After opening with four wins, New Zealand has already lost their past four games and must now rely on other results to win their final game against Sri Lanka.
On Saturday, Pakistan won by 21 runs thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s scorching century and Babar Azam’s magnificent half-century. The victory increases Pakistan’s prospects of reaching the semi-finals.
Zaman’s century will rank among the top knocks in this World Cup. The New Zealand bowlers were victims of some harsh hitting at a venue where many other bowlers have met the same fate. Except for Tim Southee, none of the bowlers appeared very perceptive on the occasion.
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra’s century and Kane Williamson’s 95-run knock helped New Zealand to 401/6. Pakistan’s bowling performance was dismal. Mohammad Wasim Jr was their best bowler, with three wickets.
