After top-order batter Fakhar Zaman’s fireworks steered Pakistan to victory in the crucial match against New Zealand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf announced a prize money of Rs1,000,000 (Rs1 million) for the prolific cricketer.
Smashing eight boundaries and 11 sixes — equalling former skipper Shahid Afridi’s ODI record — Fakhar hit a blistering century — the fastest from any Pakistani in the World Cup — to score an unbeaten 81-ball 126 that helped Pakistan clinch the victory.
To laud and appreciate Fakhar’s match-winning knock, Ashraf talked to the 33-year-old batter on the phone and expressed hope to see more such performances from him.
He also expressed his wish for Pakistan’s success in the upcoming matches and announced the prize money for Fakhar.
Pakistan kept their dream to reach the semi-finals alive by launching their onslaught through centurion Fakhar to win a rain-hit World Cup game by 21 runs via the DLS method on Saturday.
Chasing the mammoth 402 to win the high-stakes clash, Pakistan took the attack to New Zealand as Fakhar hit a blistering century off 63 balls and Babar Azam inched towards his fifty when rain halted play with the score on 160-1 in 21.3 overs.
The target was revised to 342 in 41 overs and Fakhar picked up from where he left off, reaching 126, while Babar struck an unbeaten 66 but the showers returned with Pakistan adding 40 to their total in four overs.
Pakistan’s fireworks meant they were 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score when the game was eventually called off, ensuring a victory that took them to eight points from as many matches — level on points with fourth-placed New Zealand.
