New Delhi:
Babar Azam’s unbeaten 101 runs off 127 balls along with a scintillating spell from 19-year-old Shaheen Afridi shaped the game perfectly for Pakistan as the managed to upstage a side which was unbeaten in the tournament so far – New Zealand by six wickets at Edgbaston in Birmingham. With this win, Pakistan are not only alive in the tournament but seem to be living the 1992 dream virtually.
00:00 hrs IST: That's it from us. Hope you enjoyed our coverage as much as we did to bring this to you. Do join us for tomorrow's game as India take on West Indies. Till then, it's goodbye from Vedant and Aseem. Keep cheering and enjoy the World Cup.
23:59 hrs IST: The man-of-the-match was awarded to Babar Azam for his scintillating ton against New Zealand.
23:57 hrs IST: RESULT: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 6 wickets (Babar Azam 101*, Shaheen Afridi 3/28)
23:55 hrs IST: SCORES ARE LEVEL! Last over and still one needed.
23:52 hrs IST: WICKET! Just when one thought Pakistan will win this game by 7 wickets, Haris Sohail gets run out for 68. Still 2 runs needed off 9 balls.
23:48 hrs IST: CENTURY! What an innings this has been from Pakistan's middle-order batsman Babar Azam. He has once again shown his class and produced of what can be termed as one of the best hundreds by Pakistani player. After 1987, this is first hundred from a Pakistani player. Take a bow. His 10th in ODI cricket. After 48 overs, it's 234/3.
23:40 hrs IST: Just one run from the over and Babar Azam will have to wait a little more to get to that three figure mark. After 47 overs, it's 225/3.
23:36 hrs IST: Pakistan is now just 14 runs away and Babar just one run. After 46 overs, it's 224/3.
23:31 hrs IST: FIFTY! In form Haris Sohail gets to his second World Cup fifty. He replaced Shoaib Malik in side in the last game, and making management's decision worthwhile. After 45 overs, it's 215/3.
23:29 hrs IST: Another three run over. Santner completes his spell. 10 overs - 38 runs. Pakistan need 31 runs off 6 overs. After 44 overs it's 207/3.
23:25 hrs IST: Just three from the over. After 43 overs, it's 204/3.
23:20 hrs IST: Couple of boundaries in the over and Pakistan see themselves over 200 runs. After 42 overs, it's 201/3.
23:16 hrs IST: Trent Boult brought back into the attack and just 6 runs from it. After 41 overs, it's 189/3.
23:11 hrs IST: Forty overs are done and dusted and men-in-green are 55 runs away of what can be a memorable win. After 40 overs, it's 183/3.
23:07 hrs IST: Boundary off the last ball and that makes seven off the over. After 39 overs, it's 179/3.
23:04 hrs IST: Six off the fourth ball and Pakistan inching closerto a famous win. After 38 overs, it's 172/3.
22:59 hrs IST: 10 runs from the over and might be the last over from New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson. The runs have started to come for Pakistan. 74 needed off 78 now. After 37 overs, it's 164/3.
22:56 hrs IST: Colin Munro came to bowl for the first time in the tournament and has been treated well. Nine came off the over. After 36 overs, it's 154/3.
22:51 hrs IST: Both Babar and Haris are finding it difficult to find gaps. The pressure to score runs is shifting towards Pakistan, After 35 overs, it's 145/3.
22:48 hrs IST: It has become difficult for Pakistan batsmen to score runs here at Edbaston. As the ball is getting older, the batsmen are also experiencing some reverse swing. After 34 overs, it's 142/3.
22:42 hrs IST: Kane Williamson has bowled a brilliant spell of 5 overs. Giving 19 runs and picking all-important wicket of Mohammad Hafeez. After 33 overs, it's 139/3. And it's time for DRINKS.
22:38 hrs IST: Just four runs from it. After 32 overs, it's 136/3.
22:34 hrs IST: Kane Williamson has been able to slow things here. Pakistan were way ahead in the chase, but Kiwis have been able to make some sort of comeback. After 31 overs, it's 132/3.
22:31 hrs IST: A six over long on from Haris Sohail's willow and that makes the over big. After 30 overs, it's 128/3.
22:28 hrs IST: Another good over from skipper. Just a boundary off it. After 29 overs, it's 120/3.
22:25 hrs IST: Just one run off it. Santner bowled in the right areas and didn't let Haris Sohail to settle early. After 28 overs, it's 116/3.
22:22 hrs IST: FIFTY! A single through fine leg region and Babar Azam gets to his 15th ODI fifty. It's his third fifty plus score in 2019 World Cup and would want to make this into hundred. After 27 overs, it's 115/3.
22:19 hrs IST: As Babar Azam nears 15th ODI half-century, Pakistan see themselves at 112/3 in 26 overs.
22:13 hrs IST: WICKET! The Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson took the bowling duties for the first time in this tournament which tells us New Zealand is under serious pressure. But is there anything he can't do? A partnership was building between Babar and Hafeez, and he sends the latter. Part-timer gets rid of proper batsman. Departs for 32. After 25 overs, it's 110/3.
22:08 hrs IST: After 24 overs, Pakistan is 105/2
22:00 hrs IST: Hafeez and Babar's partnership looking good for Pakistan, they are 91/2 after 22 overs
21:50 hrs IST: Again good over by Santner, just two runs off the over, PAK 86/2 after 20 overs
21:45 hrs IST: Just 3 runs off the over, Pakistan is 80/2 after 18
21:32 hrs IST: Its DRINKS
21:30 hrs IST: With the end of 16th over, PAK is 71/2 with Hafeez and Babar a crease.
21:25 hrs IST: Two boundaries in the over by Hafeez, PAK is 64/2 after 15 overs
21:15 hrs IST: After 13 overs, Pakistan is 51/2
21:07 hrs IST: A wicket and two runs. Good start by Lockie Ferguson. After 11 overs, it's 45/2.
21:03 hrs IST: WICKET! Just when Imam was started to look good - he lost his concentration and eventually his wicket. Taking nothing away from Martin Guptill - as it was a sensational catch. After 10.2 overs, it's 44/2.
20:59 hrs IST: The first 10 overs belong to Pakistan here. Though they have lost a wicket, but are on top. After 10 overs, it's 43/1.
20:58 hrs IST: Babar Azam is showing his class. Two sensational cover drives to Trent Boult speaks volumes about his skills. After 9 overs, it's 41/1. Less than 200 needed now.
20:52 hrs IST: Just one run from it. After 8 overs, it's 33/1.
20:50 hrs IST: Another good over from Trent Boult. At Edgbaston, Boult is showing his class. Just 2 from it. After 7 overs, it's 32/1.
20:45 hrs IST: Six runs from the over and more importantly, Babar is timing well. After 6 overs, it's 30/1.
20:41 hrs IST: Pakistan batsmen doing the right thing at the moment. Both Babar and Imam are taking their time in the middle, and not letting New Zealand to take the game away. After 5 overs, it's 24/1.
20:37 hrs IST: One run from the over. After 4 overs, it's 20/1.
20:31 hrs IST: WICKET! Oh dear! Just when Fakhar Zaman started to look good against pace, he gets out. Trent Boult bowled a fuller length delivery and Zaman tried to hammer it on the on side but gets a top edge. First wicket falls. After 3 overs, it's 19/1.
20:25 hrs IST: Pakistan is off to a solid start. Chasing 237, both Fakhar and Imam have looked good against the new ball. After 2 overs, it's 11/0.
20:20 hrs IST: Five dot balls and a boundary to begin. After 1 over, it's 4/0.
19:51 hrs IST: INNINGS BREAK: New Zealand 237/6 in 50 overs vs Pakistan (Jimmy Neesham 97*, Shaheen Afridi 3/28)
19:45 hrs IST: Six runs from the over. After 49 overs, it's 223/6.
19:38 hrs IST: WICKET! Run Out!! 1 run completed. End of a special innings from de Grandhomme. After 48 overs, it's 217/8.
19:33 hrs IST: 200-up for New Zealand. Where will they finish? - After 47 overs, it's 209/5. 18 runs from it.
19:30 hrs IST: Seven runs from the over. After 46 overs, it's 191/5.
19:25 hrs IST: 100-run partnership. The duo has beautifully played today. After 45 overs, it's 184/5.
19:22 hrs IST: FIFTY! A good composed half-century from Colin de Grandhomme. His third in ODI cricket.
19:20 hrs IST: It has been one of the best spells you will see at the World Cups. Shaheen Afridi - 10-3-28-3 - Sensational figures. After 44 overs, it's 176/5.
19:13 hrs IST: Six runs from the over, and New Zealand is inching towards the par score - which looks 220 at the wicket. After 43 overs, it's 172/5.
19:08 hrs IST: 11 runs from the over. After 42 over, it's 166/5.
19:05 hrs IST: Just three runs from the over but Pakistan are still not able to pick wickets. After 41 overs, it's 155/5.
18:57 hrs IST: FIFTY! Jimmy Neesham hits sixth ODI fity. It has come at a time when team needed the most. Important knock from an exceptional player. After 40 overs, it's 152/5.
18:56 hrs IST: 150-up for New Zealand. After 39 overs, it's 150/5.
18:51 hrs IST: Just two runs off it. After 38 overs, it's 144/5.
18:47 hrs IST: Four dots and three runs. After 37 overs, it's 142/5.
18:43 hrs IST: 50-run partnership between de Grandhomme and Neesham. After 36 overs, it's 139/5.
18:38 hrs IST: Finally Kiwi batsmen have opened their arms and are going after the Pakistan's bowling attack. After 35 overs, it's 132/5.
18:32 hrs IST: A six and a four and batsmen notched 12 runs in the over. After 33 overs, it's 115/5.
18:28 hrs IST: 100-up for New Zealand. After 32 overs, it's 103/5.
18:22 hrs IST: It's 97 runs for the loss of five wickets after 31 overs. Time for DRINKS!
18:19 hrs IST: A lot happening at Edgbaston. Fans are cheering, Pakistan players are good in field, New Zealand batsmen struggling. After 30 overs, it's 94/5.
18:13 hrs IST: Runs are just not coming at the moment. Ones and twos are all what Kiwis are able to manage at the moment. After 29 overs, it's 88/5.
18:10 hrs IST: Another good over from Wahab Riaz. After 28 overs, it's 86/5.
18:05 hrs IST: Two runs and a wicket. After 27 overs, it's 84/5.
18:02 hrs IST: WICKET! Biggest dent to NZ innings, Kane Williamson departs at 41, Shadab picks the wicket
18:00 hrs IST: Williamson is nearing a fifty and New Zealand are 82/4 after 26 overs.
17:50 hrs IST: Just one run in the 23rd over, New Zealand is 77/4
17:45 hrs IST: Six runs off the over, ENG are 74/4 after 33 overs
17:40 hrs IST: After the end of 21st over, New Zealand is 58/4
17:39 hrs IST: New Zealand is dealing in singles at the moment. After 20 overs, it's 64/4.
17:35 hrs IST: Shadab Khan introduced into the attack for the first time and gave away just two runs. Pressure building on New Zealand. After 19 overs, it's 60/4.
17:30 hrs IST: Another good over from Shaheen Afridi. After 17 overs, it's 54/4.
17:25 hrs IST: Four from the over. After 16 overs, it's 52/4.
17:21 hrs IST: MAIDEN OVER! This is probably one of the best spells you will see from 19-year-old lad. He has already bowled three maiden overs. After 15 overs, it's 48/4.
17:16 hrs IST: Kane Williamson is the only good thing for New Zealand at the moment. The runs are just not coming. After 14 overs, it's 48/4.
17:06 hrs IST: WICKET! Shaheen his on charge today. A slight movement did fair bid of damage. Tom Latham departs for 1. After 12.3 overs, it's 46/4.
17:02 hrs IST: MAIDEN OVER! Another maiden. After 11 overs, it's 44/3.
16:56 hrs IST: The first 10 overs belong to Pakistan here. They came with a set plan and were able to execute it perfectly. After 10 overs, it's 44/3.
16:50 hrs IST: WICKET! Ross Taylor gets a slight nip and through to the keeper. Skipper didn't do any mistake. After 9 overs, it's 38/3.
16:45 hrs IST: Couple of boundaries from the over. After 8 overs, it's 34/2.
16:40 hrs IST: MAIDEN OVER! It's a wicket maiden over. After 7 overs, it's 24/2.
16:37 hrs IST: WICKET! Openers are back to the pavilion and introducing Shaheen worked for Pakistan. After 6.2 overs, it's 24/2.
16:35 hrs IST: Two runs from the over. After 6 overs, it's 24/1.
16:30 hrs IST: Sarfaraz Ahmed introduced Shaheen Afridi into the attack in the fifth over. Four came off it. After 5 overs, it's 22/1.
16:23 hrs IST: Sightscreen issues. Looks like some drapes over the sightscreen are not in the right place.
16:18 hrs IST: First big over for New Zealand. Colin Munro, who hasn't had the best of the World Cup - has started well. After 4 overs, it's 18/1.
16:14 hrs IST: Two runs from the over and New Zealand are certainly on the backfoot. After 3 overs, it's 8/1.
16:10 hrs IST: Wicket and one run from the second over. It's 6/1.
16:06 hrs IST: WICKET! Knocked him over. Mohammad Amir started from other end, and shows his class straight away. Guptill's poor run continues. Departs for 5.
16:05 hrs IST: Four dot balls along with a boundary and single. After 1 over, it's 5/0.
16:00 hrs IST: After a slight delay due to wet outfield, we are set for a big game. The players are out in the middle and so are umpires. It's game time. Mohammad Hafeez to bowl the first over.
15:40 hrs IST: Here are the playing XIs of both the sides. Both Pakistan and New Zealand are unchanged.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi
New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Tom Latham(w), James Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
15:35 hrs IST: New Zealand opt to bat against Pakistan. Under overcast conditions, this is a bold call.
15:11 hrs IST: The toss will take place at 3:30 PM IST and the match will begin at 4:00 PM IST. No overs have been lost.
14:50 hrs IST: The pitch is probably like the one used in the game against South Africa. Will New Zealand go for two spinners? Pakistan might be tempted to field an unchanged side.
14:43 hrs IST: Will New Zealand make some changes? They might want to bring in Tim Southee in place of Matt Henry while Henry Nicholls might get a chance possibly in place of Colin Munro. However, Kane Williamson is a master tactician and he knows what will be the right team in the right conditions.
14:39 hrs IST: We are about 20 minutes away from the inspection. One gets a feeling that the number of overs will not be reduced and that a start could happen 30 minutes after the inspection with the break reduced by 10 minutes.
14:26 hrs IST: The covers are slowly coming off now. It is still overcast but the weather is set to improve in the coming hours.
14:21 hrs IST: There was plenty of rain yesterday and there was apparently a drizzle in the morning. That has rendered the outfield to be very wet. One feels that it could be like the South Africa game at this venue where there was only a reduction of one over in the match.
14:18 hrs IST: If the match gets washed out today, New Zealand will qualify while Pakistan still has a chance provided they win their next two games. However, the chances of the match being washed out are slim as the weather for the rest of the day is clear.
14:11 hrs IST: Alright, the start of play in Edgbaston has been delayed. The ground was pounded by a lot of rain in the last couple of days. At the moment, there is no rain. The groundstaff and the super-soppers are working hard to ensure the outfield is dry. There will be an inspection at 3:00 PM IST.
14:07 hrs IST: A warm welcome to the match between New Zealand and Pakistan from Edgbaston. This is a must-win game for Pakistan and if they lose this, their path to the semi-finals will become even more difficult. For New Zealand, a win today will help them seal a spot in the semi-final.
