ICC WC Cricket: Pakistan defeats New Zealand by six wickets

KATHMANDU: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets at the ICC World Cup Cricket, securing its journey to the semifinals.

Chasing the 238-run target set by New Zealand, Pakistan achieved it in 49.1 overs losing four wickets in the tournament held in Birmingham, England.

Babar Azam hit a century for Pakistan. Azam scored 101 studded with 11 fours off 127 balls, becoming the first batsman to hit century in the ongoing World Cup cricket. Similarly, Haris Sohail made 68 runs while Mohammad Hafeez contributed 32 runs.

In reply, New Zealander Trent Boult, Kene Williamson and Lucky Ferguson grabbed one wicket each.

Earlier, electing to bast first after winning the toss, New Zealand had scored 236 runs in the allotted 50 overs losing six wickets.

New Zealand had lost five wickets for 83 runs.  James Neesham and Colin De Grandhomme had partnered to score additional 132 runs for the sixth wicket.

Opener Martin Guptill scored five runs, Colin Munro 12 runs, skipper Kene Williamson went to pavilion made 41 runs.

With the win, Pakistan is placed at the fourth points table with seven points from seven matches.

Defeated New Zealand is at the second position with 11 points from seven matches. New Zealand is also likely to reach semi finals.