There was a small rain delay in the New Zealand-Pakistan game at Edgbaston. The ground staff did a good job to make sure that no overs were lost in the game.
Pakistan fans came in large numbers to support their team in its quest to qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup semifinals. Even one loss from this point would hugely affect the Asian side's qualification hopes.
Martin Guptill's lean form in this tournament continued as he was bowled off an inside edge by Mohammad Amir for five in just the second over of the match.
Shaheen Afridi took the wickets of Colin Munro, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham to reduce New Zealand to 46 for 4 in 12.3 overs. Shaheen finish his spell with figures of 3 for 28 in 10 overs with 3 maidens.
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed took three good catches this game including that of New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson off the bowling of leg-spinner Shadab Khan. With the wicket of the in-form Williamson the Kiwis was reduced to 83 for 5 in 26.2 overs.
Two New Zealand all-rounders James Neesham and Colin de Grandhomme joined hands to put up a partnership of 132 to revive the innings for their team. Neesham made an unbeaten 97 to take the Kiwis to 237 for 6 in 50 overs.
New Zealand fast bowlers Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson got the side to a brilliant start by removing the Pakistan openers cheaply. Pakistan was reduced to 44 for 2 in 10.2 overs.
Haris Sohail scored a well-made 68 and was set to take Pakistan all the way with centurion Babar Azam but Martin Guptill produced a brilliant run-out to dismiss him with few more runs needed to win. Guptill was a live-wire in the field with two other catches as well.
Babar Azam scored his 10th ODI century and his first ever in World Cups to take Pakistan home in a tricky chase against New Zealand. This loss was the Kiwis' first in this year's tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, now has a decent chance to advance to the semis.
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