In a must-win encounter during the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman delivered a match-winning innings against New Zealand. This outstanding performance led to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf announcing a one-million-rupee reward for Zaman.

Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the Pakistani team secured a 21-run victory over New Zealand using the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November 4. This win keeps Pakistan in the semi-final race.

Facing New Zealand’s formidable total of 401 runs after opting to bowl first, Pakistan lost opener Abdullah Shafique in the second over, who managed to score four runs before being dismissed by veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee.

Fakhar Zaman counter-attacked the New Zealand bowlers and reached his half-century in just 39 balls. He remained unbeaten with an impressive 126 runs off 81 deliveries, including eight fours and 11 sixes. His remarkable feat made him the fourth batter in World Cup history to hit 10 or more sixes in a single innings.

PCB Chairman Announces Generous Reward for Fakhar Zaman’s Heroics

In recognition of his exceptional performance, the PCB announced a cash reward of PKR 1 million for Fakhar Zaman. Zaka Ashraf praised Zaman during a telephone conversation, stating, “Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf has lauded Fakhar Zaman’s outstanding innings of 126 not out in Pakistan’s victory over New Zealand in the ICC World Cup match in Bengaluru.”

With four wins and four losses in eight matches, Pakistan currently holds the fifth position on the points table. They will face England in their final league stage match at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, November 11.

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The PSL Finals are here and two teams who have made strong strides in the tournament take each other on. A final needs just small moments to sway a teams way, and each side has the quality to win those mini-battles and take the momentum. Coming into the PSL Finals let us look at some players who can make a statement with ease on the PSL Finals.

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Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan is the second-highest run-getter this season and has been the most influential captain so far. He is setting strong platforms, allowing others to bat with freedom. Openers generally have a large say on the proceedings of a match as they help set up or dismantle the batting side’s momentum.  Even a solid 30 from Rizwan will be helpful as he will be able to neutralize Shaheen Shah Afridi in the process and make things easier for the other batters.

Tim David

Tim David is striking at 199 and can be monstrous when he gets going. He hits big sixers and a couple in the PSL Finals will put Sultans in a dangerous position. With the ability to strike from ball one, Tim David will be a target for Qalandars as he can take the game away in the flash of a second.

Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar Zaman is another opener who will have a large say on how the game goes. He knows how to handle pressure better than anyone else. His century in the Champions Trophy finals against India was top quality and a clear example of his ability and influence in the game. He is the leading run-scorer in the tournament, and can get quick starts to demoralize the opposition. If Zaman manages an innings longer than 20 balls the game will definitely run away from the Sultans.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

While opening batters have a huge say on the momentum of the game, the bowlers can do just as well to dictate the motion. Shaheen Shah Afridi is among the top bowlers in Pakistan now and can change the game in an over. With his pace an talent he can easily bowl game changing overs, and if he manages to pull out such an over in the PSL Finals his team will be in a strong position.

David Wiese

David Wiese is a big name in the franchise circuit and he showed why he is such a big name in the second qualifier. He punished the bowlers in the death, and bowled a clean and neat over to help defend a score that looked like it would easily be chased down. He can make an impact with both bat and ball, and through the game there will be a lot of eyes on David Wiese.

Imran Tahir

The oldest player in the finals, and probably the most experienced along with Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Tahir, comes into yet another Final. He is an aggressive leg-spin bowler and knows how to take wickets in the middle-overs as well as his abilities are known to the world. Nearly 43, Imran Tahir is among the top wicket takers this season, and his middle over wickets can help choke oppositions with ease. His middle over spell will be important and can easily determine the course of the PSL Finals.