Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has lauded Pakistan’s all-round show against New Zealand at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 26 (Wednesday). Pakistan has overhauled the target of 238 in 49.1 over with six wickets in hand to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.
The cricketer-turned-commentator Vaughan stressed on application and mentality from Pakistan to mount pressure on the opposition and an unbeaten team like New Zealand.
Batting first, the Black Caps managed to post 238 for six in 50 allotted overs. Shaheen Afridi was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball who bagged three wickets. In his quota of 10 overs, the young paceman conceded just 28 runs. Also, Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan had picked a wicket each.
Despite being at a precarious situation with 83 for five in 26.2 overs, Jimmy Neesham alongside Colin de Grandhomme stitched a crucial 132-run partnership which helped Kiwis bowlers to give something to bowlers to bowl at.
Following an early wicket, Pakistan batsmen have read the slow pitch quite well in a bid to cross the line in the final over.
Babar Azam slammed an excellent ton:
The top-order batsman Azam remained unbeaten on 101 off 127 deliveries. Also, Sohail had managed 76-ball 68 before Martin Guptill ran him out.
Thus, with the win, the Men in Green jumped a place to the fifth spot, to bag seven points in seven matches.
Moreover, the 44-year-old stated Pakistan have played according to the merit and that’s what England should have done against the Islanders
“Pakistan have played exactly how England should have played against Sri Lanka… #JustSaying #CWC19,” Vaughan added.
Also, Vaughan has hailed Pakistan’s approach towards the run chase on a rank turner. He further added Pakistan are looking quite dangerous following back-to-back wins.
“This is what you call a Proper run Chase on a tricky wicket … Outstanding application & mentality from Pakistan…!! The other Pakistan are starting to look very very dangerous … #CWC19… What an atmosphere as well !!,” Vaughan tweeted.
Interestingly, ahead of Pakistan-Kiwis game, Vaughan tweeted that he’s the ‘Kiwi for the day’.
Pakistan has now chances to make it to the knockout stage by winning their remainder of the games. They will play Afghanistan and Bangladesh on June 29 and July 5 respectively.
Besides, they need to rely on other results to become one of the semi-finalists for the ICC World Cup 2019.
Pakistan have played exactly how England should have played against Sri Lanka … #JustSaying #CWC19
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 26, 2019
This is what you call a Proper run Chase on a tricky wicket … Outstanding application & mentality from Pakistan … !! The other Pakistan are starting to look very very dangerous … #CWC19 … What an atmosphere as well !!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 26, 2019