World Cup 2023: NZ make strong start against Pakistan

Pakistan was desperately needed a breakthrough as New Zealand scored 71 in 12 overs.

Devon Conway and Richan Ravindra opened the innings for New Zealand while Shaheen Afridi bowled the first over of the innings.

Talking after the toss, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam said that we have bowled well in the previous matches, but there has been a change in the team.

On this occasion, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that he will try to give a good target, two changes have been made in the team.

Ish Sodhi was replaced by Matt Henry and Will Young, my preparation for the World Cup was limited, Kane Williamson said.

The national cricket team must beat New Zealand by at least 84 runs or achieve the target given by the Kiwis within 30 to 35 overs to reach the semi-finals.

Pakistan has been made one change in the squad by resting Shahdab Khan, and Usama Mir steps in as his replacement.

Pakistan Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

The Kiwis, defeated finalists in 2019, won their first four games but have now lost three on the bounce, including a humbling defeat by South Africa on Wednesday.

Pakistan has the upper hand when it comes to one-day international clashes with New Zealand, winning 60 of their 115 matches.

New Zealand won 51 times while one match was tied and three ended as “no result”.