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In a truly awe-inspiring exhibition of batting masterclass, New Zealand exhibited their dominance on the cricket field by amassing a staggering total of 401 runs against Pakistan in Match 35 at the ODI World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The monumental score etched a new chapter in the annals of ODI World Cup history, as it stands as the highest ever achieved by the Blackcaps in the prestigious tournament.
Rachin Ravindra – Kane Williamson lead the charge for New Zealand
New Zealand, under their new opening partnership of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, got off to a flying start. The pair displayed a remarkable command of the crease, remaining unscathed during the initial powerplay as the scoreboard read 66/0 after ten overs.
However, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali reached a significant milestone in his career by claiming his 100th ODI wicket and breaking the 68-run opening partnership, dismissing Conway at 35. Skipper Kane Williamson, then joined Ravindra, and the two batters formed a formidable alliance.
Williamson, on his return, showcased brilliant strokeplay and reached his fifty from 49 deliveries. The Pakistani bowlers found it challenging to find a break through, offering too many loose deliveries. Ravindra registered his third century of the ongoing World Cup, while Williamson, just five runs shy of a century, was caught in the deep.
Ravindra departed after an exceptional 108, featuring 15 fours and a six in his 94-ball innings. Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman took charge from there, aggressively capitalizing on baggy deliveries. The Kiwi pair swiftly added 50 runs, preventing Pakistan from making a comeback. Haris Rauf eventually dismissed Mitchell for 29.
Chapman, scoring at a brisk rate, contributed 39 off 27 balls but was dismissed in the 45th over. James Neesham and Mitchell Santner then added quick runs, guiding New Zealand to a commanding total of 401/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Also READ: Twitter erupts as Rachin Ravindra breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s unique record with a brilliant century in NZ vs PAK clash – ODI World Cup 2023
New Zealand’s top five totals in ODI World Cup history
Here are the Blackcaps’ five highest totals in ODI World Cup history:
- 401/6 vs Pakistan – ODI World Cup 2023
- 393/6 vs Wes Indies – ODI World Cup 2015
- 383/9 vs Australia – ODI World Cup 2023
- 363/5 vs Canada – ODI World Cup 2007
- 358/6 vs Canada – ODI World Cup 2011