PAK vs NZ: Semi-final scenario after Pakistan beat New Zealand by DLS method in Bengaluru

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PAK vs NZ: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 21 runs (DLS) method on Saturday to stay alive in the World cup 2023. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman blasted 126 unbeaten runs off 81 runs and the same helped Pakistan stay 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score when rain interrupted the match for the second time at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After being invited to bat first, New Zealand piled up 401/1 in 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra opened with Devon Conway and hit his third hundred of the tournament. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson returned from his thumb injury and scored 95 off 79.

New Zealand looked set to win the match and bring their campaign back on the track after three consecutive defeats. However, Fakhar Zaman hit the fastest World Cup hundred for Pakistan off 63 balls to spoil New Zealand's party. Pakistan were 10 runs ahead of New Zealand when rain stopped play for the first time.

The revised target after the break was 342 from 41 overs with Pakistan batting on 160/1 in 21.3 overs. The Men in Green had scored 200/1 in 25.3 overs when the play stopped again before being called off completely. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 66 off 63 balls.

World Cup 2023 Semi-finals Qualification Scenario After Pakistan Beat New Zealand in Bengaluru

• Second-placed South Africa, who have 12 points from seven matches, have qualified for the semi-finals and joined table-toppers India.
• Even if Australia lose against England in the ongoing match on Saturday, they will have a strong chance of qualifying as they face Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their last two matches in Mumbai and Pune respectively.
• The fight for the fourth and final semi-finals berth has become really interesting. New Zealand and Pakistan have eight points each from eight matches. However, New Zealand have retained their fourth spot on the basis of a superior NRR. Pakistan are fifth.
• New Zealand will face Sri Lanka at the same venue in their final league stage match on Thursday. Pakistan will face England at Eden Gardens on Saturday in their last league match.
• Sixth-placed Afghanistan also have eight points, and they also have an edge over Pakistan and New Zealand. Unlike the two teams, Afghanistan are left with two matches at the moment. However, their final two matches are against very strong Australia and South Africa.
• New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are not just supposed to win their matches, but win by big margins. The upcoming week will be nerve-wrecking for these three teams especially.