Fakhar Zaman hits fastest century by a Pakistan batsman in ICC Cricket World Cup

Fakhar Zaman smashed a scintillating century against New Zealand in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Bengaluru.

Pakistan opening batter Fakhar Zaman has put his feet on the accelerator while looking up in the sky against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. While chasing a mammoth total of 402, Fakhar Zaman has put Pakistan in a comfortable position with his 63-ball century. He smashed a record-breaking fastest World Cup century for Pakistan and gave a big scare to New Zealand, looking for semi-finals qualification in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Fakhar smashed a record-breaking century at Chinnaswamy and gave Pakistan a blistering start to their innings. Till the rain break, Pakistan have scored 160 runs in 21.3 overs, and they are currently 10 runs ahead according to the DLS par score. Fakhar Zaman went past Imran Nazir’s record for scoring the fastest century by a Pakistan batsman in the World Cup. Imran Nazir scored a century in 95 balls against Zimbabwe in the 2007 World Cup played in West Indies.

Glenn Maxwell holds the record for fastest ODI World Cup century

Earlier in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Glenn Maxwell (40 balls) broke the record of Aiden Markram (49 balls) in the same event for the fastest World Cup century. First, Aiden Markram smashed a 49-ball century against Sri Lanka on October 8. Later on in the tournament, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell overtook Markram and smashed a 40-ball hundred against Netherlands to set this record in his name. Before the World Cup, Kevin O’Brien (50 balls) held this record for 12 years.

Fakhar Zaman has smashed 106 runs so far in his innings with seven fours and nine sixes. Zaman has been accompanied by captain Babar nicely in their chase, and they have added 154 runs on 117 balls so far. Babar Azam is also closing in on another half-century in the tournament. Pakistan are currently 10 runs ahead in DLS par. New Zealand posted 401 runs in 50 overs with the help of big innings from Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (95).

Rachin Ravindra smashed his third World Cup century and became the only player in Kiwi history to smash more than two centuries in one edition. Kane Williamson also marked a wonderful return with a magnificent knock. Williamson missed out on his hundred by just five runs. Glenn Phillips (41) and Mark Chapman (39) also contributed to Blackcaps' total. Both teams need a victory to remain in the race for the semi-finals of the World Cup.