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The ODI World Cup 2023 is just a few days away, and the teams are sweating hard to prepare themselves through warm-up games organised by ICC ahead of the official tournament. Recently, fans were treated to an enthralling warm-up double-header on Monday (October 2), with England taking on Bangladesh in the 6th practice game and New Zealand squaring off against South Africa in the 7th warm-up fixture.
England lock horns with Bangladesh
The sixth warm-up match of the ICC Men’s World Cup Warm-Up Matches 2023 saw an exciting clash between England and Bangladesh at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. The match featured impressive performances with both bat and ball, making it an engaging encounter.
Bangladesh innings
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 188/9 in their allotted 37 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the standout performer for Bangladesh, scoring 74 runs off 89 deliveries and anchoring the innings. Tanzid Hasan contributed a valuable 45 runs, but apart from these two, no other Bangladeshi batter managed to make a significant impact.
England’s bowlers shared the wickets among themselves, with David Willey and Adil Rashid picking up two wickets each. Reece Topley also had a fine outing, claiming three crucial wickets. The bowlers bowled with discipline and contained the Bangladesh batting lineup effectively.
England innings
Chasing a revised target due to rain curtailed reduced overs match, England responded strongly, reaching 197/6 in just 24.1 overs. Moeen Ali was the star of the chase, smashing 56 runs off 39 balls, which included two fours and six towering sixes. Jonny Bairstow provided a quick start with 34 runs off 21 balls, while Jos Buttler and Joe Root also made handy contributions. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting, with Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud being the only ones to pick up wickets.
England emerge victorious by four wickets via DLS method
England eventually secured victory by four wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method, showcasing their strong form heading into the ICC Men’s World Cup. The match provided valuable practice and insights for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming tournament.
Also READ: Star Sports India unveils the full list of commentators for ODI World Cup 2023
New Zealand take on South Africa
The seventh warm-up fixture of the ICC Men’s World Cup Warm-Up Matches 2023 witnessed an exciting game between New Zealand and South Africa at the Greenfield International Stadium.
New Zealand innings
Batting first, New Zealand’s innings started on a solid note with contributions from their top order. Devon Conway led the way with a well-crafted 78 runs off 73 balls, supported by Tom Latham’s stylish 52 off 56 balls. Kane Williamson (37) and Tom Latham (52) added valuable runs to the scoreboard. Glenn Phillips (43) and Daryl Mitchell (25) also played crucial cameos to help New Zealand post a formidable total of 321/6 in their allotted 50 overs. The South African bowlers put in a decent effort, with Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen both taking three wickets each.
South Africa innings
In reply, South Africa got off to a shaky start, with opener Reeza Hendricks departing for a duck. However, Quinton de Kock displayed his class with a brilliant 84 off 89 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen contributed a well-fought 51 off 56 balls. Heinrich Klaasen (39) and David Miller (18) tried to keep the chase alive, but the New Zealand bowlers, led by Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner restricted the Proteas to 211/4 in 37 overs.
New Zealand registers a decent seven-run victory via DLS method
In the end, the Blackcaps emerged victorious by 7 runs (DLS method) in a rain-affected encounter.
