Pakistan have ended New Zealand’s perfect record at the 2019 Cricket World Cup with a six wicket victory that heaps pressure on England.
Babar Aazam hit a superb century – his 10th in ODI cricket – en route to finishing 101 not out off 127 balls at Edgbaston.
His impressive innings helped Pakistan reach 241-4 in 49.1 overs in reply to New Zealand's 237-6 – moving them level on points with fifth place Bangladesh and keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
England, currently sat in fourth, are now just a point ahead having lost three of their four matches ahead of a pivotal clash with India on Sunday.
The hosts need victories against India and New Zealand to guarantee a semi-final place.
New Zealand were hoping to join Australia in confirming a top four finish with victory on Wednesday.
And while they remain in second place, there is still work to be done with the battle for the final three semi-final spots heating up after their first defeat of the tournament.
