"Rain in Bengaluru was accompanied by a storm named Fakhar Zaman" - Fans on Twitter react to Pakistan opener's blazing ton vs NZ in 2023 World Cup

Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman slammed a scintillating century during the side's do-or-die encounter against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4.

The Men in Green has their back onto the wall after New Zealand registered an imposing 401-run total upfront. To make matters worse, they lost Abdullah Shafique in the second over itself.

However, Fakhar seemed unfazed by the pressure and counter-attacked the New Zealand bowlers with exemplary confidence. The southpaw entertained viewers, striking 11 maximums and eight fours.

The left-handed batter crossed the 100-run mark in just 63 balls, slamming the fastest-ever ton by a Pakistani batter in World Cups. He remained unbeaten on 126 off 81 deliveries as Babar Azam and Co. completed a 21-run win by DLS method.

Several fans took to social media, lauding Fakhar Zaman for his incredible batting exploits in the crucial encounter. Here are some of the best reactions:

Fakhar Zaman's quick-fire knock helped Pakistan be ahead of the par score when rain stopped play. With this victory, Babar Azam and Co.'s hopes of semi-final qualification remained afloat in the ongoing showpiece event.

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"We will play aggressively in the next game" - Fakhar Zaman after Pakistan beat New Zealand in 2023 World Cup

At the post-match presentation, Fakhar Zaman said that the Pakistani team have decided to maintain an aggressive approach their remaining fixtures of the 2023 World Cup.

The swashbuckling batter also suggested that this was probably one of the best knocks of his ODI career. About his performance, Fakhar said:

"We were chasing 400 and that was our plan, just to see off the first 4 overs and thankfully it was my day. To be honest, I was lucky a few times but really enjoyed this innings."

He added:

"We know every game is a do or die for us and we have decided to play aggressively and we are playing with that mind so everybody is just trying to score runs. This is one of the best (knocks), but I will always rank my 193 in South Africa highly, but I really enjoyed this game and New Zealand are a great side, so definitely one of the best."

Fakhar added that his side knew the DLS could come into play and hence, played aggressively throughout.

"We were also praying that we don't want any more game to happen (during the rain break) because it was already 9 and half hours and we knew that DLS would come into the equation. We wanted to play with that aggressive mindset and we will play aggressively in the next game also." he added.

With four wins and as many losses from eight outings, Pakistan are currently placed fifth in the points table.