(Cricket News) After New Zealand’s loss to South Africa, qualification chances opened the doors for Pakistan and other teams to qualify for the semi-finals. A loss for either team will affect their chances of qualifying for the semis. With a bit of luck and sheer power-hitting from Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan emerged victorious against the Black Caps after a rain affected game declared Pakistan the winner by DLS method.

Pakistan’s original plan to bowl first proved to be counterproductive as Rachin Ravindra hit his third century of the current World Cup (108 off 94), and he and captain Kane Williamson (95 off 79) put up a noteworthy 180-run partnership for the second wicket, laying the groundwork for New Zealand’s formidable total.

Rachin Ravindra scored his third World Cup century on Saturday, and Kane Williamson, back to full fitness, made up for lost time with a career-best 95 as New Zealand easily defeated Pakistan 401 for 6 from 50 overs. Born in Wellington to parents originally from Bengaluru, Ravindra wowed the home crowd with his cool strokework and magical moments when he reached 500 runs in the World Cup with a 108 from 94 balls, which featured 15 fours and a six.

With 401 for 6, New Zealand had achieved a very impressive target. Only twice has a team scored more than 400 runs in the current tournament; in their World Cup opener in New Delhi, South Africa eclipsed Australia’s record in 2015 by scoring 428 for five against Sri Lanka.

End of first innings: New Zealand 401-6; Rachin Ravindra 108 (94); Kane Williamson 95 (79); Mohammad Wasim Jr. 10-60-0-3; Iftikhar Ahmed 8-55-0-1. 

Pakistan’s innings were led by Fakhar Zaman, who amassed a remarkable century off just 63 balls. But Fakhar kept up his aggressive striking, especially against Glenn Philips and Trent Boult. In the history of the World Cup, his century is Pakistan’s fastest. In the meantime, Babar Azam made an outstanding fifty in the run chase while holding his ground and remaining unwavering.

Pakistan was handed a revised target of 342 in 41 overs (DLS) to win in Bengaluru following a roughly hour-long rain delay. In order to maintain their hopes of making it to the semifinals, Pakistan had to increase their net run rate (NRR) by chasing New Zealand’s demanding mark in 35.2 overs.

Pakistan lost just one wicket in their innings, that of Abdullah Shafique, while their captain, Babar Azam (66 not out), and opener, Fakhar Zaman (126 not out), were in fine form and had put up a huge 194 runs for the second wicket.

After the match was interrupted by rain, Pakistan were 21 runs ahead of Duckworth Lewis’s (DLS) par score when rain once again interrupted their progress. After 25.3 overs of bowling, Pakistan, needing to attain a total of 402 runs for win, were comfortably ahead at 200 for one. When no more overs could be bowled due to rain.

Kane Williamson’s prospects of making it to the semifinals have been hampered by New Zealand’s fourth straight loss in the 2023 World Cup. With one game remaining and having won four of them already, New Zealand now has to win. Pakistan, meanwhile, has won four of its last eight games and is still mathematically eligible to qualify. The team led by Babar Azam has advanced to fifth place in the table.

End of second innings: Pakistan 200-1. Fakhar Zaman 128 (81); Babar Azam 66 (63); Tim Southee 5-27-0-1.

See also: India’s Dominant Performance: Crushing South Africa by 243 Runs