Cricket World Cup 2023: “Ind vs Pak Semifinal loading”- Pakistan beat New Zealand via DLS and enter race to qualify for semi-finals, netizens call them lucky

Despite scoring 402 runs, New Zealand lost to Pakistan in a rain-hit match that now makes the race for the top 4 more intense.

Cricket World Cup 2023: “Ind vs Pak Semifinal loading”- Pakistan beat New Zealand via DLS and enter race to qualify for semi-finals, netizens call them lucky

Babar Azam and Fakhar Azam were instrumental to winning the match (Image via ESPN)

On 4th November, Pakistan beat New Zealand by 21 runs through the Duckworth Lewis System. Due to torrential rain causing delays, the match had to be called out and Pakistan were deemed the winner of the fixture. Thanks to this victory, both teams are now equal on points in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. 

Electing to bowl first, Pakistan gave 401 runs in their 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra scored 108 runs while Kane Williamson missed out on his century by 5 runs. A late assault by Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner got the Kiwis past the 400 mark. The pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali conceded a combined 257 runs in 10 overs. Haris Rauf also broke the record for most sixes conceded in a World Cup.

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Despite losing Abdullah Shafique early, opener Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam started an assault on the Kiwi’s bowling attack. While the Captain ensured he stayed on the field, saving his wicket, Zaman went all out, hitting 11 sixes and 8 boundaries. In the 22nd over, play was stopped due to rain. The players came back in with the equation now 181 from 18.3 overs. 

It started to rain once again after 4 overs of play and the play was stopped yet again. Pakistan were 21 runs ahead of par as per DLS method and were declared the winners after the match was called off. Fakhar Zaman scored an explosive and important 126 off 81 balls, while Babar Azam supported him by scoring 66. 

Fans believe Pakistan were saved, call New Zealand unlucky 

Now that Pakistan have won, they are tied on points with New Zealand and Afghanistan, although Afghanistan have played one match less. The race for the semi-final spot now gets more intense as three teams compete for 4th place. 

Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee
Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have a chat with an official (Image via ESPN)

Fans believed Pakistan were very lucky to win the game, while at the same time calling New Zealand unlucky for losing on DLS method. Fans joked around that Jay Shah and the BCCI were trying their best to get another India-Pakistan clash, while many praised Fakhar Zaman for his aggressive knock. 

Check out their reaction: 

https://twitter.com/guj_se_hu_mc/status/1720802151109427474?s=20

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