In the midst of the intense race for a top-four spot, New Zealand added a touch of drama to the Cricket World Cup 2023 by posting a formidable total of 401/6 against Pakistan, who currently occupy the sixth position. This high-stakes encounter, held in Bengaluru, saw Pakistan win the toss and choose to bowl first.
New Zealand, showcasing their bold intent right from the outset, sprang a surprise by promoting Rachin Ravindra to open alongside Devon Conway. The duo started the innings on a strong note, posing a threat to the Pakistan pacers. However, Conway’s (35) wicket fell in the 11th over when Hasan Ali struck, inducing an under-edge that wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan caught.
With their first breakthrough, Pakistan appeared to regain control, but Rachin Ravindra had other plans. Responding with style, he notched his half-century in the 20th over, marking his third fifty in his debut World Cup. Ravindra built a formidable partnership with captain Kane Williamson.
In the 34th over, Ravindra achieved his century, becoming the first player to score three centuries in their debut World Cup. Unfortunately for New Zealand, Williamson lost his wicket for 95 in the 35th over, falling victim to Iftikhar Ahmed. Following the departures of Williamson and Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman followed a similar pattern, maintaining pressure on Pakistan. Mitchell (29) was dismissed by Haris Rauf in the 42nd over, while Chapman (39) fell to Mohammad Wasim Jr in the 45th over.
Glenn Phillips (42) contributed significantly, pushing New Zealand closer to the 400-run mark before being dismissed in the 49th over. The final over witnessed Mitchell Santner (26*) smashing a six, taking New Zealand’s total past 400, ultimately setting a daunting target of 402 runs for Pakistan. For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim Jr ended the innings with three wickets.
Meanwhile, in another crucial fixture, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to field. England remained unchanged, while Australia had to make forced changes due to the injuries of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh. They were replaced by Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis. England got off to a promising start as Chris Woakes dismissed Australian openers Travis Head and David Warner within the first six overs. In response, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne held the fort for Australia.
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