Pakistan have kept themselves in the hunt for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinals with a 21-run victory over New Zealand in Bengaluru. The rain interrupted play for a second time at the 25.3 over mark when Pakistan were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score. The match did not resume with the rain intensifying, which meant that Pakistan bagged all two points from this match.
The rain has been relentless in Bengaluru and eventually the match has been called off with Pakistan winning by 21 runs.
The rain is getting heavier and it is likely that the match gets called off. The cutoff time for the match is 7:40 pm IST (Indian Standard Time, which is 7:10 pm as per Pakistan time). It would be sad if rain has the final say in what has been a fascinating match in Bengaluru.
Uh oh! The rain has made a comeback once again in this match. Pakistan have continued from where they left off with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam hitting a flurry of boundaries. The covers are back on and we might be in for another delay. As per the DLS, Pakistan should have been 179 but they are well ahead at this point at 200/1.
The match has resumed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru after the rain stopped and Pakistan batters Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam are out in the middle. Pakistan need 182 more runs in 117 balls and we are in for an interesting chase!
We have some news from the middle and nine overs have been lost as was speculated. Pakistan will now have to chase 342 runs in 41 overs. Play was stopped when Pakistan were 160/1 in 21.3 overs. They need 242 runs to stay alive in the race for the semifinals.
There's some good news for fans with the rain having stopped in Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on November 4. The umpires will soon have a pitch inspection and we will have a game with reduced overs.
Rain has returned as predicted. The ground is being covered. Pakistan are ahead by 10 runs on DLS par score. We will have a result in case no more play is possible. But the draining system is excellent at M Chinnaswamy.
Pakistan have begun their daunting chase. There is a rain forecast for the evening and both teams will have an eye on it. We have had a rain during mid-innings break but lasted for just brief time.
Rain has stopped and covers are being taken off. There's a 10 minute delay for second innings to begin.
NEWS - The rain has stopped in M Chinnaswamy Stadium Bengaluru. The covers have been taken off. #PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/3hAIrQnEdU— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) November 4, 2023
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is about to enter the business end stages with more exciting and engaging encounters. In a very crucial encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Pakistan will take on New Zealand. This is a very crucial encounter in terms of the semifinal scenario as both teams need a win desperately. New Zealand have lost three back-to-back games after winning four in a stretch. They are still better positioned but a loss here will make the final game a must win for them. Meanwhile. Pakistan have to win this match to survive till the last match. They have to win both the match with good margins and then wait for a slip up of New Zealand and Afghanistan. Babar Azam Purchases Designer Sherwani in India From Sabyasachi Worth 7 Lakh INR for his Wedding: Report.
Pakistan has not been in a great form. Their batting hasn't performed at their potential while the bowling has struggled to sustain pressure. They have managed to return to winning ways but are all set to face big test against the quality of New Zealand. Captain Babar Azam hasn't justified his name yet in the competition and this is the stage where he can really step up. The only positives for them has been Shaheen Shah Afridi staying amongst wickets and Fakhar Zaman making a strong comeback. Yet New Zealand will be a tough opposition to overcome.
For New Zealand, they have been hurt with injury problems. Kiwi captain Kane Williamson has featured in only one game till now. Although Tim Southee has returned to action, Matt Henry is ruled out of the rest of the competition with a hamstring injury. Kyle Jamieson has replaced him in the squad. Lockie Ferguson is also struggling with an injury and so is James Neesham. Williamson was spotted in the net practice today and expected to play against Pakistan although it is yet to be confirmed. PAK vs NZ CWC 2023: New Zealand, Pakistan Desperate For Victory To Remain Alive in Race for Semifinals.
One of the biggest threats which can keep fans away from the exciting action is the rain. According to accuweather, there is chances of rain in the second half of the match and it can interrupted. Although temperature is not expected to cross 27 degree celsius, the humidity is set to rise as the match progresses.