ICC World Cup: Pakistan beat New Zealand by 6 wickets

Pakistan kept alive their chances of reaching the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, cruising to a six-wicket win against previously unbeaten New Zealand at Edgbaston.

New Zealand scored 237 for six in their 50 overs but that total proved inadequate as batsman Babar Azam scored an impressive unbeaten century and left-handed batsman Haris Sohail (68) offered valuable support.

Azam became the second-fastest to reach 3,000 one-day international (ODI) runs during the World Cup match against New Zealand in Birmingham.

The 24-year-old reached the milestone in his 68th innings during Pakistan's chase of a 238-run target.

Babar took 11 innings more than South Africa's Hashim Amla, who reached the milestone in 57 innings, but overtook West Indies great Viv Richards (69 innings).

Pakistan were 110 for three at the halfway point of 25 overs at Edgbaston, needing another 128 runs for victory.

Babar and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez (32) added 66 for the third wicket after Pakistan lost openers



Fakhar Zaman (nine) and Imam-ul-Haq (19).

Hafeez was caught by pacer Lockie Ferguson in the deep off the bowling of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for 32 to leave Pakistan 110-3.

Babar went on to reach his 50 off 65 balls with five fours.

Earlier, New Zealand reached 237-6 in their 50 overs, withal-rounder Jimmy Neesham hitting a career-best 97 not out while all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme made 64.

Left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi (3-28) starred as Pakistan reduced New Zealand to 83-5.

New Zealand were wobbling badly when the in-form Williamson was dismissed by leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who enticed the skipper into giving an edge to wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed when he was on 41.

New Zealand, who are second in the 10-team table with 11 points, kept the same team for the fifth match in a row.

Pakistan, who are seventh, with five points, also kept faith with the side that beat South Africa at Lord's on Sunday.