Big disappointment for Pakistani cricket fans
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In the warm-up match of the 2023 World Cup, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Captain Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bat in the match. However, Pakistan's innings didn't start well and Pakistan top order once again gave a disappointing start.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq managed to score only one run off ten balls, and Abdullah Shafique was dismissed after scoring 14 runs.
Captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan then established a strong partnership of 144 runs, stabilizing the team's score. Captain Babar contributed 80 runs before being dismissed. Later, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel took the charge and formed a partnership of 159 runs. Saud Shakeel contributed 75 runs before getting out, and Mohammad Rizwan, showcasing excellent batting, completed his century with 94 runs off 98 balls.
Afterward, Shadab Khan added 16 runs to the total, and Pakistan finished their innings with a score of 338 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted fifty overs. Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 103 runs, stood out as a prominent batsman, while Babar Azam contributed 80 runs, and Saud Shakeel scored 75 runs.
From New Zealand's side, Mitchell Santner took 2 wickets, while Matt Henry, James Neesham, and Lockie Ferguson each claimed one wicket. This victory provided New Zealand with valuable practice ahead of the World Cup tournament, showcasing their prowess in the warm-up match against Pakistan.