With a 21-run victory over New Zealand using the DLS technique, Pakistan keeps its prospects of making the semifinals alive with to Fakhar Zaman’s attacking hundred and the good weather.
losing a close game to a motivated South Africa, winning a big match against Bangladesh, and defeating New Zealand on Saturday through the DLS technique thanks to an attacking hundred from an opener who returned after missing time due to injury. Pakistan has not given up despite being forced into a tight spot following four straight defeats. You can postpone writing epitaphs for now.
To stand a chance of qualifying for the semifinals, they still need to win their match against England at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Although the Pakistani supporters can’t be blamed for expecting that this team will somehow embody the spirit of 1992, this campaign isn’t quite an amazing comeback.
There is undoubtedly still fight in them, as seen by Fakhar Zaman’s undefeated 126 off 81, a knock that included 11 sixes. With just over a run-a-ball 66, Babar kept him company when weather marred what was appearing to be a gallant and superb chase of 402.
Pakistan’s charge was stopped at 200/1 in 25.3 overs, which was 21 runs above the DLS par score, by heavy showers as they attempted to chase a revised goal of 342 in 41 overs.
Pakistan appeared completely hopeless just a week ago. So desperate that they were dismissed by their own cricket board. However, there they were in Bengaluru, giving their devoted yet unforgiving followers hope once more. The knives are out for Babar after chief selector Izanami lug Has resigned earlier this week over claims of a conflict of interest. When 1992 was brought up after the game, Babar could afford to smile after winning.
Pakistan has even more cause to be optimistic as Thursday’s crucial encounter between New Zealand and Sri Lanka depends on the rain gods.
“I believe that everyone on our squad plays well when we find our rhythm. Right now, we don’t have it. As in the previous game, our bowlers had excellent bowling. Even in this match, the bowlers had a strong comeback towards the conclusion. With the wicket playing as it was, we probably saved thirty or forty runs. The most important thing is rhythm, which I believe we now have,” Zaman remarked.
Pakistan has a reputation for making things more difficult for itself at World Cups, and this year is no different. And they did just that on Saturday as well, choosing to bowl first after winning the toss and giving up 401/6, a total that appeared to be beyond them. The aim appeared excessively high for a batting lineup that lacks enough power hitters and plays an antiquated style of play, even though they had nothing to lose.
DLS was going to be used, though, and Pakistan appeared more equipped than New Zealand to deal with the shifting circumstances. Despite the early loss of Abdullah Shaniqua, Zaman stole the show with an undefeated 126. None more than Zaman, who only returned to the starting lineup in their most recent game against Bangladesh and scored 81, personified the mindset of “nothing to lose.”
His arrival gave Pakistan the much-needed boost at the top after they had lost five of their games since playing the first one against the Netherlands due to a knee injury. Zaman is known for being destructive and can muscle the ball anywhere he wishes to, as he demonstrated in Bangalore by hitting 11 sixes that demoralized the Kiwis. This sets him apart from the other two openers.
