Twitter Reactions: Fakhar Zaman's unbeaten century powers Pakistan to beat New Zealand using DLS method

Pakistan outclassed New Zealand by 21 runs using the DLS method in the rain-marred clash at Bengaluru to stay alive in the semi-final race of the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

After winning the toss, Babar Azam asked the Kiwis to bat first, but the move turned out to backfire as the Men in Green conceded a massive total in the allotted overs. Chasing a 402-run target, Pakistan faced an early setback in the second over when Tim Southee sent Abdullah Shafique back to the pavilion for just four runs. However, Pakistan had reached 160/1 in 21.3 overs before rain played spoilsport at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, with the in-form Fakhar Zaman spearheading their innings, scoring a stupendous century off just 63 balls. Notably, his century is the fastest by a Pakistan batter in the history of ODI World Cups. 

Notably, Pakistan was given a revised target of 342 in 41 overs (DLS) to win after more than an hour-long rain delay. Fakhar continued their aggressive hitting after the break as well. The rain returned in the 26th over with Pakistan, reeling at 200-1, this time ending the match by declaring the 1992 champions the winners since they were ahead of the required rate.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

The opening batter has scored 126* off 81 deliveries, including eight boundaries and 11 maximums, and was adjudged as the Player of the Match for the consecutive time in the competition. Babar, on the other hand, played a significant knock of 63-ball 66 runs.  

Earlier, New Zealand posted a mammoth 401 runs, courtesy of an astounding 108-run knock by rising sensation Rachin Ravindra. The Kiwis' skipper, Kane Williamson, who made his way back to the lineup after recovering from an injury, significantly contributed to his side's innings. He missed a well-deserved century for just five runs when Iftikar Ahmed's delivery was caught by Fakhar Zaman. Meanwhile, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was key for Pakistan, as he picked up three wickets for sixty runs. 

Here's how 'X' reacted to Pakistan's win over New Zealand:

Fakhar zaman is a real hero. A match-winner, Entertainer, six hitter. #NZvsPAK

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) 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 Single handidly is keeping the #India v #Pakistan semi final alive … What an incredible innings 👍👍 #CWC23

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 4, 2023

If Pakistan wins it through DLS today. Its not a fluke or just good luck, its earned through immense conviction & intent.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 4, 2023

Brilliant hitting by Fakhar Zaman. I said that during a mid-show that if Pakistan is coming close to winning this game, then it has to be Fakhar who can take them home. His fearless approach makes him dangerous in this situation

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 4, 2023

From now onwards We’re on upper hand. Green shirts are doing really well and this is going to be Pak day today, inshaAllah.#PAKvNZ

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 4, 2023

Fakhar Zaman #matchwinner

— Sharjeel khan (@SharjeelLeo14) November 4, 2023

FAKHAR🔥🔥#PAKvNZ

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) November 4, 2023

They are not consistent but when they perform,do it in style,excellent @FakharZamanLive keep going job is not finished yet #PAKvsNZ

— Sohail Tanveer (@sohailmalik614) November 4, 2023

@FakharZamanLive well batted bro... too good! 👌

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) November 4, 2023

what a knock by @FakharZamanLive.
that's the difference of a impact player 👏.

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) November 4, 2023

Brilliant batting by Fakhar. Keep it up. You gonna win this and make us proud. Keep this spirit till the last ball. All the very best and loads of prayers.#PAKvNZ

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 4, 2023