On September 29, 2023, Pakistan Vs New Zealand played the 1st match World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad.
New Zealand’s display on the field was truly remarkable, showcasing a blend of skill and strategy that left spectators in awe. The absence of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the bowling attack did little to impede their progress as they effortlessly navigated a formidable 345-run pursuit.
The initial hiccup, marked by Conway’s dismissal for a golden duck, seemed like a minor stumble in the face of what followed. Ravindra emerged as a pivotal force, orchestrating an exceptional innings that not only set the tempo but also tantalizingly fell short of a well-deserved century.
New Zealand 346 for 5 beat Pakistan 345 by five wickets
| Players | Runs |
|---|---|
| Ravindra | 97 |
| D. Mitchell | 59 |
| Chapman | 65* |
| Williamson | 54 |
| Mir | 2-68 |
Pakistan 345 for 5
| Players | Runs |
|---|---|
| Rizwan | 103 |
| Babar | 80 |
| Shakeel | 75 |
| Santner | 2-39 |
seizing the chance for valuable batting practice, Williamson gracefully retired after reaching his half-century. Mitchell and Chapman added their own layers of brilliance, contributing noteworthy fifties, with Chapman’s knock being particularly explosive.
The narrative of the match unfolded with New Zealand in apparent mastery, sending a resounding message through their triumph over a robust Pakistani bowling lineup. The pitch, especially under the evening lights, leaned favorably towards the batsmen.
Pakistan vs New Zealand odi Highlighted
Despite Usama Mir’s leg-spin offering a glimmer of resistance from the Pakistani bowlers, it was clear that New Zealand had a tight grip on proceedings.
What truly underscored their dominance was the ability to chase down 346 with a substantial 6.2 overs to spare, a testament to their command in the contest and a vivid demonstration of their batting prowess.
The ebb and flow of the match, marked by both setbacks and stellar performances, contributed to a tapestry of cricketing brilliance, showcasing New Zealand’s multifaceted approach and unyielding control.
Beyond the final outcome, Bangladesh found a silver lining in Tanzid’s performance, especially considering his recent entry into the international cricket scene.
Having debuted in the Asia Cup just in August and with a mere five ODIs under his belt, Tanzid showcased an impressive ease in adapting to the demands of the big stage.
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan faced an early setback with the loss of two wickets. However, Babar and Rizwan orchestrated a recovery, stabilizing the innings and paving the way for a late onslaught led by Shakeel.
The partnership between Babar and Rizwan reached 114 for the third wicket before Mitchell Santner dismissed Babar for a well-played 80 off 84 balls. Rizwan showcased fluency against spin, driving them inside-out over extra-cover, ultimately reaching a century and retiring out on 103 off 94 balls.
In the final overs, Shakeel and Agha Salman unleashed a barrage of aggressive strokes, propelling Pakistan closer to the 350-run mark. Despite their efforts, it fell short in the end.
Ravindra, accustomed to batting in the top order for Wellington Firebirds in domestic cricket, seamlessly transitioned into the same role for the national team. He played a pivotal role in the mandatory powerplay, contributing 32 of the 65 runs New Zealand amassed.
Collaborating with Williamson, Ravindra adeptly handled spinners Salman and Usama Mir. Williamson retired out after a solid 54, while Ravindra fell just three runs short of a century. However, Mitchell and Chapman took charge, guiding New Zealand to victory with over six overs to spare.
With all Pakistan bowlers, except Mir, conceding at over seven runs an over, New Zealand’s batsmen capitalized on the favorable conditions, showcasing a dominant performance.
Find more cricket news click here
