Babar Azam produced a sublime unbeaten century under pressure as Pakistan continued its revival in the World Cup by halting New Zealand’s unbeaten run with a six-wicket victory, here Wednesday.
Chasing 238 on a tricky Edgbaston pitch which offeredvicious turn, Azam (101) and Sohail (68) showed intent, temperament and resolvewhile batting in Pakistan’s must-win game.
They raised a 126-run stand for the fourth wicket afterMohammed Hafeez’s dismissal off a part-time spinner, yet again, raised eyebrowsand Mitchell Santner looked almost unplayable.
The situation demanded restraint and Hafeez was set but hethrew away his wicket while trying to attack Kane Williamson.
This was after Fakhar Zaman (9) was done in by Trent Boultand Imam ul Haq (19) became a victim of Lockie Ferguson.
Taking the attack by the scruff of its neck, Azam shiftedthe gears after completing his half-century and hit some glorious shots offWilliamson and Boult to keep the required run-rate under check.
The 24-year-old completed his century, 10th in ODIs, with asingle of Lockie Ferguson off. His knock, coming off 127 balls, was embellishedwith 11 shots to the fence.
Sohail provided superb support from the other end beforerunning himself out. Only two runs were required at that time. Williamson triedall the tricks in his bag but Pakistan overhauled the target with five balls tospare.
With this win, Pakistan have now moved up to number six inthe table with seven points from as many games. They now need to win their lasttwo games against Afghanistan (June 29) and Bangladesh (July 5) to hope forsemifinal qualification.