Hyderabad, India (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets in their first warm up match of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad, India on Friday.
New Zealand won the match by chasing down the massive target of 346 runs in just 43.4 overs.
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first and managed to post 345 runs on board for Kiwis to win the game, with the help of Mohammad Rizwan's impressive century.
Mohammad Rizwan, was top scorer for Pakistani side who scored 103 runs off 93 which included 11 boundaries before retiring. Captain Babar Azam was second top scorer with contribution of 80 runs off 84 balls, while Saud Shakeel contributed with his crucial innings of 75 runs.
Batters warm up in style
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 29, 2023
A glorious century by @iMRizwanPak and brilliant fifties by @babarazam258 and @saudshak take Pakistan to 345-5 #NZvPAK | #CWC23 | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/JWSl9FfAHG
In second innings, Usama Mir took two wickets while Hasan Ali, Agha Salman and Muhammad Wasim contributed one wicket each.
Pakistan will play its second warm-up match against Australia on October 1st Tuesday while its first World Cup match against the Netherlands is scheduled on October 6.
It is pertinent to mention that these matches won't have ODI status because teams will have the flexibility to include all 15 members of their squad in the playing XI.
