World Cup 2023: Rizwan's ton goes in vain as NZ defeats Pakistan in warm-up match

New Zealand claimed a five-wicket win over Pakistan on Friday by chasing down the target in just 43.4 overs in the first warm-up match of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad, India.

Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first. 

The Men in Green posted a 346-run target for Kiwis to win the game, with the help of Mohammad Rizwan's impressive century.

Mohammad Rizwan top-scored for his side by scoring an astounding knock of 103 runs off 93 which included 11 boundaries.

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, was the second top-scorer as he scored 80 off 84 and with 10 boundaries.

Left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel impressed everyone with a solid display with the bat. The 28-year-old contributed to 75 runs with nine boundaries at an impressive strike rate of 141.51.

Like in past ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments, the warm-up matches will consist of 50 overs per side.

However, these matches won't have ODI status because teams will have the flexibility to include all 15 members of their squad in the playing XI.

Squads

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.