ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand beat Pakistan in warm-up match

New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets in the third warm-up match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad, India, on Friday.

The Kiwis had no trouble chasing a colossal target of 346 runs. Rachin Ravindra top-scored for the winning side but narrowly missed out on his century as he became the victim of Salman Agha after scoring 97 runs.

But it was Mark Chapman who went berserk and led his side to the chase without any difficulty. He scored 65 off 41 with eight boundaries.

Daryl Mitchell also scored 59 off 57 but more than anything, the Kiwis would be delighted with the way their skipper, Kane Williamson, batted as this was his first international match since March 31, when he picked up a knee injury.

What a run chase! ?

New Zealand start their #CWC23 preparations with a stunning win over Pakistan in Hyderabad ?#NZvPAK | #CWC23 | ?: https://t.co/rEthdn9SdD pic.twitter.com/arou5fEUs7

— ICC (@ICC) September 29, 2023

Williamson contributed 54 runs before he retired out, his knock consisted of eight fours.

Usama Mir picked two wickets for the Green Shirts while Hasan Ali, Wasim Jr and Salman got one each.

Batting first, an all-round display by the Pakistani batters allowed the Green Shirts to post 345 runs on the scoreboard.

Mohammad Rizwan scored an astounding knock of 103 runs off 93 which included 11 boundaries.

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, was the second top-scorer as he scored 80 off 84 and with 10 boundaries

Left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel impressed everyone with a solid display with the bat. The 28-year-old contributed to 75 runs with nine boundaries at an impressive strike rate of 141.51.

It must be noted that the warm-up matches will consist of 50 overs per side. However, these matches won't have ODI status because teams will have the flexibility to include all 15 members of their squad in the playing XI.

The game was held without spectators. This decision came in response to recommendations from local security authorities in Hyderabad, the match's designated venue, coinciding with ongoing festivals in the area.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will take place in India with 10 teams fighting for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.

 

Batters warm up in style ?

A glorious century by @iMRizwanPak and brilliant fifties by @babarazam258 and @saudshak take Pakistan to 345-5 ?#NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/JWSl9FfAHG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 29, 2023