next five matches with a recurrence of a knee injury. The left-hander returned with a swashbuckling knock of 81 against Bangladesh on October 31.
Zaman said he had worked hard to overcome fitness and form problems. "I didn't do well in the Asia Cup so after that I went to my coach Aftab Khan in Peshawar and he worked on my weaknesses. I dedicate my innings to him," he stated.
Pakistan’s last league match is scheduled against England at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on November 11.
(With AFP Inputs)
