The warm-up phase of ICC WC 2023 has kicked off with Pakistan winning the toss and electing to bat first in the opening game against the NZ. while batting first, Pakistan put a massive total of 345 on board thanks to Rizwan, Babar and Saud with their massive contributions. It’s 346 that NZ have to chase down to mark their world cup journey with style.
The two left-arm batter i.e. Rachin Ravindra averaging 23+ and Devon Conway averaging 46 in ODIs started the chase for NZ. From Pakistan, it’s Haris Rauf to open the innning. Hassan Ali, who has been critised for his inclusion in the Squad for WC got 1st ball wicket of world class batter, Davon Conway on duck.
Kane Williamson joined the other opener for this crucial chase against Haris and Hassan. Both players took charge and provide solid platform for chasing 340+ target. They managed to score 65 for the loss of 1 wicket in the mandatory Powerplay smashing 11 boundaries together. The 1st phase belonged to Team New Zealand that stunned Pakistan Cricket Team in the first warm-up match.
At the end of the powerplay, Williamson scored 25 off 29 balls, including four 4s, whereas Ravindra also managed 32 off 31 and smashed only seven 4s. On the other hand, Hassan Ali who had been under the radar, was the pick of the bowlers, bowled 4 overs while conceding 18 and picking up the crucial wicket of dangerous Conway too. Whereas, the other Quick arm fast bowler, Haris was smashed all along the park in his 1st spell. He also bowled 4 overs in the powerplay, conceding 36 with the economy of 9 without getting any wicket. Babar also introduced right-arm spinner, Agha, in the Powerplay who bowled 2 overs giving away 10 runs.
