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On Friday, Pakistan and New Zealand engaged in a warm-up match for the ODI World Cup 2023 at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, won the toss and decided to bat first. The strategic choice paid off handsomely, as his team’s batters demonstrated their prowess by achieving an impressive total of 345/5 in the allotted 50 overs.
Babar showcased his batting expertise by accumulating 80 runs from 84 balls, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes. Mohammad Rizwan‘s contribution was equally remarkable, as he notched up a century with 103 runs from 94 deliveries, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. Additionally, Saud Shakeel‘s explosive innings of 75 runs from just 53 balls added to Pakistan’s imposing total.
In pursuit of the target, New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra‘s dazzling knock took centre stage as he blazed his way to 97 runs fin just 72 deliveries, unleashing a remarkable barrage of 16 fours and a six. Ravindra’s stellar performance immediately placed Pakistan in the defensive mode, setting a strong foundation for the Black Caps.
Also READ: Top five fastest hundreds in the ODI World Cup history
Kane Williamson, returning to the field after a prolonged absence due to an injury sustained in the IPL 2023, showcased his class with a composed 54 runs from 50 balls before opting for a retired-out status.
All-rounder Mark Chapman then seized control, smashing 65 runs in just 41 balls, guiding New Zealand to victory in a mere 43.4 overs.
Peculiar delivery by Agha Salman
In a strange incident during the second innings, an unusual on-field occurrence unfolded when Tom Latham dispatched Agha Salman‘s double-bounce delivery for a four.
Salman intended to bowl a faster delivery but inadvertently released it too low, causing the ball to pitch twice and veer down the leg side. In response, Latham took evasive action and ventured outside the batting strip to skillfully paddle the ball behind square on the leg side, eluding the short fine leg fielder’s reach and earning himself a boundary.
Here is the video:
Tom Latham makes full use of the freebie by Agha Salman #NZvPAK #NZvsPAK #Tomlatham #aghasalman #WorldCup2023 #BabarAzam #MohammadRizwan𓃵 pic.twitter.com/xJH8cHFkk4
— Rishabh Beniwal (@RishabhBeniwal) September 29, 2023
