Pakistan secured victory in their 'must win' match against New Zealand on Saturday under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method after rain washed out large parts of the match in Bengaluru.
New Zealand set Pakistan an astronomical target of 402 runs after Rachin Ravindra smashed his third century of the tournament, while Kane Williamson narrowly missed out on his with 95. Pakistani bowlers were mauled by the Kiwis, with only Mohammad Wasim performing better, picking up three wickets for 60 runs in his 10-over spell.
The total is higher than any total Pakistan has scored in the limited overs format ever. Its highest total fell short at 399 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on July 20, 2018. Its highest-ever run chase was 345 against Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament.
Pakistan started its innings poorly, losing Abdullah Shafique in just the second over for four. However, Player-of-the-Match Fakhar Zaman and captain Babar Azam not only held on but scored briskly before rain interrupted them in the twenty-second over with the score at 160.
Zaman also completed his 11th career century and first in a World Cup, scoring it off just 63 balls with nine sixes and six boundaries.
When play resumed after an hour and a half, Pakistan had a revised total and fewer overs.
But a few overs later, a heavy downpour forced the umpires to halt play and call for the covers to be pulled over the ground. But before that, Zaman smashed three sixes to help Pakistan score 200 and kept the side ahead of New Zealand in the DLS method.
With rain incessant, Pakistan were awarded the win.
It meant that Pakistan moved into fifth with eight points on the board. New Zealand's loss meant South Africa automatically became the second team to qualify for the semifinals.
The path to the semifinals is still unclear for the Men in Green, who must win their last match against England on November 9 and hope Sri Lanka wins against New Zealand.
In Pakistan, #QudratKaNizam (Karma) was trending after the win, indicating that metaphysical powers were helping Pakistan on a route to the semifinals, where Pakistan could lock horns with India.