In a thrilling ODI World Cup warm-up match at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, New Zealand pulled off a remarkable chase to defeat Pakistan by five wickets.
The encounter saw fireworks from both sides, setting the stage for an exhilarating World Cup showdown.
The star of the day, Rachin Ravindra, displayed sheer brilliance with the bat, notching up a scintillating 97 off just 72 deliveries.
His spectacular innings laid the foundation for New Zealand’s successful pursuit of a formidable target of 346 runs against Pakistan.
Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson, and Mark Chapman contributed significantly, each scoring a half-century to steer their team to victory.
New Zealand come out victorious in the warm-up match today 🏏
We play our second warm-up on Tuesday at the same venue against Australia.#NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/MR9bjjrw6G
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 29, 2023
Winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan initially faced some early setbacks.
However, their captain, Babar Azam, exhibited his sublime form, aggressively dispatching the ball to all corners of the ground on his way to a blistering 80 runs.
The highlight of Pakistan’s innings was the exceptional performance of Mohammad Rizwan, who notched up a splendid century, amassing 103 runs. His partnership with Azam and Saud Shakeel, who added a crucial 75 runs, formed the backbone of Pakistan’s imposing total.
With Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge, Pakistan managed to post a formidable total of 345 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The Pakistani batsmen’s display not only electrified the stadium but also raised hopes among fans for a triumphant campaign in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.
