In a historic cricketing moment, New Zealand achieved their highest-ever total against Pakistan in the history of the ODI World Cup. During their match in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 4, New Zealand displayed their batting prowess by scoring a staggering total of 401/6. This remarkable achievement also marked New Zealand‘s first-ever 400+ total in the annals of the World Cup. New Zealand hit a staggering number of 46 boundries in today’s match. This is most by any team in a match in World Cup history.
Rachin-Willimason show
The foundation for this monumental total was laid by a partnership of 180 runs for the second wicket between the sensational Rachin Ravindra and the esteemed Kane Williamson. Faced with the possibility of rain affecting the second innings, New Zealand was determined to make a formidable score after being sent in to bat first by Pakistan‘s Babar Azam.
The opening pair of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra began the innings aggressively, putting on a quick 68-run partnership for the first wicket within the first 11 overs. Following Conway’s departure, the responsibility fell on the experienced shoulders of Kane Williamson, who launched a calculated assault on the Pakistani pacers. On his return from injury, Williamson played an extraordinary innings, scoring 95 runs off just 79 deliveries before getting dismissed in the 35th over while attempting to clear the long-off boundary, with Iftikhar Ahmed taking his wicket.
By that time, Rachin Ravindra had already completed his third century of the tournament, continuing his remarkable rise as a cricketing sensation. The finalists of the 2019 World Cup intensified the pressure with aggressive cameos from Daryl Mitchell (29 off 18), Mark Chapman (39 off 27), and Glenn Phillips (41 off 25).
During the final 10 overs, Pakistan managed to take wickets at regular intervals but were unable to stem the flow of runs. Two massive sixes from Mitchell Santner in the closing stages of the innings propelled New Zealand’s total to over 400 runs in the game.
In the bowling department, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi went wicketless and conceded 90 runs, while Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf also had expensive figures. Mohammad Wasim Jr emerged as Pakistan’s most successful bowler on the day, picking up three wickets while conceding 60 runs in his 10 overs.
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