Imran Khan congratulates Pakistan cricket team on 'great comeback'

Following Pakistan's thrilling win against New Zealand on Wednesday night, Prime Minister Imran Khan congratulated the cricket team on "a great comeback."

"Congratulations especially go to Babar, Haris and Shaheen for their brilliant performances," said Imran, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup.

Imran Khan extended the felicitations on his official Twitter account after Pakistan won the crucial match against New Zealand.

Pakistan ruined New Zealand’s perfect record with a six-wicket victory in Birmingham that kept its Cricket World Cup semifinal hopes alive and put more pressure on England.

Babar Azam hit his 10th ODI century, finishing 101 not out off 127 balls, as Pakistan reached 241-4 in 49.1 overs in reply to New Zealand’s 237-6.

Babar Azam (3R) shakes hands with New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson (L) as he celebrates after victory in the group match. AFP

Every boundary — 11 of them from Babar — produced a huge roar and a sea of green flags in the stands as an overwhelmingly Pakistan-supporting crowd had a day to remember at Edgbaston.

Wasim, Afridi praise Pakistan’s brilliant start against New Zealand

Earlier, Pakistan’s former cricket captain Wasim Akram and former all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi have lauded Pakistan team for their brilliant start against New Zealand in must-win match in the World Cup 2019.

Wasim took to Twitter lauding the performance of the team said, “What a start from Pakistan vs New Zealand under the pump here. Everyone is chipping in body language is looking brilliant by the boys in green.”

Shahid Afridi said “Great start Pakistan!! We should not let this go from here, body language must stay the same. Wickets are crucial Pakistan must not sit back, need to keep attacking.”

Pakistan’s paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi took three quick wickets to leave New Zealand in desperate trouble at 46-4 in the World Cup match against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Mohammad Amir bowled Martin Guptill with the score on five before Shaheen had opener Colin Munro caught by Haris Sohail in the slips for 12.

New Zealand, who won the toss and chose to bat, struggled passed fifty in the 16th over.