Introduction:
New Zealand are in command of their must-win clash against Pakistan in the Cricket World Cup 2023, after dismissing them for just 166 runs in Sharjah. New Zealand bowler Trent Boult took four wickets for just 33 runs, while Matt Henry took three wickets for 30 runs. Pakistan was dismissed in just 45.1 overs after failing to muster any momentum during the innings.
New Zealand openers get off to a good start.
New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Martin Guptill got off to a good start in the chase, putting on 50 runs for the first wicket. Guptill, however, was removed for 28 runs in the eleventh over, and Allen, with 34 runs, followed him to the pavilion in the sixteenth.
New Zealand Bowlers dominant
New Zealand’s bowlers were in fine form, with all of them picking up at least one wicket. Trent Boult was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for just 35 runs. Tim Southee (two wickets for twenty-five runs) provided him with good support.
Kane Williamson and Devon Conway steady the ship.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson and Devon Conway then steadied the ship for the Black Caps, putting on a 70-run partnership for the third wicket. Conway finished unbeaten at 52 runs as New Zealand completed the target in the 43rd over, following Williamson’s dismissal for 41 runs in the 36th over.
New Zealand dominates with the bat.
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat. They got off to a flying start thanks to a century from Finn Allen. Martin Guptill provided solid support for Allen, who scored 120 runs off 109 balls, with 75 runs off 62 balls. New Zealand eventually finished on 250/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan Batters disappoint.
Pakistan’s batters were disappointing once again. Babar Azam was the only Pakistan batter to offer any resistance, scoring 57 runs off 79 balls. For a modest score, the other Pakistani batters were hustled out after failing to produce much.
Pakistan Bowlers struggle
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the New Zealand batsmen, with only Shaheen Shah Afridi taking more than one wicket. Afridi finished with figures of 3/50, but the other bowlers were unable to make any breakthroughs.
Conclusion:
New Zealand’s win over Pakistan keeps them alive in the Cricket World Cup 2023. They will need to win their remaining two matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Pakistan, however, is currently all but out of the competition.