World Cup 2023 warm-up: Ravindra’s swashbuckling innings guides New Zealand to five-wicket win over Pakistan
The HinduRachin Ravindra turned out to be the game-changer, and his knock eclipsed Mohammad Rizwan’s century as New Zealand started its World Cup journey by registering a comprehensive five-wicket win against Pakistan in the first warm-up match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on Friday. New Zealand, in reply, overhauled the target in 43.4 overs, riding on Ravindra’s blazing 97 off 72 balls in a captivating innings where the opener smashed 16 boundaries and a six. New Zealand’s preparations on track New Zealand looks like a team that can go the distance ahead of the main event, with four of its batters scoring half-centuries. Although Williamson won’t be playing the first game against England, the New Zealand skipper batted with intent and sprinted comfortably between the wickets en route to a 50-ball 54 before he retired out.