Zaman shines as Pakistan beat high-scoring New Zealand to keep semi-final hopes alive

A superlative century from Fakhar Zaman saw Pakistan come out on top in a rain-hit Cricket World Cup clash in Bengaluru - despite the Kiwis scoring over 400 runs.

New Zealand batted first and posted a massive 401/6, Rachin Ravindra leading the way with a superb 108, ably supported by Kane Williamson, who made 95 during their second-wicket stand of 180.

Solid performances from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips down the order took the Black Caps over 400, with Haris Rauf's figures of 1-82 the most expensive by a Pakistan bowler in World Cup history. 

Things looked bleak for the chasing side at that stage, but when Pakistan came out to bat, Fakhar Zaman appeared to have an answer for everything the Kiwis tried to throw at him.

Zaman was masterful as he smashed 126 runs off just 81 deliveries, with captain Babar Azam contributing 66 during another mammoth second-wicket partnership that looked like it might be able to set up an unlikely victory for Mickey Arthur's side and the second-highest run chase in ODI history.

Unfortunately, the rain intervened midway through Pakistan's innings, so we will never know if they would have chased down over 400 successfully.

But when play was finally abandoned, Pakistan were ahead on Duckworth Lewis, Zaman and Azam still at the crease as Pakistan finished on 200/1 off just over 25 overs to come out on top in an astonishing clash.

The victory keeps their World Cup sem-final hopes alive, although New Zealand are still favourites to advance because of their superior net-run rate to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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