Pak vs NZ: Fakhar Zaman's power hitting impresses fans

Pakistan’s hard-hitting batter Fakhar Zaman won praise and love online after he smashed the fastest ton in the World Cup for the Green Shirts during a clash against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India.

The Green Shirts’ swashbuckling opener smashed 100 runs on 63 balls at a strike rate of 157.81 and bagged the title of the fastest Pakistani batter to smash a century.

Fakhar hit a boundary followed by a six, off spinner Mitchell Santner to complete his 11th ton in his 81st one-day international (ODI).

Taking to X — formerly known as Twitter — Haroon said, “Check nine sixes from fakhar zaman in all the ground. Power hitting who?”

Lauding Zaman, another user remarked: “What a talent!”

"What an innings by Fakhar Zaman, by far Pakistan’s best batter. Which brains kept him on the bench for the best part of the tournament, God knows, said Virender Sehwag.

Chasing a mammoth 402-run target, Pakistan suffered a setback when opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a meagre four runs after playing nine balls.

But Fakhar stood his ground and got support from skipper Babar Azam, who did not disappoint and has lived up to the moment so far.

The captain, who has not been below par in this World Cup, is also nearing his half-century. Babar is at 47.

The rain stopped the play as Pakistan remain at 160/1 — 10 runs ahead of the DLS score.