In a high-stakes match at the Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan emerged victorious after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first against New Zealand. Despite the return of Kane Williamson, New Zealand managed to put up an impressive total of 401 runs, with Williamson leading the charge in place of Will Young. The contest ended with Pakistan securing a crucial 21-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
Pakistan made a strategic change, replacing Usama Mir with Hasan Ali, aiming to bolster their lineup for the crucial encounter. New Zealand, initially in a dominant position with four consecutive wins, faced challenges due to injuries and three consecutive defeats. On the other hand, Pakistan, with six points from seven matches, was determined to stage a comeback.
New Zealand’s bowlers faced the daunting task of regaining their accuracy after conceding high totals in recent matches. Pakistan, despite a victory against Bangladesh, grappled with challenges related to middle-order consistency and lackluster spinners. The form of Babar Azam was a cause for concern, and Pakistan heavily relied on the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, and Fakhar Zaman for runs. Pakistan aimed to capitalize on New Zealand’s weaknesses, particularly in their bowling, to revive their semi-final aspirations in the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman Shines in Record-Breaking Feats
In an awe-inspiring display of power and skill, Fakhar Zaman carved his name in the annals of cricket history during the recent match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The masterful strokes that sent the ball sailing over the boundary were meticulously compiled and revealed by the diligent efforts of Shashikant Singh, unearthing statistics that left fans and pundits alike in sheer amazement.
Fakhar Zaman’s incredible performance saw him smashing 11 sixes against New Zealand, a feat that matched the prowess of legendary players like Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, and his own previous record against South Africa in 2021. This remarkable achievement not only showcased his raw power but also placed him shoulder-to-shoulder with cricketing icons who have left an indelible mark on the game.
The World Cup stage proved to be no different for Fakhar Zaman, who etched his name in the tournament’s history books. His audacious 126* against New Zealand in Bengaluru not only powered Pakistan to a formidable total but also marked his 11th six in the innings. This feat resonated with the electrifying performances of Eoin Morgan and Chris Gayle, highlighting Fakhar Zaman’s ability to dominate on the grandest stage of them all.
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Moreover, Fakhar Zaman’s prowess extended beyond personal achievements, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s team records. His partnership with the talented Babar Azam, worth an astounding 194*, became a beacon of hope for the Pakistani side, mirroring the legendary partnerships of cricketing greats like Saeed Anwar & W Wasti in 1999.
In the heart of these record-breaking moments, Fakhar Zaman not only raised the bar for himself but also inspired his teammates, creating an aura of excellence that resonated throughout the stadium. As the cricketing world marveled at his feats, it became evident that Fakhar Zaman had not just played a match; he had crafted a saga of cricketing brilliance that would be remembered for years to come.
“We were chasing 400 and that was our plan, just to see off the first 4 overs and thankfully it was my day. To be honest, I was lucky a few times but really enjoyed this innings. We know every game is a do or die for us and we have decided to play aggressively and we are playing with that mind so everybody is just trying to score runs. This is one of the best (knocks in ODI cricket) but I will always rank my 193 in South Africa highly, but I really enjoyed this game and New Zealand are a great side, so definitely one of the best. We were also praying that we don’t want any more game to happen (while waiting anxiously in the dressing room during the rain break) because it was already 9 and half hours and we knew that DLS would come into the equation. We wanted to play with that aggressive mindset and we will play aggressively in the next game also,” said Player of the game Fakhar Zaman.
Weather played its part but can’t take away from Pakistan: Kane Williamson
Obviously a nice first half. Weather played its part but can’t take away from Pakistan. Zaman – the ground wasn’t big enough for him. They played exceptionally well and gave themselves every chance. Match getting shortened brings both teams closer together. Would’ve been nice to have the full 50. Was tricky to protect the shorter side. Full credit, they deserved the result today. I thought the contributions throughout were great. Clearly a very good surface. Can be tough on the bowlers sometimes. Rachin is batting absolutely beautifully. There’s always small margins with the ball. If you get a wicket or two, you can take the short side out of it with the left-right combo. But we couldn’t do that.