ISLAMABAD: In a critical World Cup match in Bengaluru, New Zealand has set Pakistan a challenging target of 402 runs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
This total is now New Zealand’s highest score at a World Cup, with their highest one-day international total remaining at 402, which they achieved against Ireland in 2008.
Despite the inclusion of an extra seamer in their lineup, New Zealand’s decision to go with an additional spinner may prove to be a game-changing move.
Rachin Ravindra’s outstanding performance, with his fifth half-century of the World Cup, has kept New Zealand on track for a substantial total against Pakistan.
Afridi conceded the most expensive figures by a Pakistan bowler in a World Cup match, surpassing Haris Rauf, who briefly held the record. This unwanted record was highlighted by a six hit back over Afridi’s head by Santner.
Ravindra, the 23-year-old left-hander, reached his fifty off 49 balls with a boundary against Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Wasim. New Zealand had a solid start at 137-1 after 22 overs, positioning themselves to move closer to the semi-finals, while a loss in this match would eliminate Pakistan.
Hasan Ali reached a milestone, claiming his 100th ODI wicket as he dismissed Devon Conway during the match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Pakistan won the toss and chose to field.
With New Zealand scoring 232 for the loss of just one wicket, Pakistan is in desperate need of a breakthrough. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra opened the innings for New Zealand, while Shaheen Afridi bowled the first over.
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, mentioned a change in the team’s composition and expressed the need for an improved bowling performance in previous matches.
New Zealand’s captain, Kane Williamson, aimed to set a competitive target and made two changes to the team lineup.
For Pakistan to reach the semi-finals, they must beat New Zealand by at least 84 runs or successfully chase the target set by the Kiwis within 30 to 35 overs.
In terms of squad changes, Pakistan rested Shahdab Khan, and Usama Mir took his place.
The match lineup for both teams is as follows
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi
New Zealand: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Despite an initial strong start, New Zealand has suffered three consecutive losses after winning their first four games in the tournament. Pakistan has historically had the upper hand in one-day international matches against New Zealand, with 60 wins out of their 115 encounters. New Zealand has won 51 times, with one match ending in a tie and three as “no result.”
