Pakistan kept their World Cup hopes alive to end New Zealand’s unbeaten record with a six-wicket win at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

New Zealand knew victory would secure a fourth successive World Cup semi-final appearance, but the Black Caps were unable to defend their total of 237 for six against revitalised opposition.

Babar Azam’s unbeaten 101 – the first World Cup century by a Pakistan player other than an opening batsman since 1987 – saw off New Zealand with five balls to spare.

Tweet of the day

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes his country are in with a shout of making the semi-finals.

Snap shot

New Zealand v Pakistan – ICC Cricket World Cup – Group Stage – Edgbaston
Pakistan’s Babar Azam celebrates his match-winning century against New Zealand (Simon Cooper/PA)

New Zealand v Pakistan – ICC Cricket World Cup – Group Stage – Edgbaston
Pakistan fans turned Edgbaston into a sea of green (Simon Cooper/PA)

Tournament tracker

Cricket World Cup: key statistics so far
Cricket World Cup: key statistics so far (PA Graphics)

England’s Joe Root on the need for cool heads in the crunch duel with India on Sunday

Stat will do

Top shot

New Zealand v Pakistan – ICC Cricket World Cup – Group Stage – Edgbaston
Haris Sohail played a key role for Pakistan with 68 from 76 balls (Simon Cooper/PA)

Spinning his web

New Zealand v Pakistan – ICC Cricket World Cup – Group Stage – Edgbaston
Shadab Khan (centre) and team-mates celebrate the prize wicket of New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson (Simon Cooper/PA)

Top-four fight

England v Australia – ICC Cricket World Cup – Group Stage – Lord’s
England must raise their heads again in final two games (Adam Davy/PA)

Up next

June 27: West Indies v India at Old Trafford

Table

Cricket World Cup table
Cricket World Cup table (PA Graphic)

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