Babar Azam’s unbeaten century powered Pakistan to a six-wicket win against New Zealand and helped it stay on course for a semifinal berth.
Chasing a target of 238 at Edgbaston on Wednesday, Pakistan rode on Azam’s power-packed innings and Haris Sohail’s 68 to cross the line with five balls to spare.
Kiwis’ first loss
After the openers fell cheaply, Azam strung together two partnerships — 66 with Mohammad Hafeez and 126 with Sohail — to help Pakistan end New Zealand’s unbeaten run in this edition.
In the morning, young pacer Shaheen Afridi had laid the foundation for the win. Born eight years after Pakistan won its first and the only World Cup title in 1992, the left-armer ripped through the New Zealand top-order to leave it tottering at 83 for five.
However, a fighting partnership between Jimmy Neeshan (97 not out) and Colin de Grandhomme (64), who added 132, took the Kiwis to 237. The duo first rescued the side before bludgeoning the bowlers as 85 came off the last 10 overs.
The seasoned Mohammad Amir had provided the early breakthrough, castling Martin Guptill for five.
Shaheen then took over, bowling with verve to pick up three for nine in his first six overs.
Sarfaraz’s stunner
While New Zealand captain Kane Williamson stood firm at one end, Shaheen sent back Colin Munro and Ross Taylor, who was brilliantly caught behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Williamson built a 37-run partnership with Neesham before he was dismissed by Shadab Khan for 41.
Neesham and de Grandhomme fought back, taking advantage of Sarfaraz’s reluctance to go for the kill.
However, it did not hurt Pakistan as Azam and Sohail ensured a facile win.
