New Zealand showcased their cricket prowess by successfully chasing down a daunting target of 346 against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (CWC23) warm-up match held in Hyderabad.
This encounter marked Pakistan’s return to Indian soil after a seven-year hiatus, with Babar Azam, their captain, winning the toss and choosing to bat.
The early stages of Pakistan’s innings saw an unfortunate setback as Imam-ul-Haq departed for a mere one run in the third over. Nevertheless, Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique collaborated to steady the ship until Shafique was outsmarted by Mitchell Santner, leaving Pakistan at 46-2.
Unfazed by this setback, Mohammad Rizwan joined his skipper, and together they constructed a crucial 114-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While Babar fell short of a century, Rizwan achieved this milestone before retiring.
Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed contributed valuable runs towards the end, setting an imposing target of 346 for the Blackcaps.
New Zealand’s pursuit of this target started on the wrong foot when Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck in just the second over, courtesy of Hasan Ali’s first ball. This early wicket put the onus on the Kiwi batsmen to mount a formidable comeback.
Kane Williamson, making a significant return to the team after missing the first innings, scored 54 runs off 50 balls, dispelling any doubts about his form. He partnered with Rachin Ravindra, the opening batsman, and the pair established a vital century partnership.
Ravindra played a substantial innings, falling just short of a century with a score of 97. His dismissal came at the hands of Salman Ali Agha as Pakistan aimed to stage a comeback.
Daryl Mitchell then contributed a valuable half-century before retiring, leaving New Zealand with over 80 runs still needed. Jimmy Neesham and Mark Chapman took up the mantle and guided New Zealand closer to victory.
In the end, New Zealand secured a remarkable five-wicket win in the 44th over, with Mark Chapman sealing the victory with a powerful six.
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