Babar Azam’s patient unbeaten century guided Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand on Wednesday and revived their hopes of reaching the Cricket World Cup semi-finals, news agency Reuters reported from Birmingham.
Azam’s 101 saw Pakistan home in front of a partisan crowd at Edgbaston after Shaheen Afridi had ripped through New Zealand’s top order.
Jimmy Neesham’s unbeaten 97 had given New Zealand a chance on a slow pitch. But Pakistan’s win with five balls to spare has left the tournament wide open.
Just last week the top four places looked set, but qualification could now go to the wire.
With Pakistan now moving to within a point of hosts England, the pre-tournament favourites must win their final two group games against New Zealand and India to advance to the semi-finals.
As for New Zealand, the team would have joined Australia in confirming a top-four finish with a win, but now they too have work to do after their first defeat of the tournament.
