BABAR, HARIS GUIDE PAKISTAN TO SIX-WICKET WIN OVER NEW ZEALAND IN WORLD CUP

By Muhammad YaseenPublished On 06 Jan 2023

BRIMINGHAM (9 News) – Babar Azam and Haris Sohail propelled Pakistan to six-wicket victory over New Zealand in the World Cup at Birmingham on Wednesday.

Babar Azam smashed swashbuckling 101 laced with 11 fours. Haris Sohail hit 68 off 75 balls. Imamul Haq and Muhammad Hafeez contributed 19 and 32 runs respectively. Fakhar Zaman could score only nine runs.

Boult, Willaimson and Ferguson took one wicket each.

Earlier electing to bat after winning the toss, New Zealand scored 237 runs for the loss of six wickets against Pakistan in a key match of the World Cup.

JD Neesham blasted 92 runs off 112 runs with the help of five fours and three sixes. Grandhomme  and Williamson toped scored with 64 and 41.

Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets for 17 runs. Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan took one wicket each.

Babar Azam was declared the Man of the Match.

Talking to the media after the excellent victory, Babar Azam said: “This is my best innings. The wicket was difficult and turned a lot in the second half. The plan was to go through to the end and give my 100%. When we started, the plan was to see out Ferguson. But when Santner came on, the plan became not to give wickets to him and cover up later when the fast bowlers come on. The fans support us here in Birmingham, it’s great.”