Pakistan Keep ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Semifinal Hopes Alive With 21-Run Victory Over New Zealand via DLS Method in Rain-Affected Match

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.

Even the sun is out partly as predicted rain has arrived at the M Chinnaswamy. The pitch is being covered.

Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first with rain predicted later. One change for Pakistan, Hasan Ali comes back into the side in place of Usama Mir. So, Pakistan playing with four pacers. Captain Kane Williamson is back for New Zealand and he replaces Will Young. Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi comes in for Matt Henry and Jimmy Neesham. Check out playing XI of both the teams.

Live footage shows sun is out as there is a shadow of TV host and Waqar Younis on the ground. As captains walk out for toss, one can see bright sun shine.

Live footage from broadcaster shows that teams have arrived at the M Chinnaswamy. It is not sunny but bit cloudy with overcast conditions.

Things are getting better as fas as Bengaluru weather forecast is concerned.

The sky at this moment is covered with clouds but there are less chance of rain in the morning and the New Zealand vs Pakistan toss is set to proceed on time. However, the weather is quite unpredictable in Bengaluru.