In the third warm-up game of the ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets. In a high-scoring encounter, New Zealand batters toyed with the Pakistani bowling unit and chased the target with ease. On a positive note, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson also participated in the game and smacked a half-century.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam opted to bat first. His decision didn't go well with the team, as Pakistan lost both openers for just 46 runs. However, after their departure, skipper Babar and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan took charge and added 114 runs for the third wicket. Babar, in his innings, scored 80 runs off 84 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes.
Meanwhile, Rizwan, in his innings, scored a brilliant century. He smashed 103 runs off 94 balls with the help of nine fours and two sixes before getting retired. In the end, Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman also scored some runs and took Pakistan to a comfortable position. They posted a massive total of 345/5 in 50 overs. For New Zealand, spinner Mitchell Santner took two wickets.
New Zealand batters showcased their batting power
Chasing a massive total, New Zealand got off to a shaky start as opener Devon Conway got out for a duck. However, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson added 179 runs for the second wicket. Williamson, in his inning, scored 54 runs off 50 balls with the help of eight fours. After he retired, Daryl Mitchell came to bat. Mitchell, in his inning, scored 59 runs off 57 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes.
However, despite a great batting performance, Rachin Ravindra failed to score a century. He was dismissed by Agha Salman for 97 runs off 72 balls with the help of 16 fours and a six. In the end, Mark Chapman's half-century helped New Zealand seal the game. Chapman, in his inning, scored 65 runs off 41 balls with the help of four fours and a six. With this victory, New Zealand will be boasting confidence ahead of their opening encounter against England.
Here is how fans reacted to New Zealand's victory:
alle alle pic.twitter.com/xbZUGS7RHZ
โ Naresh Tanwar ๐ฎ๐ณ (@nareshtanwar_) September 29, 2023
Sab BCCI ki vajah se pic.twitter.com/TeZgg0dfBS
โ Parth Goyal (@StocksRoyale) September 29, 2023
koi baat nhi its okay
โ Rubab ๐ต๐ฐ (@R_4_Rubab) September 29, 2023
Ye form me aagye ICC world ke lie hmesha ki tarah๐ฅน
โ ใ ๐๐๐๐๐ ใ๐ค๐ฅ (@TheHottestDevil) September 29, 2023
A very strong statement by New Zealand before the world cup
โ Vเคเคฏ Sharเคฎเคพเค (@vij7227) September 29, 2023
Let's laugh at Pakistan ๐
โ Ankit ๐ฌ (@Imankit6908) September 29, 2023
Unbelievable chase
โ Mohit (@MohitMe11065970) September 29, 2023
Rachin ravindra bhi run maar raha hai ab to sharam kar le ravindra...
โ Archer (@poserarcher) September 29, 2023