New Zealand vs. Pakistan, Hyderabad
New Zealand’s first official warm-up match for the 2023 World Cup featured Kane Williamson’s return to action, highlighting a high-scoring clash in Hyderabad. Mohammad Rizwan (103) and Babar Azam (80) set a solid foundation for Pakistan, helping them post a formidable total of 345. However, New Zealand, led by Rachin Ravindra’s 97 and supported by three half-century scores, including one from Williamson, successfully chased down the target with 6.2 overs to spare.
Devon Conway’s early dismissal was overcome by a remarkable partnership between Ravindra and Williamson, amassing 179 runs in just 22 overs. Williamson retired after reaching fifty, while Ravindra was dismissed by Agha Salman before reaching a century. Usama Mir managed to pick up quick wickets, but fifties from Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, and a crucial 33 from James Neesham ensured New Zealand’s victory in the 44th over.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat but lost Imam-ul-Haq early to Matt Henry and Abdullah Shafique to Mitch Santner. Babar and Rizwan’s century partnership set a solid platform, with Saud Shakeel (75) and Agha Salman (33*) making valuable contributions, pushing Pakistan past the 340-run mark.
Brief scores: Pakistan 345/5 in 50 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 103, Babar Azam 80; Mitch Santner 2-39) lost to New Zealand 346/5 in 43.4 overs (Rachin Ravindra 97, Mark Chapman 65; Usama Mir 2-68) by 5 wickets.
Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka, Guwahati
Bangladesh initiated their final preparations for the 2023 World Cup with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in a warm-up match in Guwahati. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling performance restricted Sri Lanka to a below-par total. Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan then efficiently chased down the target.
Sri Lanka won the toss but couldn’t capitalize on the batting conditions. Despite a brisk start by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka struggled to build substantial partnerships. Mahedi Hasan and Mehidy Hasan bowled impressively for Bangladesh. The opening pair of Tanzid and Liton set the foundation with a 131-run partnership, and Mehidy’s crafty unbeaten fifty sealed the win for Bangladesh.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 263/9 in 49.1 overs (Pathum Nissanka 68, Dhananjaya de Silva 55; Mahedi Hasan 3-36) lost to Bangladesh 264/3 in 42 overs (Tanzid Hasan 84, Mehidy Hasan 67*, Litton Das 61) by 7 wickets.
South Africa vs. Afghanistan, Thiruvananthapuram
Persistent rain led to the abandonment of the warm-up match between South Africa and Afghanistan at Greenfield Stadium, Trivandrum, without the toss even taking place.