Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman left spectators and commentators astounded with his remarkable 99-metre six during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. The match took place on October 31st at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Zaman, who had been sidelined from the squad after the first match against the Netherlands due to knee issues, made a triumphant return to the field. He started his innings cautiously, scoring just three runs from his initial 11 deliveries. However, he soon unleashed his prowess with a stunning strike against Taskin Ahmed in the third ball of the fifth over.
The ball soared towards deep mid-wicket, covering an impressive distance of 99 metres. The sound of the bat connecting with the ball was music to the ears of cricket enthusiasts, leaving the commentators utterly amazed.
The match saw Pakistan on the path to victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a solid 128-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique. Zaman contributed a significant 81 runs off 74 balls, which included seven sixes and three fours, while Shafique added 68 runs to the tally.
Earlier in the game, Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi played a crucial role in restricting Bangladesh to a total of 204 runs. Afridi claimed three wickets for 23 runs, with commendable support from Mohammad Wasim who also took three wickets for 31 runs. Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets for 36 runs, causing Bangladesh to struggle on the dry and slow pitch of Eden Gardens, where they were all out in 45.1 overs.
Bangladesh managed to cross the 200-run mark primarily due to a steady 70-ball 56 from Mahmudullah, 45 by Liton Das and skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s 64-ball 43.
With this victory, Pakistan’s hopes for a semi-final berth in the World Cup 2023 remain alive. They are scheduled to play against New Zealand on October 4 and England on October 12.
