Here’s the round-up from first day of the 2023 World Cup warm-ups on September 29, where New Zealand faced Pakistan, Bangladesh took on Sri Lanka and Afghanistan met South Africa.

New Zealand vs Pakistan

New Zealand win by 5 wickets

New Zealand successfully chased down Pakistan’s target of 346 with five wickets and 6.2 overs to spare. Early on, Pakistan won the toss and decided to open with Abdullah Shafique over Fakhar Zaman.

Imam-ul-Haq was the first to depart, with the team score on six, and Shafique was stumped for 14. The duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then steadied the innings, contributing 114 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan brought up his hundred before walking off, while Babar was dismissed for 80.

A 53-ball 75 by Saud Shakeel along with entertaining cameos from Agha Salman and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan post a formidable total on the board.

New Zealand welcomes back Kane Williamson, who walked out at No.3 get some game time after a long knee injury layoff. He scored a cautious 54 but did not field, and retired hurt after reaching his milestone to give batting opportunities to other players. Earlier in the day, New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Williamson will not play in the Black Caps’ opening game of the 2023 Cricket World Cup against England.

Rachin Ravindra, pushed to open the innings, paved the way for the run chase with a quick 97 in 72. Mark Chapman and James Neesham then ensured New Zealand got over the line, while Williamson and Daryl Mitchell both made half-centuries. Hassan Ali took a wicket with his first ball.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka

Bangladesh won by 7 wickets

Despite the off-field drama, Bangladesh put on a clinical show at Guwahati, dismissing the Asia Cup finalists Sri Lanka for 263. Mahedi Hasan picked up 3-36, while all other bowlers except Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud picked up a wicket each.

For Sri Lanka, only Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva crossed 35.

Bangladesh did not break into a sweat in their run chase, with a 131-run stand for the opening wicket between Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan. Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz, stepping in for injured Shakib Al Hasan, also made 67, as Bangladesh chased down the target in 42 overs.

South Africa vs Afghanistan

Match abandoned

The game was washed out in Thiruvananthapuram without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain.

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