New Zealand beat Pakistan by five wickets in warm-up match

Pakistan set 346-run target for New Zealand in World Cup warm-up match

HYDERABAD (Dunya News) – New Zealand on Friday defeated Pakistan by five wickets as they easily chased the mammoth target of 346 runs in 43.4 overs in the warm-up match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Hyderabad stadium.

Opener Rachin Ravindra led the chase against Pakistan as he smashed 97. Kane Williamson retired hurt for 54 while Mark Champan made unbeaten 65, helping team to secure the victory. 

Earlier, Pakistan hd set a challenging total of 346 runs. After Abdullah Shafique (14) and Imamul Haq (1) failed to take a good start, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan built a strong partnership on third wicket to put scores on board.

Azam was removed for 80 while Rizwan was at 103 when he was retired out. Saud Shakeek smashed 75 runs while Agha Salman made 33 to maintain the momentum as opponent bowlers struggled to restrict the score.

At the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, Pakistani skipper Babar Azam won the toss and decided to bat first.

T O S S A L E R T Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first in the warm-up match against New Zealand. Pakistan will play all 15 players in the game.#NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/BiSmN2upa3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 29, 2023

For just 5 runs, Pakistan lost its first wicket of opener, Imamul-Haq. He could score just one run in the third over of the match and returned to pavilion. Second dismissed player was Abdullah Shafique who scored only 14 runs in 25 balls.

Also Read: ICC World Cup menu - which dishes are served to guests?

Tom Latham is leading the New Zealand team in the warm-up match.

More to follow…