New Zealand thrash Pakistan in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match; Chase down 346 in 43.4 overs

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few days away, and we will be witnessing the biggest cricket carnival in India. All the teams have reached India, and the warm-up schedule began on Thursday. All ten teams are scheduled to play two warm-up games each as the final round of preparation before the mega event starts on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

The tournament's opener will feature England and New Zealand. Meanwhile, three warmup games took place on September 29. The game between South Africa and Afghanistan was washed out due to rain, while Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka with a dominating win. On the other hand, the game between Pakistan and New Zealand was a run-feast in Hyderabad, which ended in New Zealand's favor.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up match: New Zealand thumped Pakistan in a high-scoring clash in Hyderabad

The game started with Pakistan winning the toss and deciding to bat first. They lost Imam-ul-Haq (1) and Abdullah Shafique (14) hit, then Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showed their class and put on a 114-run stand for the third wicket. Babar got out after scoring 80 off 84, including eight fours and two sixes, while Rizwan went on to score a brilliant 94-ball 103 with nine fours and two sixes and got retired hurt.

It was followed by some brilliant cameos from the following batters. Saud Shakeel made a quick 75 off 53, with five fours and four sixes. Agha Salman (33 off 23) and Shadab Khan (16 off 11) also played some useful cameos. Pakistan ended up with a massive total of 345/5 in the first innings. It was a massive total against a quality Pakistani bowling attack.

Chasing the target, New Zealand lost Devon Conway for a golden duck. It brought Kane Williamson to the crease after six months since his injury. Then, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra added 179 runs for the second wicket. Williamson scored 54 runs and went back. But Ravindra kept punishing the Pakistani bowlers. But he was unfortunate and got out three runs short of a century, making 97 off 72 with 16 fours and one six.

Daryl Mitchell, who replaced Williamson, also scored 59 off 57 and went back. In the end, Mark Chapman and James Neesham (33 off 21) added 110 runs off just 80 balls for the fifth wicket and ensured that New Zealand registered a comfortable win. Chapman remained unbeaten on 65 off 41, and New Zealand reached 346/5 in just 43.4 overs. This defeat is an eye-opener for Pakistan, which are considered a good bowling team.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan - 345/5 (50 ov) (Mohammad Rizwan - 103, Babar Azam - 80)

New Zealand - 346/5 (43.3 ov) (Rachin Ravindra - 97, Mark Chapman - 65)

New Zealand win by 5 wickets with 39 balls left.