In a gripping encounter at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Pakistan triumphed over New Zealand in the 35th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bowl, setting the stage for a high-scoring battle between the two formidable teams.
New Zealand Innings
New Zealand put up a formidable total of 401/6 in their 50 overs, led by outstanding performances from Rachin Ravindra, who scored an impressive 108 runs off 94 deliveries, and Kane Williamson, who contributed a valuable 95 runs off 79 balls. Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips also made substantial contributions, guiding New Zealand to an imposing total.
Pakistan Innings
In response, Pakistan displayed an exceptional batting display, led by the phenomenal Fakhar Zaman, who played a blistering innings, scoring an impressive 126 runs off just 81 deliveries, supported by Babar Azam’s commendable 66 runs off 63 balls. Their resolute partnership helped Pakistan achieve a remarkable victory, reaching 200/1 in 25.3 overs.
While New Zealand’s bowling unit made commendable efforts, with Tim Southee removing Abdullah Shafique early, their combined effort couldn’t contain Pakistan’s formidable batting display. Pakistan’s stellar performance resulted in a well-deserved victory for the team, marked by an outstanding display of skill and determination.
Also READ: CWC 2023 – Fakhar Zaman smashes fastest century in ODI World Cup history for Pakistan
With this remarkable win, Pakistan have kept their hopes alive to reach the semifinals of CWC 2023, while New Zealand would look to regroup and strategize for their last league match, aiming to bounce back from four successive defeats in the tournament.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
What an innings by Fakhar Zaman, by far Pakistan’s best batter. Which brains kept him on the bench for the best part of the tournament, God knows.
Protein ki bhi kami nahin, jajbe ki bhi . #NZvsPak pic.twitter.com/t6GdvKRjJ5— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 4, 2023
Great credit to Pakistan for not wilting in the face of New Zealand’s 401. Fakhar Zaman was simply stunning.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 4, 2023
Fakhar zaman is a real hero. A match-winner, Entertainer, six hitter. #NZvsPAK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 4, 2023
Wow, what a run chase. This is what Fakhar Zaman can do if he comes off. He wins unwinnable matches and Pakistan must wonder why he cannot marry consistency to his destructive powers. But today, he is putting his team firmly back in the tournament.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 4, 2023
History is repeating itself once again, New Zealand had been lost against Pakistan in 1992, and 1999.
But the question is why Fakhar Zaman was dropped.#NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/osQnjKqcUj
— Saeed Anwar (@ImSaeedAnwar) November 4, 2023
PAKISTAN DEFEATED NEW ZEALAND IN WORLD CUP…..!!!!
– Fakhar Zaman is hero, he has played one of the greatest knock ever in World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/gjnAXILUqP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 4, 2023
Match called off.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 win by 21 runs (DLS).
New Zealand 🇳🇿 face a defeat after scoring 401!
Only the second time a team has lost after scoring 400+ (Aus 434 v SA 2006 first).#PAKvNZ #ICCCricketWorldCup
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) November 4, 2023
Fakhar Zaman Single handidly is keeping the #India v #Pakistan semi final alive … What an incredible innings 👍👍 #CWC23
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 4, 2023
🚨 Babar Azam firstly celebrates fakhar zaman’s century. Unity forever !#PAKvsNZpic.twitter.com/ojidmnFaS7
— Haroon 🏏🌠 (@HaroonM33120350) November 4, 2023
Fakhar Zaman’s jaw dropping sixes and beautiful inning is a testimony to the fact that such destructive power hitters should not be benched despite 100 failures. Management should find ways to help him cope up with his form. If he fails for a longer duration, its management’s… pic.twitter.com/mlh5IkD1yB
— Javeria Khan (@ImJaveria) November 4, 2023
Pakistan have defeated New Zealand by 21 runs on DLS par method.
Fakhar Zaman 👏👏#PAKvsNZ— VINEETH𓃵🦖 (@sololoveee) November 4, 2023
The rain continues and play is called in Bengaluru. @TheRealPCB ahead on DLS when the teams left the field for a second time thanks to a strong partnership between Fakhar Zaman 126* and Babar Azam 66*. Scorecard | https://t.co/3Nuzua3Jiu #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/bhKkHahnpW
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 4, 2023