“In Weekend Thrilling encounter ,Pakistan’s Stunning Chase Defeats New Zealand in World Cup Crucial Battle and in Second encounter England’s Champions Trophy Hopes Dwindle After Loss to Australia by 33 Runs”.

Thrilling Encounter: Pakistan’s Rain-Affected Victory Over New Zealand

Match No 35: Pakistan vs. New Zealand
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

New Zealand’s Struggle for Top Four
New Zealand, after four consecutive wins, faced three consecutive losses. They needed a decisive victory to secure a spot in the top four or rely on other fixture results. On the other hand, Pakistan had to win this match for a better run rate to stay in the competition.

First Innings:
Pakistan won the toss and opted to field, challenging New Zealand to set a target. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra partnered at the crease, contributing 68 runs before Hasan Ali dismissed Conway. Kane Williamson, playing his first match of the tournament, joined Ravindra and together, they built a formidable partnership, amassing 180 runs.

Ravindra secured his third century of the World Cup. However, Williamson fell just short of his century, caught on the fence by Fakhar Zaman off Iftikhar Ahmad’s delivery at 95. Ravindra was also caught on the fence by Saud, off Wasim Jr., having scored 108 runs from 94 balls.

New Zealand reached 261/3 in 36 overs, and in the last 14 overs, every New Zealand batsman maintained a strike rate of more than 100%. Wasim Jr’s 3 wickets for 60 runs stood out among Pakistan’s bowlers as New Zealand concluded their innings at a formidable 401/6 in 50 overs.

Second Innings:
Pakistan faced the daunting task of chasing down 401 runs. They lost Shaufique early in the 2nd over, scoring just 6 runs. Babar Azam joined Fakhar Zaman, and the two played to their reputation, displaying sublime form. They launched an assault on the New Zealand bowlers, sending balls over the boundary and building a partnership of 160 runs in 21.3 overs. However, rain intervened, halting the match.

When the game resumed with a revised target of 342 runs in 41 overs, Pakistan had reached 200/1, 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score. Unfortunately, rain disrupted the match again, and Pakistan was declared the winner on the DLS method by 21 runs. Fakhar Zaman was named the Player of the Match for his remarkable unbeaten 126 runs. This victory catapulted Pakistan to the 5th position in the standings, with a positive run rate.

High-Stakes Battle: Australia Triumphs Over England in World Cup Thrilling Encounter

Match No 36: England vs. Australia
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Australia’s Top Four Quest:
Australia aimed to secure a victory in this match to ensure an easy path to the top four in the standings. Meanwhile, England, positioned at the bottom, desperately sought a win to secure a place in the top eight and qualify for the Champions Trophy.

First Innings: Australia’s Batting Struggles
England won the toss and chose to field, a popular strategy in India to chase down targets. Australia faced early setbacks as they lost two quick wickets; Travis Head departed with just 11 runs on the board in the 2nd over, and David Warner fell in the 6th over, leaving Australia at 38 runs. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne managed to build a partnership of 75 runs, but Smith was dismissed after scoring 44 runs. Josh Inglis followed, and Australia found themselves at 117/4 in the 24th over.

The fifth wicket added 61 runs before Labuschagne was declared leg before wicket by Mark Wood, with Australia at 178 runs. Australian batsmen rallied and contributed with the bat to push the total to 286 all out by the end of the 50th over.

Second Innings: England’s Chase
England, having secured just one win in their last six matches, needed to chase down 287 runs for their second victory. Jonny Bairstow was dismissed on the first ball he faced without scoring a run. Joe Root followed, departing at a score of 19. Dawid Malan and Ben Stokes managed to add 84 runs, but Malan was sent back by Pat Cummins. Jos Buttler followed Malan, and England found themselves at 106/4. The fifth-wicket partnership contributed 63 runs, but when Ben Stokes was out, England’s chances began to fade.

In the latter half of the innings, the batters made contributions, but England ultimately fell short and were bowled out for 253 in 48.1 overs. Australia’s bowlers were on target, with Adam Zampa taking 3 wickets for 21 runs, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins each claimed 2 wickets.

Australia’s Triumph:
Australia secured their fifth win, defeating England by 33 runs and enhancing their chances of finishing in the top four for a spot in the semi-finals. Adam Zampa was named the Player of the Match for his excellent performance, taking 3 wickets for 21 runs and contributing a quick 29 runs from 19 balls, which proved crucial for Australia’s success.