ODI World Cup: 1992 Cornered Tigers comparisons must wait but Babar Azam’s Pakan still have heart for a fight | Cricket-world-cup News

Losing a thriller to an inspired South Africa, a huge win over Bangladesh and beating New Zealand on Saturday via the DLS method courtesy of an unbeaten, attacking hundred from an opener — brought back after sitting out because of injury. Pushed into a corner after four losses on the trot, Pakan have not rolled over. Epitaphs can be put on hold for now.They still need to win against England at Eden Gardens next Saturday to have any hope of making the semifinals. This campaign isn’t a comeback of epic proportions yet but the Pakan faithful can’t be blamed for hoping the spirit of 1992 somehow rubs off on this team.
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One thing is certain, there is still fight left in them — like Fakhar Zaman exhibited during his unbeaten 126 off 81, a knock which comprised 11 sixes. Keeping him company, when rain played spoilsport to what was looking like a brave and excellent chase of 402, was Babar with just over a-run-a-ball 66.
In pursuit of a revised target of 342 in 41 overs, Pakan’s charge was halted at 200/1 in 25.3 overs heavy showers, which was 21 runs more than the DLS par score.
A week back Pakan looked totally hopeless. So hopeless that their own cricket board threw them under the bus. But here they were in Bengaluru giving hope again to their die-hard but unforgiving fans. Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq resigned earlier this week following conflict of interest allegations, knives are out for Babar. After the win, Babar could afford to smile when 1992 was brought up post match.

Pakan win 21 runs on DLS
A @FakharZamanLive masterclass for the ages as Pakan bag two points! #NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #DattKePakani pic.twitter.com/1SGycfJs0V
— Pakan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 4, 2023
New Zealand’s must-win match against Sri Lanka on Thursday is at the mercy of rain Gods, so there is more reason for Pakan to be hopeful.
“I think our team lacks a rhythm and when we get that rhythm then everyone plays well. Like in the last match our bowlers bowled very well. Even in this match at the end the bowlers made a very good comeback. The way the wicket was playing, I think we saved 30–40 runs. The main thing is rhythm, which I think we have got now,” Zaman said.
At every World Cup, Pakan are known to make the campaign harder for themselves and this has been no exception. And even on Saturday, they did so, as after winning the toss they chose to bowl first and ended up conceding 401/6 that looked beyond them. Even though they had nothing to lose, the target seemed too steep for a batting line-up that doesn’t have enough power-hitters in their ranks and play a brand of play that is outdated in the modern era.

However, DLS was going to be in play and Pakan looked better prepared than New Zealand to adjust to the changing conditions. Though they ended up losing Abdullah Shafique early, it was Zaman who stole the thunder with an unbeaten 126. None epitomised the “nothing to lose” attitude more than Zaman, who came back into the XI only in their previous match against Bangladesh and scored 81. Having missed five of their matches since playing the first one against the Netherlands because of a knee-injury, his arrival provided the spark that Pakan have desperately needed at the top. Unlike the other two openers, Zaman is known to be destructive and can muscle the ball wherever he intends to as he showed in Bangalore, hitting 11 sixes that deflated the Kiwis.Most Read
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This wasn’t blind slogging, but a calculated approach of him combining his brute strength and the familiarity of the attack, against whom he had scored three successive centuries earlier this year. Whenever something landed in his slot, which was fuller, he didn’t think twice before clearing his front leg and opening up his shoulders and depositing it over the arc between mid-wicket and long-off. The line hardly mattered and sans Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry – two quicks who can trouble him with short deliveries – Zaman went on a rampage. For a player, who has a hory of struggles against spinners, Zaman had no trouble in depositing Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips over the fence. With dark clouds parking over the stadium, and DLS sheet in their pockets, Zaman and Babar would take calculated risks. They made it look ridiculously easy – ensuring they stayed ahead of New Zealand at the 20-over mark.

It is starting to look like a turnaround from Pakan but net run rate could still come into play depending on how results go. As coach Mickey Arthur said on Friday, despite all the chaos, he has found this team calm at all times. Against all odds, Babar and Co. have not been knocked out of the World Cup yet. They didn’t have the best of bowling days, but the batsmen didn’t give up. New Zealand even struck an early blow when Kane Williamson chased the high ball which was going away from him and dived well to catch opener Shafique. Williamson was in contention for the catch of the tournament, the Kiwis looked pumped up and ready to turn the screws. Earlier, Rachin Ravindra had scored his third World Cup hundred and Williamson, making a return after fracturing his thumb, batted like only he can for a well made 95.
But Pakan found a way. Their fate still hangs in the balance and they remain cornered but there is a glimmer of hope and most times Pakan just need that to turn their fortunes around.