New Zealand vs Pakistan Highlights, Cricket World Cup 2023: After more than an hour-long rain break, Pakistan are handed a revised target of 342 in 41 overs (DLS) to win in Bengaluru. The men in green had been cruising before the break, reaching 160/1 in 21.3 overes; in a colossal …Read More chase against New Zealand, Fakhar Zaman played a remarkable innings, scoring a sensational century off just 63 balls, leading Pakistan’s charge. Pakistan faced an early setback in the second over when Tim Southee dismissed Abdullah Shafique for just 4 runs. However, Fakhar continued his aggressive hitting, taking on Trent Boult and Glenn Philips in particular. His century is the fastest by a Pakistan batter in World Cups. Meanwhile, Babar Azam also held his ground and remained solid at the crease.
With the race to top-four getting more and more intense with every passing day, a ton from Rachin Ravindra has added more drama as fourth-placed New Zealand posted 401/6 in 50 overs vs Pakistan, who are sixth, in Bengaluru on Saturday. Initially, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl. New Zealand showcased their boldness right from the start, promoting Ravindra to the opener slot, partnering Devon Conway. The pair began on a strong note in this 2023 World Cup fixture, and threatened Pakistan pacers. But Conway (35) lost his wicket as Hasan Ali struck in the 11th over. The Kiwi batter under-edged Hasan to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for a catch.
Getting their first breakthrough, it looked like Pakistan would gain gain control. But Ravindra responded in style, getting his half-century in the 20th over. It also turned out to be his third fifty in his debut World Cup. The all-rounder built a strong partnership captain Kane Williamson. Ravindra got his ton in the 34th over, also becoming the first batter to get 3 tons in his debut World Cup. Meanwhile, Williamson lost his wicket for 95, in the 35th over, losing his wicket to Iftikhar Ahmed. On the other hand, Ravindra perished for 108, getting dismissed by Mohammad Wasim Jr. After the departure of Williamson and Ravindra, Mitchell and Chapman followed the same template and piled up more pressure on Pakistan. Mitchell (29) lost his wicket to Haris Rauf in the 42nd over and Chapman (39) departed in the 45th over, falling to Wasim Jr. Glenn Phillips (42) took New Zealand a step closer to 400-plus, and departed in the 49th over, with his side at 388/6. Mitchell Santner (26*) hit the six in the final over which took New Zealand past 400, as they set a 402-run target for Pakistan. For Pakistan, Wasim Jr ended the innings with three wickets.
New Zealand have four wins and three defeats, the latest being a massive 190-run loss against South Africa, which has put serious doubts over their capabilities. On the other hand, Pakistan revived their campaign with a much-needed seven-wicket victory against already-eliminated Bangladesh. The result saw Pakistan take their points tally to six. A defeat against New Zealand will put an end to Pakistan’s semifinal hopes in India. Meanwhile, a win will see them maintain their chances of making it to the knockouts, but they will need to win their other match too and hope other results go in their favour.
Skipper Williamson has returned to the New Zealand side, replacing opener Will Young. Also, Ish Sodhi replaces Matt Henry, and Mark Chapman has been slotted in for James Neesham. Meanwhile, Pakistan have made only one change, with Hasan Ali replacing Usama Mir.
Key takeaways as New Zealand take on Pakistan in Bengaluru-
-Pakistan win toss, opt to field.
-Three changes for New Zealand: Captain Kane Williamson replaces Will Young, Ish Sodhi comes in for Matt Henry, Mark Chapman for James Neesham.
-One change for Pakistan: Hasan Ali replaces Usama Mir.
-Rachin Ravindra gets third fifty in debut World Cup.
-Kane Williamson registers half-century.
-Kane Williamson dismissed for 95 in 35th over.
-Rachin Ravindra dismissed for 108 in 36th over, becomes 1st batter to get 3 tons in debut World Cup.
-New Zealand post 401/6 in 50 overs.
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