ICC World Cup: New Zealand Posts Formidable 402-Run Target for Pakistan

Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra pushed New Zealand to an incredible total of 401/6 against Pakistan in the thrilling 35th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

After winning the toss, Babar Azam chose New Zealand to bat first. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra opened for the Kiwis, scoring 66 runs without losing a wicket in the first powerplay. With New Zealand on 68-1, Hasan Ali made the first breakthrough for Pakistan, dismissing Conway for 35 runs in the 11th over.

Williamson and Ravindra then propelled New Zealand to the 100-run mark in 15.4 overs and reached 200 runs by the 28.6 overs, taking advantage of 17 conceded extras by Pakistan. Iftikhar claimed Williamson’s wicket in the 35th over, ending the skipper’s impressive innings. Ravindra followed suit, falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr in the same over at 261-3.

In the final over of the inning, Shaheen Afridi conceded 12 runs. Star Pakistani pacer Afridi, however, remained wicketless, yielding 90 runs in his 10-over spell. Pakistan is tasked with chasing a challenging target of 402 runs for victory.

Brief Score: New Zealand – Rachin Ravindra (108 runs from 94 balls), Kane Williamson (95 runs from 79 balls), Glenn Phillips (41 runs from 25 balls) vs Pakistan – Mohammad Wasim Jr (3/60), Iftikhar Ahmed (1/55), Hasan Ali (1/82).