Image Source- ICC
Despite centuries from Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam,
and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s attempt to defend 345 against New Zealand in
Hyderabad fell short. As the opener, Rachin Ravindra made the most of his
opportunity by leading New Zealand’s victorious chase with a score of 97 off 72
balls.
The development of Kane Williamson, who celebrated his
comeback from a six-month injury layoff with a 49-ball fifty, will also please
New Zealand. For a pre-World Cup warmup, Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman both
hit half-centuries.
Pakistan lost two early wickets after choosing to bat
first, but Babar and Rizwan stabilised the batting and prepared the pitch for
Shakeel’s late charge. Before Babar was bowled by Mitchell Santner for 80 runs
off 84 balls, Rizwan and Babar scored 114 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan was
more adept at countering spin and frequently created space to turn opponents
inside-out over extra cover. He continued to bat and eventually got out on 103
off 94 balls. In the final overs, Shakeel and Agha Salman teed off to help
Pakistan get closer to 350. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough.
In the same position for the national team, Ravindra,
who frequently bats in the top order for his home team Wellington Firebirds,
too left a lasting impression. 32 of the 65 runs that New Zealand scored during
the required powerplay were his doing. With the help of Williamson, he easily
removed spinners Salman and Usama Mir. With more than six overs remaining,
Mitchell and Chapman made sure that New Zealand cruised to triumph. Williamson
retired out on 54 and Ravindra came three short of a century. Except for Mir,
every Pakistani bowler let up more than seven runs each over.