Clash of Titans: New Zealand Triumphs Over Pakistan
After a seven-year hiatus, Pakistan returned to Indian soil to face New Zealand. The match started on a sour note for Pakistan as Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a single run in the third over, following Babar Azam’s decision to bat first.
Despite the early setback, Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique managed to stabilize the innings with a solid partnership. However, Shafique’s tenure at the crease was cut short by Mitchell Santner, leaving Pakistan at 46-2.
Mohammad Rizwan then joined forces with Babar, and the duo put together a crucial 114-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
While Babar missed his century by a whisker, Rizwan reached his and retired out. Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed added valuable runs, setting a formidable target of 346 for New Zealand.
New Zealand’s chase got off to a rocky start with Devon Conway dismissed for a duck in the second over. This put the pressure on the Kiwi batsmen to stage a strong comeback.
Kane Williamson, who had been absent in the first innings, returned to form with a solid 54 off 50 balls. Alongside Rachin Ravindra, the pair put together a crucial century partnership.
Ravindra played a key role, narrowly missing his century at 97. His wicket fell to Salman Ali Agha, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope.
Daryl Mitchell then added a valuable half-century before retiring, leaving New Zealand needing over 80 runs. Jimmy Neesham and Mark Chapman stepped up, guiding New Zealand to a five-wicket victory in the 44th over, with Chapman hitting the winning six.
Bangladesh Tames Sri Lanka in Warm-up Clash
In the other warm-up match of the day, Sri Lanka chose to bat first. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera got off to a fiery start, but Perera had to retire hurt in the 10th over. Bangladesh’s spinners then began to tighten their grip on the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Dhananjaya de Silva was the only Sri Lankan batsman to offer significant resistance, scoring a hard-fought 55 off 76 balls. Sri Lanka managed to set a target of 263 runs.
Bangladesh’s chase started strongly with openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das forming a solid 131-run partnership, both scoring half-centuries.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz came in during the 21st over and continued the steady progress. His unbeaten 67 off 64 balls, along with Mushfiqur Rahim’s contribution, led Bangladesh to a comfortable victory in the 42nd over.
Rain Disrupts South Africa vs Afghanistan Warm-up Match
The third warm-up match between South Africa and Afghanistan in Thiruvananthapuram was called off due to continuous rain, even before the coin toss could take place.
South Africa’s next warm-up match is against New Zealand on October 2nd, while Afghanistan will face Sri Lanka on October 3rd.