In a high-octane clash at CWC 2023 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman made history by registering the quickest century by a Pakistani batsman in ODI World Cup history. Zaman, the left-handed dynamo, achieved this remarkable milestone in the 20th over of the game, taking just 63 balls to reach the coveted century mark. This extraordinary achievement came in the backdrop of Pakistan’s formidable chase of 402 runs against New Zealand, highlighting Zaman’s exceptional and explosive batting skills on the global stage.
Dropped from the playing XI now makes a statement
Pakistan had dropped Fakhar Zaman from their playing XI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, 10 October. The left-handed batsman had encountered a challenging phase, with a run of poor performances in his last 10 matches, failing to notch up a single score beyond 30. As a result, the team’s management took the decision to drop him, hoping for a turnaround in his form. This is a statement in itself with a display of jaw dropping masterclass.
Pakistan faced an early setback in the second over of their crucial clash with New Zealand, with Tim Southee dismissing Abdullah Shafique for just 4 runs. However, Fakhar Zaman remained undeterred, displaying his aggressive intent as he took on the likes of Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips. His century, the fastest by a Pakistan batter in World Cups, stood as a testament to his explosive batting prowess. Meanwhile, skipper Babar Azam held firm at the crease, providing stability to the innings.
In the race for a top-four spot, New Zealand added further drama by posting an imposing 401/6 in their 50 overs. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan initially got a breakthrough when Devon Conway (35) fell to Hasan Ali’s delivery in the 11th over. However, Rachin Ravindra, promoted to the opener slot, responded with a brilliant half-century in the 20th over, marking his third fifty in his debut World Cup.
Ravindra continued to impress, eventually reaching his century in the 34th over, becoming the first batter to achieve three tons in their debut World Cup. Although captain Kane Williamson departed for 95, losing his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed in the 35th over, Ravindra’s exceptional knock of 108 ended when Mohammad Wasim Jr dismissed him. Despite the late wickets of Mitchell (29) and Chapman (39), Glenn Phillips (42) and Mitchell Santner’s quickfire innings guided New Zealand to a formidable total of 402, setting a challenging target for Pakistan in this thrilling encounter.
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