New Zealand vs Pakistan Highlights, World Cup 2023: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 21 runs (DLS) to keep semis hopes alive

Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam starred as Pakistan pulled off a dramatic, rain-hit 21-run victory over New Zealand to stay alive at the Cricket World Cup on Saturday.

After New Zealand had piled up a mammoth 401-6, Pakistan were 160-1 in the 21st over when rain brought a stoppage.

Set a revised target of 342 off 41 overs, Zaman had moved to 126 and Azam was on 66 with their team on 200-1 in the 26th over when the rain returned, this time bringing the game to an end and Pakistan declared the winners as they were ahead of the required rate.

Pakistan and New Zealand both have eight points and remain in contention for semi-final spots with a match each left to play in the group stage.

08:47 (IST) Nov 04

PAK vs NZ: New Zealand battling injuries

New Zealand's campaign has been rocked by a spate of injuries affecting star batter and regular skipper Kane Williamson (thumb), fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Achilles), and all-rounders Mark Chapman (thigh) and Jimmy Neesham (wrist). Matt Henry has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and replaced by fellow pacer Kyle Jamieson.

08:33 (IST) Nov 04

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Weather worries - a thunderstorm forecast in the afternoon

08:23 (IST) Nov 04

Pakistan vs New Zealand: The points table

Pakistan are currently No. 6 with six points from seven matches with an NRR of -0.024, while New Zealand are No. 4 with 8 points and an NRR of +0.484

08:21 (IST) Nov 04

New Zealand vs Pakistan: The equation

In simple terms, the winner will improve its chances of reaching the semis, while the losing team will be virtually out of the tournament. For Pakistan, the equation is to win by 83 runs or chase down New Zealand's total in 35 overs to go ahead of Kiwis on net run-rate.

08:18 (IST) Nov 04

NZ vs PAK: Three semifinal spots left

India, after their massive and seventh consecutive win over Sri Lanka, have already booked a spot in the semis, while Bangladesh have been eliminated. That leaves eight teams battling for three spots in the knockouts.

08:16 (IST) Nov 04

NZ vs PAK: A virtual quarterfinal

The New Zealan vs Pakistan game today in Bengaluru is a virtual knockout for the two teams, while it will also have an impact on the chances of other teams vying for the remaining three places in the semifinals

08:14 (IST) Nov 04

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Welcome and thank you for joining Timesofindia.com yet again for live updates from another exciting clash in the ongoing ICC World Cup.