The ‘Qudrat ka Nizam‘ seems to now be rolling on for the Pakistan team. Despite being on the verge of being eliminated from the semi-final race, and after conceding 401 runs, Pakistan went on to defeat New Zealand in Bangalore thanks to a thunderous century from Fakhar Zaman and rain that allowed just enough play for Pakistan to go ahead on DLS and not enough play for New Zealand to make a comeback.
It had felt that Rachin Ravindra’s 108 off 94 and Kane Williamson’s 95 off 79 along with cameos from Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Mitchell Santner, all of which propelled New Zealand to 401, must be enough for New Zealand to record a big win over Pakistan, who have so far defeated the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
However, the ‘Qudrat ka Nizam‘ started Nizaming and the comeback man Fakhar Zaman was at the forefront of one of the most stunning assaults you would have seen in the World Cup history.
Just after settling himself for a couple of overs, in which he also lost his opening partner Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman teed off spectacularly. The sound that the ball made upon meeting Fakhar’s pulls and slogs and thumps was simply astounding. All in, Zaman walloped 11 sixes and 8 fours in his crazy knock of 126* runs in 81 balls.
Babar Azam, who was batting at a strike rate of lower than 100 for his first 50 balls, also exploded after the first rain break: after the first rain break, Babar whacked two fours and a six which contributed in Pakistan’s 21-run win via DLS method. Babar remained not out on 66 runs in 63 balls, having smartly played a second fiddle role to Zaman and then also smashed three boundaries when the game shortenened.
Pakistan ended with 200/1 after 25.3 overs as rain didn’t allow any more game. This proved enough for them to take a 21-run win via DLS method. This win has kept Pakistan well and alive in the World Cup 2023 semi-final race.
There were a lot of memes on Twitter on this incredible win by Pakistan over New Zealand
