Azam hits hundred as Pakistan halts New Zealand's unbeaten run to continue World Cup revival
Pakistan beat New Zealand by six wickets
Birmingham, June 26: Babar Azam produced a sublime unbeaten century under pressure as Pakistan continued its revival in the World Cup by halting New Zealand's unbeaten run with a six-wicket victory, here Wednesday.
Chasing 238 on a tricky Edgbaston pitch which offered vicious turn, Azam (101) and Sohail (68) showed intent, temperament and resolve while batting in Pakistan's must-win game.
They raised a 126-run stand for the fourth wicket after Mohammed Hafeez's dismissal off a part-time spinner, yet again, raised eyebrows and Mitchell Santner looked almost unplayable.
The situation demanded restraint and Hafeez was set but he threw away his wicket while trying to attack Kane Williamson.
This was after Fakhar Zaman (9) was done in by Trent Boult and Imam ul Haq (19) became a victim of Lockie Ferguson.
Taking the attack by the scruff of its neck, Azam shifted the gears after completing his half-century and hit some glorious shots off Williamson and Boult to keep the required run-rate under check.
The 24-year-old completed his century, 10th in ODIs, with a single of Lockie Ferguson off. His knock, coming off 127 balls, was embellished with 11 shots to the fence.
Sohail provided superb support from the other end before running himself out. Only two runs were required at that time. Williamson tried all the tricks in his bag but Pakistan overhauled the target with five balls to spare.
With this win, Pakistan have now moved up to number six in the table with seven points from as many games. They now need to win their last two games against Afghanistan (June 29) and Bangladesh (July 5) to hope for semi final qualification.
The win-lose sequence in first seven matches for Pakistan is exactly the same what they had in their victorious campaign in the 1992 World Cup.
New Zealand, who lost their first game of the tournament, stayed on number two with 11 points, behind Australia (12).
Earlier, Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi rattled the top and middle order in a fiery spell but James Neesham (97 not out) and Colin de Grandhomme (64) helped New Zealand post 237 for six.
Reduced to 83 for five after electing to bat, New Zealand looked up to Williamson for yet another rescue act but it was Neesham and de Grandhomme, who revived the Kiwi innings with their 132-run partnership.
De Grandhomme's run out ended the fighting stand but Neesham stayed till the end and finished the innings in style by hitting a six off Wahab Riaz. He missed out on getting his maiden ODI century but his crucial knock, which came off 112 balls with five fours and three sixes, helped New Zealand stay in the game.
Pakistan were off to a cracking start as Mohammed Amir (1/63) struck with his first delivery. Martin Guptill (5) played that ball on to his stumps.
Left-arm Afridi then swung into action, ripping apart the middle order. He began by dismissing Colin Munro (12), who was caught by Haris Sohail in slips and then returned to send back dangerous Ross Taylor (3).
Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was called a pig by a fan, took a one-handed blinder, diving full-stretched on his right to hold an edge from Taylor.
The combo of Sarafaraz and Afiridi was at it again and this time Tom Latham (1) was consumed.
Williamson (41) and Neesham added 37 runs for the fifth wicket before leg-spinner Shadab Khan (1/43) beat the Kiwi skipper and his edge was smartly taken by Sarfaraz.
Nothing seemed to work for Pakistan after that with Neesham and de Grandhomme building the innings bit by bit.
They worked the ball around, stayed patient until it was time to accelerate.
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MP: 10 Naxals with total bounty of Rs 2.36 cr surrender in front of CM with AK-47s, INSAS rifles
Balaghat (PTI): Ten hardcore Naxalites, including four women, carrying a collective bounty of Rs 2.36 crore on their heads, surrendered in Balaghat on Sunday, prompting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to declare Dindori and Mandla completely free from the Naxal influence.
The surrendered Naxalits laid down modern weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, in front of Yadav. They were part of the 'Bhorsadev area committee' of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), officials said.
"Dindori and Mandla are now completely free from Naxal influence. A complete Naxal eradication campaign will begin in Balaghat from January. Those who return to the mainstream will get a rehabilitation package for 15 years, while strict action will continue against those who do not," Yadav said.
At the 'Punarvas Se Purnajeevan' (rehabilitation) event held at the Balaghat police lines, Yadav urged Naxalites to join the mainstream under the government's surrender policy and said the administration would ensure their rehabilitation.
"The government's rehabilitation policy is not just an announcement but a guarantee. Anyone who gives up violence and surrenders will get full opportunities for a dignified life, security and rehabilitation.
"The government's aim is to provide a safe future to every person who wants to walk the path of development and peace," he said.
Yadav said the government was committed to freeing Madhya Pradesh of Naxalism as per the target set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"The time has come to give the last salute to 'Lal Salaam'. The campaign was to be completed by March 2026, but due to the indomitable courage of our security agencies and police, a roadmap has now been prepared to finish it by January 2026." No one would be permitted to pick up arms, he added.
The ten were members of the 'Bhoramdeo area committee' of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), officials said.
"They belonged to the new division KB of the Maharashtra'?MP'?Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone comprising Kanha Tiger Reserve in Mandla and the Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary of Kawardha district in Chhattisgarh. It was led by ultra Sunder alias Kabir.
"MP shares borders with Gondia district of Maharashtra as well as Rajnandgaon, Khairagarh and Kawardha of Chhattisgarh," an official said.
"They had formed the GRB division comprising Gondia, Rajnandgaon and Balaghat. Chief Minister Yadav gave the surrendered Naxalites copies of the Constitution," the official added.
The surrendered cadres were identified as Sunder alias Kabir alias Soma (AK-47, bounty Rs 62 lakh), Rakesh Odo alias Bima, Samar alias Samru alias Raju (.303 rifle, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Salita alias Savita (SLR, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Vikram alias Hidma (bounty Rs 14 lakh) and Lalsing Madavi alias Seengoo (INSAS, bounty Rs 14 lakh).
The others were Shilpa (INSAS, bounty Rs 14 lakh), Zarina alias Jogi (bounty Rs 14 lakh), Jaysheela (single-shot gun, bounty Rs 14 lakh) and Naveen alias Hidma (single-shot gun, bounty Rs 14 lakh).
On the occasion, Director General of Police Kailash Makwana said new camps have been established by security personnel, while the anti-Naxal Hawk Force and police are being strengthened.
He said officers and personnel are being continuously encouraged. These actions have produced positive results.
"Surrenders are rising in Madhya Pradesh as well as other states. Efforts in employment and skill development had helped connect youth and citizens from Naxal-affected areas to the mainstream," the DGP added.
