- Joined
- Sep 11, 2023
- Runs
- 23,711
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.
It will be interesting to see Pakistan captain Babar Azam's performance against New Zealand. His last five ODI scores against them are 49, 65, 54, 107 and 1, which makes him a threat. But his middle-over numbers aren't inspiring in this World Cup. He has been striking at only 79.24 in the 11-40th over period and we could see New Zealand using that to their advantage.
At the moment, 402 is the target for Pakistan to stay alive in the World Cup. It’s a tough task ahead.
==
All posters please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staffs etc.
2. No making fun of player's, official's, coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
Last edited:
