New Zealand beat Pakistan in a 2023 World Cup warm-up match held in Hyderabad on Friday. After winning the toss, Babar Azam decided to bat first. Backing the captain's decision, the Men in Green put on a show as they scored a whopping total of 345 at the end of 50 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan scored a magnificent century (103), with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel scoring 80 and 75 respectively. However, the batters' heroics would go in vain, as New Zealand chased the magnanimous target of 346.
Rachin Ravindra (97) and Kane Williamson (54) see through the tides of the ferocious Pakistani speedsters in New Zealand's first warm-up game. A team effort in the run-chase saw the Kiwis beat the Asian giants with ease.
Mark Chapman (65) and Daryl Mitchell (59) proved their worth as middle-order batters, as New Zealand thrash Pakistan. The Kiwis won the tie with over six overs to spare.
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New Zealand vs Pakistan Final Score
Pakistan - 345/5 (50 overs)
New Zealand - 346/5 (43.4 overs)
What next for New Zealand vs Pakistan?
The Kiwis will face South Africa in their second and final warm-up game ahead of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The game will be staged at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The teams will take the centerstage on October 02, 2023, with the proceedings scheduled to kickstart at 14:00 hours IST.
Meanwhile, another worthy opponent awaits for Babar Azam & Co. The neighbours Pakistan will face Australia in what will also be their final test ahead of the World Cup. The match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 03 at 14:00 hours IST.
MORE: Will Kane Williamson play New Zealand's World Cup-opener against England?
Who will Pakistan face in their opening game of the World Cup?
Pakistan will face the Dutchmen in their opening game of the 2023 ODI World Cup. The game will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 06, Friday. The scheduled time of commencement is 14:00 hours IST.
Who will New Zealand face in their opening game of the World Cup?
New Zealand's first test at the ODI World Cup will be in the form of England. The Kiwis will face the defending champions in the tournament-opener on October 05. The match will be played at the newly-built Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
MORE: Full list of umpires for Cricket World Cup 2023
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