Pakistan rode onto a brilliant century from Babar Azam to keep their hopes of making it to the semifinal alive beating New Zealand by six wickets at Edgbaston in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Chasing 238 runs set by the Kiwis, the Men In Greens chased down the target with five balls to spare.
This is my best ODI knock: Babar
Pakistan faced some early troubles during their chase. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq got out cheaply as New Zealand look to bounce back. But Babar Azam held the stead from one end to steer his side to winning total. He first then staged a partnership with veteran Mohammad Hafeez and then added 126 runs with Haris Sohail to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Azam remained unbeaten on 101 runs to give Pakistan their third win of the competition.
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Previously, Mohammad Amir and Shahen Afridi ran havoc after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first. After an early mishap, New Zealand middle order stood tall to revive their side. Williamson added a small stand with Neesham before Colin de Grandhomme joined hands with Neesham to post 237 runs on the board. Neesham remained unbeaten on 97 runs while de Grandhomme chipped in with 64 runs.
Babar Azam, whose century kept Pakistan in the hunt, rated it as his best ODI knock. He also revealed that their plan was to bat till the end which worked wonders for them. Babar also said that seeing Mitchell Santner getting some grip off the pitch, they planned to see him off as well.
Babar Azam is a happy man right now!#CWC19 | #NZvPAK | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/niSEOd7bnW
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 26, 2019
“I think this is the best (knock of mine in ODIs) because it was a must-win game. The track was a bit slow and also spinning a bit. Idea was always to bat till the end and it worked. When we started, the idea was to play out the fast bowlers, especially Ferguson,” Babar said.
Pakistan fans worked as their 12th man cheering for their players throughout the match as Babar Azam thanked the supporters for turning out in huge numbers.
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“Whenever we play in England, we get good support and I am glad it’s continuing,” he concluded.