After missing out on the playing XI due to a fractured thumb, Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand, made an incredible comeback in match 35 of the ODI World Cup 2023. As a result, both cricket enthusiasts and analysts had some worries over his form; nonetheless, Kane demonstrated his class by batting first. Arriving at the crease in the match’s eleventh over, he and Rachin Ravindra forged an incredible 180-run partnership for the second wicket after Devon Conway was dismissed.
With ten fours and two sixes in his incredible 95 from 79 balls, Kane Williamson was unbeaten.
The 23rd over of his innings was the shot of the day for the legendary ace from New Zealand. Williamson showed off his talent with a lofted stroke after Pakistani off-spinner Agha Salman hit a typical off-break ball on the middle stump line. He took a confident stride down the wicket, made some space, and lofted the ball over the head of the man positioned within the ring, known as mid-off. He not only made it past the rope, but he also hit the shot flawlessly.
Watch Kane Williamson breathtaking shot here:
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401/6 was New Zealand’s first-inning score:
Now for the match itself: on a stunning batting surface in Bengaluru, the New Zealand hitters displayed their extraordinary batting abilities. They exploited Pakistan’s poor bowling to the fullest. In the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, opener Rachin has been in excellent form. He amassed another century with 15 fours and one six in 108 runs off 94 balls.
Towards the end of the inning, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips stepped in with big hits and pivotal roles that helped their side reach a massive total. Phillips scored 41 off 27 balls, and Chapman scored 39 off 25 balls. With the invaluable assistance of the remaining hitters, New Zealand amassed an enormous 401 runs.
It will be interesting to watch how the Pakistani squad tackles this difficult pursuit in what is virtually a “do or die” match for them.
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