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New Zealand vs Pakistan, ICC CWC, 2023 Full score card

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Match 35, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 04 Nov, 2023

New Zealand

NZ

401/6

(50.0) overs

Pakistan

PAK

200/1

(25.3) overs

Pakistan beat New Zealand by 21 runs (D/L method)

Player Of The Match

Fakhar Zaman,
Pakistan
Pakistan
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
Pakistan
New Zealand

Pakistan • 200/1 (25.3 overs)

F Zaman 126 (81)

B Azam 66 (63)

T Southee 1/27 (5)

D Mitchell 0/1 (0.3)

New Zealand • 401/6 (50.0 overs)

R Ravindra 108 (94)

K Williamson 95 (79)

M Wasim 3/60 (10)

I Ahmed 1/55 (8)

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this absolute run-fest where Pakistan have performed brilliantly to get the win while the Kiwis need to buckle up and come back harder in the next one. The action in the World Cup continues and all eyes are now on the top-of-the-table clash between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata that too on Virat Kohli's birthday. That hugely anticipated game will be played on 5th November, Sunday at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT), but as you know, you all can join us early for all the build-up to that match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

The victorious skipper of Pakistan, Babar Azam says that when they went into the dressing room, the talk was that they need one good partnership. Shares that they knew rain would come and therefore, he had asked Fakhar Zaman to stay there till 15 overs. Mentions that his plan was to build a partnership and try to give the strike back to Zaman. Adds that there was a short boundary on one side and they wanted to utilise it. Feels that they have not been up to the mark in a few matches. Ends by saying that they need to win the next match and play positive cricket.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand says they had a nice first half, he praises the way Conway and Rachin started batting and the partnership between them was exceptional, but he also added that the opposition's batting outplayed his team, praising how incredible Fakhar and Babar played in their innings. He also added that if they would score 50 runs more then things might have gone either way. He seems really happy with the batting unit but if they could get a few wickets things would have changed for them.

Fakhar Zaman is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar ton. He says that his plan was to see off the last four overs and he is thankful that it was his day. Mentions that it really enjoyed his innings. Shares that since every game is do or die for them, it was decided that they would play aggressively. States he would rate his 193 in South Africa as the best but says that this is one of his best hundreds. Tells that they were praying for the play to resume and he is thankful that they won due to the DLS method.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted their highest-ever World Cup total courtesy of another sublime hundred from Rachin Ravindra and a rollicking 95 from skipper Kane Williamson. There were also some good contributions from Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner which helped them reach that huge score. Mohammad Wasim was the best bowler for Pakistan with three wickets while Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf chipped in with one each but were expensive while Shaheen Afridi set an unwanted record of conceding the most runs by a Pakistani bowler in a World Cup match. The Men in Green knew that they had to go all guns blazing and Fakhar Zaman did exactly that right from the start and with good support from Babar Azam and some help from the rain in Bangalore, the registered a sensational win.

New Zealand, on the other hand, even though got an early breakthrough from Tim Southee but failed to create any more chances and were punished by the batters. Nothing worked for them as they had no answers to the exceptional batting of Fakhar Zaman who spared absolutely no one. Kane Williamson tried to rotate his bowlers to do something different but the game only went away from them. Then there was the rain stoppage and they hoped that this would be the break that they needed but after the resumption, Ish Sodhi was given the 25th over where 20 runs were scored which proved to be the point of difference as the rain showed no mercy on the Kiwis. This will hurt a lot but they still have things in their own hands and will look to come back stronger against Sri Lanka in their last league game.

Despite losing Abdullah Shafique early on, Pakistan got off to an absolute flier with Fakhar Zaman smashing it all around the park and Babar Azam playing second fiddle to him. They knew that they couldn't slow down, so firstly Zaman attacked Trent Boult and then took the spinners to the cleaners hitting sixes for fun. The runs were flowing from his bat and in no time he registered a sensational hundred which is also the fastest by any Pakistani batter in World Cup history. It is also the fourth century he has scored against the Kiwis this year which says everything about his batting. With Babar also getting into his groove, they were able to remain in check with the required rate and when the rain came in the 22nd over, they were ahead by 10 runs. We could get only 3.3 overs after that break before the rain came back on and no further play was possible but Pakistan wasted no time and scored at the same rate in those overs and kept them ahead on DLS which in the end got them the crucial two points.

PAKISTAN ARE STILL ALIVE IN THE WORLD CUP! It is official and this match has been called off. We can say that the rain gods have helped the Men in Green a bit but it was really their exceptional batting especially from Fakhar Zaman that put them in this position and ultimately they win by 21 runs on DLS method. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman added 194 runs for the second wicket which is the joint-highest partnership for Pakistan in a World Cup game, and this came when they needed it the most.

UPDATE - 7.03 pm IST (1.33 pm GMT) - It continues to rain at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru! The chances of a resumption are looking grim at the moment. The cut-off time is 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT), and if no further play is possible, Pakistan will win this encounter by the DLS method and by doing so, keep their qualification hopes alive. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE - 6.38 pm IST (1.08 pm GMT) - Oh, no! The drizzle has gotten heavier and the umpires have asked the ground staff to bring the covers on. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam are more than happy to walk off but the New Zealand players want to stay on. Pakistan are 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score at the moment. Since we had started to lose overs during the earlier rain interruption, we will continue to lose overs. Stay tuned for more updates.

25.30

Back of a length and outside off, slower again, Babar Azam cuts it straight to point.

25.21

A slower delivery, on a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman taps it wide of point for a single. 200 up for Pakistan!

25.10

Daryl Mitchell begins with a bouncer around off, Fakhar Zaman sways away from it.

Daryl Mitchell comes into the attack now, replacing Trent Boult. It has started to drizzle but it is not concerning enough yet for the umpires to take the players off.

Runs Scored 20 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 199/1

F Zaman125 (79)

B Azam66 (62)

I Sodhi4-0-44-0

24.61

Another short delivery, outside off, Fakhar Zaman this time cuts it past point for one. 20 runs off the over!

24.50

Pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Fakhar Zaman cuts it straight to point.

24.46

SIX! Back-to-back sixes! Ish Sodhi gives this one some air again, full, and on off, Fakhar Zaman once again goes down on one knee and drags it from there to deposit over the wide long on fence for an even bigger maximum.

24.36

SIX! Up, up and away! Ish Sodhi flights this one up, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down and has to reach for it a bit but still smacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

24.21

Goes short and on middle, Babar Azam pulls it towards mid-wicket where a fumble allows the single.

24.16

SIX! Babar Azam clears the fence now! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Babar Azam stays there and throws the kitchen sink at it to tonk it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 179/1

B Azam59 (60)

F Zaman112 (75)

T Boult6-0-50-0

23.61

Pitches this one up, on middle, Babar Azam tucks it in front of mid on and scampers across for one.

23.50

Trent Boult serves a low full toss, outside off, Babar Azam uses his feet and tries to drill it hard but fails to connect. This was there to be put away.

23.41

On a length and around leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a run.

23.34

FOUR! Lovely shot! Trent Boult serves this full and on the pads, Fakhar Zaman creates a bit of room by clearing his back leg and flicks it with nice timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

23.21

Full again and around middle, Babar Azam nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

23.10

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam knocks it straight to mid on.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 172/1

B Azam57 (56)

F Zaman107 (73)

I Sodhi3-0-24-0

22.61

Gives this one some air as well, on middle, Babar Azam works it through mid-wicket for one more.

22.51

Looped up, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman eases it towards long off for one.

22.51wd

Flatter, short and outside off, turning further away, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone. Wided.

Commentary

We are back for the second essay. Blue skies greet the two umpires and players as they make their way out to the middle. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Fakhar Zaman ​​​​Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Trent Boult is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings for New Zealand. A slip in place. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

UPDATE - 3.08 pm IST (9.38 am GMT) - Good news! The rain has stopped and the covers have been removed. The ground staff are in the process of drying up the outfield to get the field ready for play. The match officials have decided that the Pakistan run chase will commence at 3.20 pm IST (9.50 am GMT).

UPDATE - 3.02 pm IST (9.32 am GMT) - The start of the chase might be a bit delayed as it is raining at the moment in Bangalore, but the sun is also out. So, the wait should not be that long. Stay with us for further updates.

Right then, New Zealand have batted Pakistan out of this game and they would want to bowl them out to boost their net run-rate significantly. As for Pakistan, they have their backs against the wall and will need to bat out of their skins to get anywhere close to the target. Join us in a bit to see how the chase unfolds.

The centurion, Rachin Ravindra is up for a chat. He says that it is pretty surreal to play in the country of his background. Adds that it is always special to play in India, especially in Bangalore in front of his family. Tells that the wicket is a good one, it was a bit slow at the start but still good to bat on. Mentions that they can play freely upfront as they have good power hitters like Phillips, Mitchell and Santner who can make up in the end. Praises Kane Williamson for the way he batted and says that there wasn't a target in their mind and it was just about continuing to score runs at a good rate and use that impressive start. Ends by saying that they have managed to put a good total and hopes that it is enough.

Despite winning what was a crucial toss under overcast conditions, Shaheen Afridi failed to set the tone as he lacked rhythm, and it was the same with his new ball partner, Hasan Ali. They were all over the place with their lines and lengths and conceded boundaries every now and then. Pakistan looked completely flat during the middle phase, which was fairly dominated by the partnership between Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Having managed to dismiss both in the space of 10 balls, they sensed an opening to stage a comeback. However, they lacked consistency with their lines and lengths and allowed New Zealand to get away. Even in the last ten overs, they could not nail their deliveries and the slow over-rate penalty during the last three overs made matters even worse for them. On a day when Shaheen Afridi registered the most expensive figures by a Pakistani bowler in World Cups, Mohammad Wasim stood out for them with figures of 3 for 60 from his 10 overs.

New Zealand fall one short of their highest ODI total but this is their highest-ever World Cup total! Enough to tell you what kind of batting performance this has been from the Kiwis. After being sent into bat, New Zealand were off to a solid start with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra getting into the groove quickly. Coming in at number 3, Kane Williamson got himself going with a couple of crisp boundaries and took the innings forward with Rachin Ravindra. The master and the apprentice looked at utmost ease in the middle during their 180-run stand. Although Williamson fell 5 runs short of his hundred, Ravindra brought up his third hundred and became the first batter to score three centuries in his maiden World Cup. After the departure of the two set batters, quickfire cameos from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips ensured that New Zealand did not lose their way at any stage. Not to forget, Mitchell Santner's unbeaten knock which took helped New Zealand cross 400.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 401/6

M Santner26 (17)

T Latham2 (2)

S Afridi10-0-90-0

49.61

Only a single to end the innings! Shaheen Afridi serves a low full toss, on middle, Mitchell Santner only manages to force it towards mid off for just a run. New Zealand finishes with 401/6!

49.52

Pulls his length back a bit this time, on middle, Mitchell Santner slaps it wide of long on for a couple of runs. New Zealand hits that magical 400-run mark!

49.46

SIX! Top shot! Shaheen Afridi continues with his fuller length and on off, Mitchell Santner makes a bit of room and shows the full face of the bat to launch it well over the long off fence for a biggie.

49.32

In the air...safe! Shaheen Afridi takes pace off, touch fuller, on middle, Mitchell Santner looks to loft it away but goes through the shot early and mistimes it in the air in front of long on where Hasan Ali runs forward but fails to reach it. Two runs taken.

49.20

Full again and outside off, Mitchell Santner swings hard through the line but gets a bottom edge to the keeper.

49.11

Fuller one and on middle, Tom Latham moves across to scoop but toe-ends it through square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi (9-0-78-0) will bowl the final over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 389/6

T Latham1 (1)

M Santner15 (12)

M Wasim10-0-60-3

48.61

On a length and on leg, Tom Latham flicks it through square leg for one.

Tom Latham comes in at number 8.

48.5W

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mohammad Wasim strikes again! He nails another good yorker, on middle, tailing in, Glenn Phillips makes room to dig it out but fails to put his bat down in time as the ball goes off his pads to rattle the stumps. A good cameo from Glenn Phillips comes to an end as New Zealand lose their sixth wicket.

48.51wd

Goes for another wide yorker but this time it is way outside off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

48.40

Mohammad Wasim sees the batter back away and bowls this in the blockhole, outside off, Glenn Phillips fails to reach it.

48.34

FOUR! SMACKED! Mohammad Wasim lands this back of a length and around off, Glenn Phillips stands tall and absolutely dismisses it through covers for a boundary. It looked like a boundary from the moment it hit the bat.

48.21

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards long on for a single.

48.16

SIX! BOOM! Mitchell Santner joins the act now! Mohammad Wasim bowls this full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away nicely and tonks it over the long off fence for another maximum.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 376/5

G Phillips37 (22)

M Santner8 (10)

S Afridi9-0-78-0

47.66

SIX! Glenn Phillips clears the fence now! Shaheen Afridi misses his yorker and serves a low full toss, on middle, Glenn Phillips clears his front leg away and tries to loft it but hits it with the toe-end of the bat again, However, the ball still sails way over the long on fence for a biggie.

47.51

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one more.

47.40

This is on a good length, on middle, slower too, Mitchell Santner knocks it back to the bowler.

47.31

Touch fuller and around leg again, Glenn Phillips tries to heave it away but toe-ends it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

47.20

A slower delivery now, on a length and around leg, Glenn Phillips goes through his slog way early and misses and gets hit on the midriff. He looks in a bit of pain.

47.21wd

Full again but down the leg side, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

47.11

DROPPED! A brilliant effort though! This is full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away and and drives it uppishly wide of extra covers where Agha Salman dives to his right and gets both hands to it but just spills it out. A single is taken.

Pakistan
New Zealand
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
A Shafique

c K Williamson b T Southee

4 9 1 0 44.44
F Zaman

not out

126 81 8 11 155.55
B Azam

not out

66 63 6 2 104.76
Extras

(b 0,lb 1,w 3,nb 0,Penalty 0)

4
Total 25.3 (RR: 7.84)
200/1

Did not bat: M Rizwan, S Shakeel, I Ahmed, A Salman, H Ali, S Afridi, M Wasim, H Rauf

Fall of wickets:

(A Shafique, 2 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
T Boult
6 0 50 0 8.33
T Southee
5 0 27 1 5.40
M Santner
5 0 35 0 7.00
G Phillips
5 1 42 0 8.40
I Sodhi
4 0 44 0 11.00
D Mitchell
0.3 0 1 0 2.00
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
D Conway

c M Rizwan b H Ali

35 39 6 0 89.74
R Ravindra

c S Shakeel b M Wasim

108 94 15 1 114.89
K Williamson

c F Zaman b I Ahmed

95 79 10 2 120.25
D Mitchell

b H Rauf

29 18 4 1 161.11
M Chapman

b M Wasim

39 27 7 0 144.44
G Phillips

b M Wasim

41 25 4 2 164
M Santner

not out

26 17 0 2 152.94
T Latham

not out

2 2 0 0 100
Extras

(b 0,lb 8,w 17,nb 1,Penalty 0)

26
Total 50.0 (RR: 8.02)
401/6

Did not bat: I Sodhi, T Southee, T Boult

Fall of wickets:

(D Conway, 10.5 ov) (K Williamson, 34.2 ov) (R Ravindra, 35.5 ov) (D Mitchell, 41.1 ov) (M Chapman, 44.3 ov) (G Phillips, 48.5 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
S Afridi
10 0 90 0 9.00
H Ali
10 0 82 1 8.20
I Ahmed
8 0 55 1 6.87
H Rauf
10 0 85 1 8.50
M Wasim
10 0 60 3 6.00
A Salman
2 0 21 0 10.50
Pakistan
New Zealand

Commentary

Right then, that is it from this absolute run-fest where Pakistan have performed brilliantly to get the win while the Kiwis need to buckle up and come back harder in the next one. The action in the World Cup continues and all eyes are now on the top-of-the-table clash between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata that too on Virat Kohli's birthday. That hugely anticipated game will be played on 5th November, Sunday at 2 pm IST (8.30 am GMT), but as you know, you all can join us early for all the build-up to that match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

The victorious skipper of Pakistan, Babar Azam says that when they went into the dressing room, the talk was that they need one good partnership. Shares that they knew rain would come and therefore, he had asked Fakhar Zaman to stay there till 15 overs. Mentions that his plan was to build a partnership and try to give the strike back to Zaman. Adds that there was a short boundary on one side and they wanted to utilise it. Feels that they have not been up to the mark in a few matches. Ends by saying that they need to win the next match and play positive cricket.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand says they had a nice first half, he praises the way Conway and Rachin started batting and the partnership between them was exceptional, but he also added that the opposition's batting outplayed his team, praising how incredible Fakhar and Babar played in their innings. He also added that if they would score 50 runs more then things might have gone either way. He seems really happy with the batting unit but if they could get a few wickets things would have changed for them.

Fakhar Zaman is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar ton. He says that his plan was to see off the last four overs and he is thankful that it was his day. Mentions that it really enjoyed his innings. Shares that since every game is do or die for them, it was decided that they would play aggressively. States he would rate his 193 in South Africa as the best but says that this is one of his best hundreds. Tells that they were praying for the play to resume and he is thankful that they won due to the DLS method.

Presentation Time...

Earlier in the game, after being asked to bat first, New Zealand posted their highest-ever World Cup total courtesy of another sublime hundred from Rachin Ravindra and a rollicking 95 from skipper Kane Williamson. There were also some good contributions from Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner which helped them reach that huge score. Mohammad Wasim was the best bowler for Pakistan with three wickets while Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, and Haris Rauf chipped in with one each but were expensive while Shaheen Afridi set an unwanted record of conceding the most runs by a Pakistani bowler in a World Cup match. The Men in Green knew that they had to go all guns blazing and Fakhar Zaman did exactly that right from the start and with good support from Babar Azam and some help from the rain in Bangalore, the registered a sensational win.

New Zealand, on the other hand, even though got an early breakthrough from Tim Southee but failed to create any more chances and were punished by the batters. Nothing worked for them as they had no answers to the exceptional batting of Fakhar Zaman who spared absolutely no one. Kane Williamson tried to rotate his bowlers to do something different but the game only went away from them. Then there was the rain stoppage and they hoped that this would be the break that they needed but after the resumption, Ish Sodhi was given the 25th over where 20 runs were scored which proved to be the point of difference as the rain showed no mercy on the Kiwis. This will hurt a lot but they still have things in their own hands and will look to come back stronger against Sri Lanka in their last league game.

Despite losing Abdullah Shafique early on, Pakistan got off to an absolute flier with Fakhar Zaman smashing it all around the park and Babar Azam playing second fiddle to him. They knew that they couldn't slow down, so firstly Zaman attacked Trent Boult and then took the spinners to the cleaners hitting sixes for fun. The runs were flowing from his bat and in no time he registered a sensational hundred which is also the fastest by any Pakistani batter in World Cup history. It is also the fourth century he has scored against the Kiwis this year which says everything about his batting. With Babar also getting into his groove, they were able to remain in check with the required rate and when the rain came in the 22nd over, they were ahead by 10 runs. We could get only 3.3 overs after that break before the rain came back on and no further play was possible but Pakistan wasted no time and scored at the same rate in those overs and kept them ahead on DLS which in the end got them the crucial two points.

PAKISTAN ARE STILL ALIVE IN THE WORLD CUP! It is official and this match has been called off. We can say that the rain gods have helped the Men in Green a bit but it was really their exceptional batting especially from Fakhar Zaman that put them in this position and ultimately they win by 21 runs on DLS method. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman added 194 runs for the second wicket which is the joint-highest partnership for Pakistan in a World Cup game, and this came when they needed it the most.

UPDATE - 7.03 pm IST (1.33 pm GMT) - It continues to rain at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru! The chances of a resumption are looking grim at the moment. The cut-off time is 7.40 pm IST (2.10 pm GMT), and if no further play is possible, Pakistan will win this encounter by the DLS method and by doing so, keep their qualification hopes alive. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE - 6.38 pm IST (1.08 pm GMT) - Oh, no! The drizzle has gotten heavier and the umpires have asked the ground staff to bring the covers on. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam are more than happy to walk off but the New Zealand players want to stay on. Pakistan are 21 runs ahead of the DLS par score at the moment. Since we had started to lose overs during the earlier rain interruption, we will continue to lose overs. Stay tuned for more updates.

25.30

Back of a length and outside off, slower again, Babar Azam cuts it straight to point.

25.21

A slower delivery, on a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman taps it wide of point for a single. 200 up for Pakistan!

25.10

Daryl Mitchell begins with a bouncer around off, Fakhar Zaman sways away from it.

Daryl Mitchell comes into the attack now, replacing Trent Boult. It has started to drizzle but it is not concerning enough yet for the umpires to take the players off.

Runs Scored 20 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 199/1

F Zaman125 (79)

B Azam66 (62)

I Sodhi4-0-44-0

24.61

Another short delivery, outside off, Fakhar Zaman this time cuts it past point for one. 20 runs off the over!

24.50

Pushed through quicker, short and outside off, Fakhar Zaman cuts it straight to point.

24.46

SIX! Back-to-back sixes! Ish Sodhi gives this one some air again, full, and on off, Fakhar Zaman once again goes down on one knee and drags it from there to deposit over the wide long on fence for an even bigger maximum.

24.36

SIX! Up, up and away! Ish Sodhi flights this one up, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down and has to reach for it a bit but still smacks it way over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

24.21

Goes short and on middle, Babar Azam pulls it towards mid-wicket where a fumble allows the single.

24.16

SIX! Babar Azam clears the fence now! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Babar Azam stays there and throws the kitchen sink at it to tonk it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 179/1

B Azam59 (60)

F Zaman112 (75)

T Boult6-0-50-0

23.61

Pitches this one up, on middle, Babar Azam tucks it in front of mid on and scampers across for one.

23.50

Trent Boult serves a low full toss, outside off, Babar Azam uses his feet and tries to drill it hard but fails to connect. This was there to be put away.

23.41

On a length and around leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it through square leg for a run.

23.34

FOUR! Lovely shot! Trent Boult serves this full and on the pads, Fakhar Zaman creates a bit of room by clearing his back leg and flicks it with nice timing through mid-wicket for a boundary.

23.21

Full again and around middle, Babar Azam nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

23.10

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam knocks it straight to mid on.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 172/1

B Azam57 (56)

F Zaman107 (73)

I Sodhi3-0-24-0

22.61

Gives this one some air as well, on middle, Babar Azam works it through mid-wicket for one more.

22.51

Looped up, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman eases it towards long off for one.

22.51wd

Flatter, short and outside off, turning further away, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone. Wided.

22.41

A bit short and on middle, Babar Azam moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

22.30

Floated, full and on middle, Babar Azam tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

22.24

FOUR! Two in two! This is tossed up, full and around off, Babar Azam leans on nicely onto his drive and creams it through covers beautifully for a boundary.

22.14

FOUR! FIFTY FOR BABAR! A good supporting knock from him but he will also need to change gears now. Ish Sodhi lands this short and down the leg side, Babar Azam moves back and punishes it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

It will be the spin of Ish Sodhi from the other end.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 160/1

F Zaman106 (72)

B Azam47 (51)

T Boult5-0-43-0

21.60

Trent Boult bowls a good yorker now, on middle, angling in, Fakhar Zaman jams it out towards mid on. Good start from the Kiwis after the rain delay.

21.50

On a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman taps it to the off side and calls for the run but is sent back as Boult is quick to gather it up.

21.40

Trent Boult starts with a back-of-a-length delivery after the break, on off, Fakhar Zaman dabs it towards point.

All in readiness for the play to resume. The two umpires make their way out to the middle followed by Kane Williamson and the rest of New Zealand players. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam walk out to resume their innings for Pakistan. Trent Boult is all set to complete his over. Off we go...

UPDATE - Great news! Play will resume at 6.20 pm IST (12.50 pm GMT)! It will now be a 41-over game and the revised target for Pakistan as per DLS is 342. So, Pakistan need 182 runs more from 19.3 overs at 9.33 runs per over. Don't go anywhere, folks, we have a cracker of a run chase coming up.

UPDATE - 5.50 pm IST (12.20 pm GMT) - We have started to lose overs now but the positive news is that the rain has stopped. There is still a lot of time before we talk about the cut-off time for this game and with one of the best drainage systems and ground staff, the game should start sooner rather than later. There is also a pitch inspection scheduled for about ten minutes from now. Stick with us for more news.

UPDATE - 5.20 pm IST (11.50 am GMT) - It is still drizzling, and the covers are firmly in place. We will start losing overs from 5.40 pm IST (12.10 pm GMT), but considering that this venue has one of, if not the best, drainage systems in India, it should not take long for the ground staff to remove the water from the outfield if and when the rain stops. Stick around for more news.

UPDATE - 4.51 pm IST (11.21 am GMT) - Uh oh! It has started to rain and the ground staff come charging in with the covers. There is a breeze blowing across and let's hope it takes the rain away. Just the square has been covered for now but the dark clouds in the distance are looking ominous. At this stage, Pakistan are 10 runs ahead of the DLS par score. Also, we have had 20 overs needed to arrive at a result, meaning if the match does not resume, Pakistan will win by 10 runs according to the DLS method. Stay tuned for further updates.

21.30

A low full toss, on off, Fakhar Zaman miscues his drive off the toe-end towards short mid-wicket.

21.20

Trent Boult bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Fakhar Zaman looks to pull it away but misses.

21.11

Back of a length and around off, Babar Azam dabs it wide of the diving point fielder for a single.

Kane Williamson now turns to Trent Boult (4-0-42-0) in search of a breakthrough.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 159/1

B Azam46 (50)

F Zaman106 (67)

G Phillips5-1-42-0

20.61

Darts this one full, on middle, Babar Azam drives it towards long on for one.

20.51

Good fielding in the deep! This is full toss, on off, Fakhar Zaman uses his feet and drills it wide of long off where Trent Boult runs to his left and dives to make an excellent stop. He saves three as the batters only take one run.

20.44

FOUR! Nicely played! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down on one knee and nails his sweep towards the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

20.30

Floated, short and around off, Fakhar Zaman bunts it down towards point.

20.21

Short again, on middle, Babar Azam moves back and punches it towards long on for a single.

20.10

Flatter, short and on middle, Babar Azam pats it wide of short covers.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 152/1

B Azam44 (47)

F Zaman101 (64)

M Santner5-0-35-0

19.61

Angles it into the pads, a bit short, Babar Azam nudges it wide of backward square leg for a single.

19.51

Floated up, outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it square on the off side and takes a single.

19.41

Slows it up this time, full and outside off, Babar Azam opens the face of his bat to dab it wide of backward point for a run.

19.34

FOUR! Short and punished! A drag down over middle, Babar Azam rocks on the back foot in a flash and hammers the pull wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

19.21

HUNDRED FOR FAKHAR ZAMAN! Fastest hundred by a Pakistani batter in World Cups! What a game to achieve this feat. Mitchell Santner drops it short this time, slower and around off, Fakhar Zaman waits for the ball to arrive and pushes it with an open bat face in front of point for a single. He sprints to the other end and removes his helmet to soak in the applause.

19.16

SIX! Monstrous hit! Slower through the air, turning in, on middle and leg, Fakhar Zaman puts the dancing shoes on and coverts it into a full delivery. He heaves it over deep square leg for a maximum.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 138/1

F Zaman93 (61)

B Azam38 (44)

T Southee5-0-27-1

18.61

Slower and fuller in length, on middle, Fakhar Zaman helps it away to fine leg and takes a single to keep strike.

18.51

Another off-pace delivery, closer to off, on a length, Babar Azam waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it towards backward point. A yes-no situation between the two batters but they eventually decide to cross for the single.

18.40

This is bowled on a length, outside off, Babar Azam drives it on the up but can't get it past extra cover.

18.32

Honing in, on a length, on middle and leg, Babar Azam shuffles a bit to clip it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

18.21

Much straighter this time, back of a length, over middle, Fakhar Zaman taps it gently in front of cover for a single.

18.16

SIX! Fakhar Zaman continues his onslaught! Starts his new spell by taking pace off, on a length, outside off, Fakhar Zaman reaches out and frees his arms to hit this one flat and over wide long off for a maximum.

Drinks! It is raining sixes in Bangalore and Fakhar Zaman is the reason. He has given Pakistan the perfect start in this huge run chase with good support from his skipper, but they know that they can't take their foot off the gas at any moment and continue like this to get near the total. New Zealand will be hoping that they will get a chance or two from the batters and they need to be on their toes for that. They will also look to mix up the tactics to make the batters do something different. The DLS par score after 20 overs is 142 and the Men in Green will surely have an eye on that. A hugely exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Tim Southee to bowl after the break.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 127/1

B Azam35 (41)

F Zaman85 (58)

M Santner4-0-21-0

17.60

Looped up, full and outside off, there to be hit for Babar Azam who drills it hard and straight to extra cover. An exceptional over from Mitchell Santner, just two runs off it.

17.51

Mitchell Santner hurls this one quicker, on the pads, Fakhar Zaman advances and works it through square leg to get off strike.

17.40

Quicker this time, turning into the pads, Fakhar Zaman helps this one with the turn to short fine leg. Three dots on the trot!

17.30

Much slower than the previous delivery, full and turning in, on middle, tempts Fakhar Zaman for a big shot but he opts to clip it to square leg.

17.20

Sees the batter advance and cleverly fires it in, on middle and leg Fakhar Zaman gets cramped for room and can only nudge it to mid-wicket.

17.11

Slower through the air, short and on middle, Babar Azam hops back and eases it through mid on for a single.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 125/1

F Zaman84 (54)

B Azam34 (39)

G Phillips4-1-35-0

16.60

Fuller and around off, pushed away to extra cover for a rare dot.

16.54

FOUR! Fakhar Zaman is just toying with the field! This is bowled short, just outside off, Fakhar Zaman allows the ball to come to him and cuts it late to beat backward point. He also manages to beat the man in the deep for four more runs.

16.44

FOUR! Fakhar Zaman is showing is range here! Keeps it outside off, full in length, Fakhar Zaman opens himself up a bit and drills it past extra cover for a boundary.

16.36

SIX! Picked the bones out of that! Glenn Phillips slows it up but the length is full, Fakhar Zaman fetches it from outside and reaches out to slog sweep it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

16.21

Fired in, on the pads, Babar Azam tucks this one with ease to deep square leg and turns the strike over.

16.10

Bowls it from wide of the crease, full and on the pads, clipped straight to mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 110/1

B Azam33 (37)

F Zaman70 (50)

I Sodhi2-0-12-0

15.61

Loops it up, full and outside off, Babar Azam gets a good stride in and drives it through covers for a single.

15.51

Around off, short in length, Fakhar Zaman opens the bat face and eases it wide of point for a run.

15.40

Changes his length by bowling it short, Fakhar Zaman pats it in front of point but the fielder there swoops in quickly and prevents the sinlgle.

15.31

Flatter trajectory, on middle, Babar Azam close his wrists to knock this one past the non-striker for a single.

15.20

Turning away, full and outside off, Babar Azam lets the ball turn and drives it towards cover.

15.11

Serves a googly, short and on off, Fakhar Zaman reads it well and drops it in front of cover for a single.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 106/1

F Zaman68 (47)

B Azam31 (34)

G Phillips3-1-20-0

14.61

Fractionally short, outside off, Fakhar Zaman crouches and cuts it late towards backward point where Rachin Ravindra tumbles to his left to keep it to just a single. 100-run stand comes up between these two batters!

14.50

Compensates by bowling it short, outside off, cut hard but straight to backward point.

14.46

SIX! Same region, same result! A bit quicker by Glenn Phillips, flatter, on middle, Fakhar Zaman charges down the track again and thumps it hard and flat towards the long on fence for yet another maximum.

14.36

SIX! BOOM! Straight as an arrow! Glenn Phillips offers flights, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman shimmies down the track and holds his shape to smoke it over the sight screen for a biggie.

14.21

Full and turning in, on middle and leg, Babar Azam presses forward and plays it along the ground to long on for one more run.

14.11

Short and turning away, outside off, Fakhar Zaman extends his arms and pushes it wide of point for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 91/1

F Zaman54 (42)

B Azam30 (33)

I Sodhi1-0-8-0

13.61

Fuller this time, outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it wide of mid off and collects a single.

13.50

Much straighter this time, short and on off, Fakhar Zaman hangs back and blocks it on the off side.

13.42

Errs in line and length as he drops it short and wide outside off, Fakhar Zaman employs the cut again and gets it towards deep point. The fielder in the deep slides to his right and keeps it to two.

13.34

FOUR! Cut away with ease and that will be another FIFTY for Fakhar Zaman! Back-to-back fifties for the southpaw and he would want to convert this one into a big score. Offers width outside off does Ish Sodhi, short in length, Fakhar Zaman plays it late and chops it wide of backward point for a boundary.

13.21

The length is shortened down, on middle, Babar Azam knocks it through mid on for a single.

13.10

Starts off with a tossed-up delivery, on middle, Babar Azam drives it down the wicket where Ish Sodhi sticks out his left hand and makes a good low stop.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 83/1

B Azam29 (31)

F Zaman47 (38)

G Phillips2-1-5-0

12.61

Goes wide of the crease and drags this one down, on middle, Babar Azam punches it down to long on and keeps the strike with a single.

12.50

Turning into the pads, full in length, flicked to square leg by Babar Azam.

12.41

Fires it in, full and on middle, Fakhar Zaman uses his feet again but he swings a bit too hard this time. He loses his shape and drags this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.

12.30

The length is pulled back a bit, around off, Fakhar Zaman gets on the front foot and smothers the ball down the wicket.

12.22

Flighted delivery, in the slot, on off, Fakhar Zaman steps out of the crease and ends up yorking himself. He still manages to heave this one wide of long on for a couple of runs.

12.11

Pushes it through, full and on middle, Babar Azam clips it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 78/1

B Azam27 (28)

F Zaman44 (35)

M Santner3-0-19-0

11.61

Slower through the air, on off, Babar Azam eases this one down to long off and takes a single.

11.50

Drops it short again, on middle, there to be pulled away but Babar Azam is content with tapping this one to mid-wicket.

11.40

Angles this one in, short and on middle, tucked to the right of the bowler.

11.30

Hangs it back, on off and middle, Babar Azam looks to push this one off the front foot but checks his shot and defends it on the off side.

11.21

Slows it up, short and on middle, Fakhar Zaman waits and drops it with soft hands in front of backward point. Calls Babar Azam for a quick single and he responds in agreement.

11.11

Floats it up from a high arm, around off, Babar Azam gets forward and dabs it wide of point for a single.

Runs Scored 0 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 75/1

F Zaman43 (34)

B Azam25 (23)

G Phillips1-1-0-0

10.60

Excellent! A maiden from Glenn Phillips! Gives the ball air and bowls it fullish in length, on off and middle, Fakhar Zaman pushes it back to the bowler.

10.50

Keeps it straight, around off, kept out on the off side by Fakhar Zaman.

10.40

Flatter and quicker through the air, full and on off, Fakhar Zaman pushes tentatively and almost ends up chipping it back to the bowler. Four dots on the trot!

10.30

Darted in, full and slower, on off, Fakhar Zaman blocks it off the front foot down the wicket.

10.20

Loops it up, flatter, outside off, Fakhar Zaman looks to force it through the off side but mishits it back to the bowler.

10.10

Tosses it up, full and turning away, on off, Fakhar Zaman prods forward to defend but the ball spins to catch the outer half of his bat.

Powerplay 2! New Zealand are now allowed 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over. Also, Glenn Phillips comes on to bowl now.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 75/1

B Azam25 (23)

F Zaman43 (28)

M Santner2-0-16-0

9.60

Fires this one full and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam stays back and defends it well onto the pitch.

9.50

Short again and around off, Babar Azam punches it straight to extra covers.

9.41

A bit short and around leg, Fakhar Zaman nudges it towards short fine leg for one.

9.36

SIX! Fakhar Zaman is dealing in boundaries here! This is floated and around middle, Fakhar Zaman skips down the track to tonk it over the long on fence for yet another biggie.

9.21

Tossed up, full and on middle, Babar Azam clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

9.10

Quicker, short and on outside off, Babar Azam cuts it straight to short third man.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 67/1

F Zaman36 (26)

B Azam24 (19)

T Southee4-0-16-1

8.60

A slower one now, on a length and on middle, Fakhar Zaman blocks it down the pitch.

8.56

SIX! Just over! This is full again from Tim Southee, on middle, Fakhar Zaman goes down and looks to slog it away but hits it with the toe-end of the bat, However, he manages to generate enough power to send it just over the leaping deep square fielder for a biggie.

8.44

FOUR! Fine shot! Tim Southee continues with his leg stump line, full as well, Fakhar Zaman stays in his crease and uses his wrists really well to whip it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

8.31

Back of a length and on middle, Babar Azam stays back and nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.20

On a length and around off, Babar Azam pushes it towards short covers.

8.10

Fuller one and on middle, Babar Azam flicks it nicely but straight to short mid-wicket.

Despite the early loss, this has been a good start for Pakistan.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 56/1

B Azam23 (16)

F Zaman26 (23)

M Santner1-0-8-0

7.61

Shortish and around off, Babar Azam moves back and punches it towards long off for one. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

7.50

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam stays back and blocks it out.

7.46

SIX! BOOM! Babar Azam sends this one into the crowd! Mitchell Santner drags his length back and around middle, Babar Azam picks up the length early, goes back and smashses it into the second tier over the deep mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

7.31

Flatter, full and around leg, Fakhar Zaman clips it towards backward square leg for a single.

7.20

Short again, on middle, Fakhar Zaman nudges it towards short mid-wicket.

7.10

Mitchell Santner starts with a floated delivery, short and on leg, angling in, Fakhar Zaman looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Time for some spin as Mitchell Santner is introduced into the attack.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 48/1

B Azam16 (13)

F Zaman25 (20)

T Boult4-0-42-0

6.64

FOUR! No luck about this one! Pure class! Trent Boult bowls this back of a length and around off, Babar Azam gets on top of the bounce and punches it sweety through covers for another boundary. Trent Boult is proving to be expensive here!

6.54

EDGED AND FOUR! Trent Boult lands this on a hard length and on off, shaping away, Babar Azam looks to play at it but gets an outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.

6.40

This is on a good length and on middle, Babar Azam stays back and blocks it back to the bowler.

6.31

Goes fuller and on leg, angling in, Fakhar Zaman backs away and jams it out towards square leg for a single.

6.31wd

Tries the bouncer but bowls this down the leg side, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone. Wided.

6.20

Good comeback from Boult! He nails the yorker this time, on middle, Fakhar Zaman manages to get his bat down in time to dig it out onto the pitch.

6.16

SIX! Fakhar Zaman is targeting Trent Boult here! This is full and around middle, in the slot as well, Fakhar Zaman clears his front leg away and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 32/1

B Azam8 (10)

F Zaman18 (17)

T Southee3-0-5-1

5.60

Pitches this one up, on middle, Babar Azam drills it down the ground where Tim Southee goes down quickly to stop it.

5.51lb

Tim Southee follows the batter and serves this full, on leg, Fakhar Zaman tries to back away but gets cramped as he looks to work it away and the ball goes off his pads towards backward square leg. A leg bye is taken.

5.41

Touch fuller and on leg, angling in, Babar Azam works it off the inside half of the bat onto his pads as the ball rolls towards mid-wicket. They cross.

5.30

Back of a length and around off, Babar Azam punches it towards cover-point.

5.21

Length again, on off, Fakhar Zaman taps it in front of short covers for quick single.

5.10

On a length and around leg, Fakhar Zaman tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 29/1

B Azam7 (7)

F Zaman17 (14)

T Boult3-0-26-0

4.64

FOUR! Babar Azam connects this time alright! Trent Boult once again bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Babar Azam gets into a good position early and hammers it towards the vacant deep square leg fence for a boundary.

4.52

Short of a length and on middle, Babar Azam mistimes his pull shot over mid-wicket as the fielder from mid on chases after it and slides to stop it. Two runs taken.

4.40

On a length and on off, Babar Azam pats it back to the bowler where Trent Boult collects and has a shy at the batter's end which hits Babar on the pads and rolls to the keeper.

4.31

Back of a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman drops it in front of point for a quick single.

4.26

SIX! BANG! Fakhar Zaman goes big now! Trent Boult serves this full and drifting into the pads, Fakhar Zaman picks it up from there and absolutely whips it way over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

4.14

FOUR! Powered away! Trent Boult bowls this on a good length and around middle, Fakhar Zaman picks up the length early and swats it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 12/1

B Azam1 (4)

F Zaman6 (11)

T Southee2-0-3-1

3.60

Fullish delivery, on middle, Babar Azam knocks it straight to mid on.

3.51

Length again, on leg, slower too, Fakhar Zaman clips it through backward square leg for a run.

3.40

Pulls his length back a bit, on leg, Fakhar Zaman looks to flick but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards wide of first slip.

3.31

Pitched up and around middle, Babar Azam works it wide of mid on for a single and gets off the mark.

3.20

Full again, on off, shaping away, Babar Azam drives it straight to short covers.

3.10

Fuller one and around off, Babar Azam gently blocks it towards short covers.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 10/1

F Zaman5 (9)

B Azam0 (0)

T Boult2-0-9-0

2.60

This is on a hard length and around middle, Fakhar Zaman looks to heave it away but misses and gets hit high on the body.

2.50

Trent Boult bangs in a sharp bouncer now, Fakhar Zaman gets a bit hurried and misses his pull shot.

2.40

A bit fuller and on off, Fakhar Zaman blocks it back to the bowler.

2.30

On a length and on off, Fakhar Zaman knocks it towards mid on.

2.24

FOUR! Nice shot! Trent Boult lands this short of a length and outside off, Fakhar Zaman stands tall and crunches it past the diving point fielder for a boundary.

2.10

Back of a length and around off, Fakhar Zaman leaves it alone.

Babar Azam walks out to the middle now.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 6/1

A Shafique4 (9)

F Zaman1 (3)

T Southee1-0-1-1

1.6W

OUT! TAKEN! Broken thumb? What broken thumb? Kane Williamson takes one of the catches of the tournament here. Tim Southee bowls this one fuller as well around off, Abdullah Shafique presents the full face of the bat and looks to loft it away but the ball hits high on the bat and flies in the air wide of mid off here Kane Williamson runs backwards to his left and into the sun, but dives brilliantly to take the catch. Pakistan lose an early wicket!

1.50

Touch fuller this time, on off, Abdullah Shafique taps it down towards point.

1.40

Tim Southee lands this on a hard length and outside off, shaping away sharply, Abdullah Shafique lets it go to the keeper.

1.31

Length again and on leg too, Fakhar Zaman nudges it through mid-wicket for a single and gets off the mark.

1.20

This is on a good length and around leg, Fakhar Zaman looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads.

1.10

Tim Southee begins with a fuller delivery, on middle, shaping in, Fakhar Zaman clips it towards short mid-wicket.

It will be Tim Southee to operate from the other end.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 5/0

A Shafique4 (6)

F Zaman0 (0)

T Boult1-0-5-0

0.60

Goes fuller and around leg, Abdullah Shafique turns it to the leg side. Five runs off the first over then.

0.61wd

Short of a length and well outside off, Abdullah Shafique throws his bat at it but fails to reach it. It is called a wide.

0.50

BEATEN! Trent Boult lands this on a hard length and around off, shaping away, Abdullah Shafique has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

0.40

Right in the blockhole, on off, Abdullah Shafique digs it out off the bottom edge towards mid-wicket.

0.34

FOUR! Abdullah Shafique and Pakistan are underway in style! Trent Boult pitches this one up again, drifting into the pads, Abdullah Shafique uses his wrists and closes the face of the bat to flick it past mid-wicket for a boundary.

0.20

Touch fuller this time, on middle, shaping in again, Abdullah Shafique tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

0.10

Trent Boult starts with a good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Abdullah Shafique works it off the inner half of the bat to square leg.

Commentary

We are back for the second essay. Blue skies greet the two umpires and players as they make their way out to the middle. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Fakhar Zaman ​​​​Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Trent Boult is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings for New Zealand. A slip in place. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

UPDATE - 3.08 pm IST (9.38 am GMT) - Good news! The rain has stopped and the covers have been removed. The ground staff are in the process of drying up the outfield to get the field ready for play. The match officials have decided that the Pakistan run chase will commence at 3.20 pm IST (9.50 am GMT).

UPDATE - 3.02 pm IST (9.32 am GMT) - The start of the chase might be a bit delayed as it is raining at the moment in Bangalore, but the sun is also out. So, the wait should not be that long. Stay with us for further updates.

Right then, New Zealand have batted Pakistan out of this game and they would want to bowl them out to boost their net run-rate significantly. As for Pakistan, they have their backs against the wall and will need to bat out of their skins to get anywhere close to the target. Join us in a bit to see how the chase unfolds.

The centurion, Rachin Ravindra is up for a chat. He says that it is pretty surreal to play in the country of his background. Adds that it is always special to play in India, especially in Bangalore in front of his family. Tells that the wicket is a good one, it was a bit slow at the start but still good to bat on. Mentions that they can play freely upfront as they have good power hitters like Phillips, Mitchell and Santner who can make up in the end. Praises Kane Williamson for the way he batted and says that there wasn't a target in their mind and it was just about continuing to score runs at a good rate and use that impressive start. Ends by saying that they have managed to put a good total and hopes that it is enough.

Despite winning what was a crucial toss under overcast conditions, Shaheen Afridi failed to set the tone as he lacked rhythm, and it was the same with his new ball partner, Hasan Ali. They were all over the place with their lines and lengths and conceded boundaries every now and then. Pakistan looked completely flat during the middle phase, which was fairly dominated by the partnership between Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Having managed to dismiss both in the space of 10 balls, they sensed an opening to stage a comeback. However, they lacked consistency with their lines and lengths and allowed New Zealand to get away. Even in the last ten overs, they could not nail their deliveries and the slow over-rate penalty during the last three overs made matters even worse for them. On a day when Shaheen Afridi registered the most expensive figures by a Pakistani bowler in World Cups, Mohammad Wasim stood out for them with figures of 3 for 60 from his 10 overs.

New Zealand fall one short of their highest ODI total but this is their highest-ever World Cup total! Enough to tell you what kind of batting performance this has been from the Kiwis. After being sent into bat, New Zealand were off to a solid start with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra getting into the groove quickly. Coming in at number 3, Kane Williamson got himself going with a couple of crisp boundaries and took the innings forward with Rachin Ravindra. The master and the apprentice looked at utmost ease in the middle during their 180-run stand. Although Williamson fell 5 runs short of his hundred, Ravindra brought up his third hundred and became the first batter to score three centuries in his maiden World Cup. After the departure of the two set batters, quickfire cameos from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips ensured that New Zealand did not lose their way at any stage. Not to forget, Mitchell Santner's unbeaten knock which took helped New Zealand cross 400.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 50 overs : 401/6

M Santner26 (17)

T Latham2 (2)

S Afridi10-0-90-0

49.61

Only a single to end the innings! Shaheen Afridi serves a low full toss, on middle, Mitchell Santner only manages to force it towards mid off for just a run. New Zealand finishes with 401/6!

49.52

Pulls his length back a bit this time, on middle, Mitchell Santner slaps it wide of long on for a couple of runs. New Zealand hits that magical 400-run mark!

49.46

SIX! Top shot! Shaheen Afridi continues with his fuller length and on off, Mitchell Santner makes a bit of room and shows the full face of the bat to launch it well over the long off fence for a biggie.

49.32

In the air...safe! Shaheen Afridi takes pace off, touch fuller, on middle, Mitchell Santner looks to loft it away but goes through the shot early and mistimes it in the air in front of long on where Hasan Ali runs forward but fails to reach it. Two runs taken.

49.20

Full again and outside off, Mitchell Santner swings hard through the line but gets a bottom edge to the keeper.

49.11

Fuller one and on middle, Tom Latham moves across to scoop but toe-ends it through square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi (9-0-78-0) will bowl the final over.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 49 overs : 389/6

T Latham1 (1)

M Santner15 (12)

M Wasim10-0-60-3

48.61

On a length and on leg, Tom Latham flicks it through square leg for one.

Tom Latham comes in at number 8.

48.5W

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mohammad Wasim strikes again! He nails another good yorker, on middle, tailing in, Glenn Phillips makes room to dig it out but fails to put his bat down in time as the ball goes off his pads to rattle the stumps. A good cameo from Glenn Phillips comes to an end as New Zealand lose their sixth wicket.

48.51wd

Goes for another wide yorker but this time it is way outside off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

48.40

Mohammad Wasim sees the batter back away and bowls this in the blockhole, outside off, Glenn Phillips fails to reach it.

48.34

FOUR! SMACKED! Mohammad Wasim lands this back of a length and around off, Glenn Phillips stands tall and absolutely dismisses it through covers for a boundary. It looked like a boundary from the moment it hit the bat.

48.21

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards long on for a single.

48.16

SIX! BOOM! Mitchell Santner joins the act now! Mohammad Wasim bowls this full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away nicely and tonks it over the long off fence for another maximum.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 48 overs : 376/5

G Phillips37 (22)

M Santner8 (10)

S Afridi9-0-78-0

47.66

SIX! Glenn Phillips clears the fence now! Shaheen Afridi misses his yorker and serves a low full toss, on middle, Glenn Phillips clears his front leg away and tries to loft it but hits it with the toe-end of the bat again, However, the ball still sails way over the long on fence for a biggie.

47.51

Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one more.

47.40

This is on a good length, on middle, slower too, Mitchell Santner knocks it back to the bowler.

47.31

Touch fuller and around leg again, Glenn Phillips tries to heave it away but toe-ends it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

47.20

A slower delivery now, on a length and around leg, Glenn Phillips goes through his slog way early and misses and gets hit on the midriff. He looks in a bit of pain.

47.21wd

Full again but down the leg side, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

47.11

DROPPED! A brilliant effort though! This is full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away and and drives it uppishly wide of extra covers where Agha Salman dives to his right and gets both hands to it but just spills it out. A single is taken.

Penalty! Pakistan have been penalised for slow over-rate and they can now have only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the innings.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 47 overs : 366/5

G Phillips30 (19)

M Santner6 (7)

M Wasim9-0-47-2

46.60

BEATEN! Mohammad Wasim bowls this on a good length and just around off, nips back in, Glenn Phillips tries to make room and slashes at but misses as the ball just goes past the stumps.

46.51

Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Santner drives it towards mid off and sets off for the run, the fielder picks up but misses his shy at the bowler's end and Santner gets home.

46.42

On a length and around leg, Mitchell Santner tucks it with soft hands wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

46.31

Short of a length and on off, Glenn Phillips heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

46.21

Overpitched and on off, Mitchell Santner drills it wide of extra covers where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. They cross.

46.11

Back of a length and outside off, Glenn Phillips slaps it towards deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 46 overs : 360/5

M Santner2 (4)

G Phillips28 (16)

H Rauf10-0-85-1

45.60

This is on a good length and around off, shaping away a bit, Mitchell Santner looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Haris Rauf ends the over well but still 13 runs from it.

45.51

Back of a length and on off, slower too, Glenn Phillips punches it towards extra covers for one.

45.44

FOUR! Fantastic shot! Haris Rauf just misses his yorker and serves this full and around off, Glenn Phillips stays there and creams it through covers for a boundary.

45.31

Touch fuller, on middle, Mitchell Santner looks to drive but gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for a run, Santner sets off for the second but is sent back in time.

45.21

On a length and around off, Glenn Phillips pushes it through covers for a single.

45.16

SIX! What a shot! Haris Rauf lands this on a hard length and around middle, Glenn Phillips strides forward a bit and gets under the ball really well to pummel it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 45 overs : 347/5

M Santner1 (2)

G Phillips16 (12)

M Wasim8-0-41-2

44.60

Goes fuller and on the pads, Mitchell Santner can only clip this one towards mid-wicket. End of a successful over from Mohammad Wasim.

44.51

Short of a length, around off, Glenn Phillips works this one in front of deep point and turns the strike over.

44.41

Hurries the batter, on a hard length, over middle, Mitchell Santner looks to get behind the line but plays all around it as he gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to third man for a single.

Mitchell Santner comes out to the middle now.

44.3W

OUT! CASTLED! Mohammad Wasim gets his reward for attacking the stumps! New Zealand lose another as Mark Chapman departs. Bowls this one a good length, at pace, top of off, a bit of reverse swing, Mark Chapman clears his front leg and seems to have misread the length of the delivery. It is not that short but Chapman opts to hang back and heave it away on the off side. The ball skids off the deck and crashes into the top of the off-stump.

44.21

At 141.8 kph, on a good length, around off, Glenn Phillips taps it wide of extra cover and turns the strike over.

44.11lb

Leg bye! Zoning in on the leg stump, on a good length, Mark Chapman fails to nudge this one away as the ball rolls off his back leg towards point for a leg bye.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 44 overs : 343/4

M Chapman39 (25)

G Phillips14 (10)

H Rauf9-0-72-1

43.61

Tries to go full but ends up bowling a full toss, on off and middle, Mark Chapman drills it along the ground to long off and keeps the strike with a single.

43.51

Drags the length back and bowls it on off, Glenn Phillips gets a bit cramped for room but hops to push it wide of point for one more run.

43.40

Fullish delivery, at the stumps, Glenn Phillips gets his bat down in time and jams it out to mid-wicket.

43.31lb

Leg bye! Slower and on a length, drifting on the pads, Mark Chapman misses the clip as the ball rolls off hs pads in front of point for a leg bye.

43.21

A bit too straight, on a good length, at the hips, Glenn Phillips swats it to fine leg for a single.

43.11

Directs this one at the pads, on a hard length, worked away in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

43.11wd

WIDE! Wayward from Haris Rauf, slower but way down leg, left alone for a wide.

UPDATE - The news coming from the Indian camp this morning is that Hardik Pandya has failed to recover from his ankle injury and is ruled out of the World Cup. Prasidh Krishna replaces him in the squad.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 43 overs : 337/4

M Chapman37 (22)

G Phillips12 (7)

H Ali10-0-82-1

42.61

Back of a length, over middle, Mark Chapman nudges it off the front foot and takes a single towards deep mid-wicket.

42.53

Sloppy from Pakistan! Sums up the day they have had so far. Delivers it on a length, on the pads, Glenn Phillips nudges it in front of deep mid-wicket and there are easy two on offer. Saud Shakeel in the deep runs in a bit too hard and takes his eys off the ball at the last moment. allowing an extra run.

42.41

Into the wicket, slower over middle, Mark Chapman swivels to pull this one but swings a bit early and adjusts well to check his shot to deep square leg for a single.

42.31

Serves it full, on middle and leg, knocked down the ground to long on for one by Glenn Phillips.

42.21

Angled into the batter, on a length, Mark Chapman whips it on the bounce towards long on for a single.

42.14

FOUR! Easy pickings for Mark Chapman! Hasan Ali charges in from around the wicket and bowls it fuller and slower, on the pads, Mark Chapman allows the ball to come to him and rolls his wrists to help it to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 42 overs : 326/4

G Phillips8 (5)

M Chapman30 (18)

H Rauf8-0-67-1

41.64

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Haris Rauf misses his line yet again as he overpitches and offers width outside off, Glenn Phillips does not miss out as he leans on and creams the drive through covers for four more runs.

41.50

On the pads again, full in length, Glenn Phillips gets his bat out in front and whips it towards mid-wicket.

41.44

FOUR! Glenn Phillips is up and running! Haris Rauf errs in line and length as this is bowled and on the pads, Glenn Phillips just has to get bat on it and he does so to tickle it to the fine leg fence for his first boundary.

41.30

Hurls it on a good length, on off and middle, Glenn Phillips hangs on the back foot and taps it towards cover.

41.20

Goes full on this occasion, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips clips it neatly but straight to mid-wicket.

Glenn Phillips is the next man in.

41.1W

OUT! DRAGGED IT ON! Haris Rauf has struck for Pakistan! Haris Rauf bowls the off-cutter, on a good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell goes for the drive away from his body with his hands and does not move his feet much. The ball comes back in off the deck enough to catch the inside edge before clattering back onto the stumps. Haris Rauf has his first wicket and New Zealand are now 4 down.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 41 overs : 318/3

D Mitchell29 (17)

M Chapman30 (18)

H Ali9-0-71-1

40.61

Stays on a back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell whips it in front of long on and retains the strike with a single.

40.50

Pace on now, on a hard length, Daryl Mitchell drives it away on the up towards extra cover.

40.46

SIX! Just enough! Hasan Ali takes pace off this time and bowls it on a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell tries to go downtown but swings a bit early as he gets a bit deceived by the slowness of the delivery. The bottom hand comes off his bat but he gets a decent connection to clear the man stationed at long on for a maximum.

40.34

FOUR! The third time's the charm for Daryl Mitchell! In the slot from Hasan Ali, on middle, Daryl Mitchell crouches to get underneath the delivery and lofts it with a straight bat, wide of mid off for a boundary.

40.20

A bit fuller than the previous delivery, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell stays leg side of the ball and drills it straight to mid off again.

40.10

Bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it away on the up but picks out the man at mid off.

Powerplay 3! Pakistan can now have 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the innings. With an extra fielder allowed outside now, they will be hoping to finish strongly with the ball.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 40 overs : 307/3

M Chapman30 (18)

D Mitchell18 (11)

S Afridi8-0-68-0

39.64

FOUR! 16 runs off the over! Shaheen Afridi lands this back of a length and around off, Mark Chapman opens the face of his bat and uses the pace to carve it through point where the fielder dives to his right and gets a hand to it but the ball still races to the fence for four more runs.

39.52

This is on a good length and around middle, Mark Chapman uses his wrists to flick it nicely towards deep square leg for a brace.

39.44

FOUR! Mark Chapman is finding the fence with ease here! Shaheen Afridi serves this one fuller and around off again, Mark Chapman clears his front leg away and dispatches it wide of mid off for another boundary. 300 up for New Zealand!

39.31

On a length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards short fine leg for a run.

39.21

Goes fuller and on middle, Mark Chapman drills it towards mid off for a single.

39.14

FOUR! Powered away! Shaheen Afridi lands this back of a length and around off, slower too, Mark Chapman waits for it and slaps it away, he hits it with the toe-end but it still goes well over mid off for a boundary.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 39 overs : 291/3

M Chapman15 (13)

D Mitchell17 (10)

H Ali8-0-60-1

38.61lb

Pitched up, on leg, angling in, Mark Chapman misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. The batters gets across for a leg bye.

38.54

FOUR! A lucky boundary! Hasan Ali lands this on a hard length and around off, shaping away, Mark Chapman looks to work it away but closes the face a bit early and gets an outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.

38.41

Back of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it towards long on for a run.

38.31

On a length and on middle, Mark Chapman pats it down towards mid on for a quick single.

38.20

Pulls his length back a bit, on leg, angling in, Mark Chapman looks to slog it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

38.10

Fuller one and on middle, Mark Chapman clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 38 overs : 284/3

D Mitchell16 (9)

M Chapman10 (8)

S Afridi7-0-52-0

37.64

FOUR! Up and over! Shaheen Afridi lands this on a good length and around middle, Daryl Mitchell waits for it and lets it come to him before lifting it using his muscle strength over mid on for four more runs. 13 runs off the over!

37.51

Short of a length and on off, Mark Chapman punches it towards sweeper covers for one.

37.44

FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Shaheen Afridi misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, on off, Mark Chapman shows the full face of the bat and drills it easily wide of mid off for another boundary.

37.30

A slower delivery, on a length and on middle, Mark Chapman only manages to block it down the pitch.

37.24

FOUR! Fine shot! Shaheen Afridi bangs this one short and around middle, Mark Chapman hops up to get on top of the bounce and pulls it hard and in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

37.10

Back of a length and on off, Mark Chapman dabs it towards backward point.

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 37 overs : 271/3

M Chapman1 (3)

D Mitchell12 (8)

H Rauf7-0-59-0

36.61

Pitches this one up, on off, Mark Chapman drills it onto the ground as the bounce takes it over covers for one.

36.50

On a length and around leg, Mark Chapman misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

36.41

Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

36.30

Short of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs on the back foot and stabs it towards point.

36.24

FOUR! Slapped away! Haris Rauf overcompensates this time by offering width outside off, on a back of a length, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and drills it through the line. He gets it through covers and beats the man in the deep to his right for a boundary.

36.14

FOUR! A hit-me delivery and Daryl Mitchell cashes in! Haris Rauf tries to go short but does not trouble the batter, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets into a good position and hammers the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 36 overs : 261/3

M Chapman0 (1)

D Mitchell3 (4)

M Wasim7-0-38-1

35.60

Beaten! Gets this one to angle across the left-hander, on a good length, in the channel on off, Mark Chapman gets beaten on the outside edge and did well there not to chase at the delivery.

Mark Chapman is the new man in.

35.5W

OUT! TAKEN! Mohammad Wasim gets a wicket now! Pakistan have made their way back in this game by getting rid of both the set batters in quick succession. Mohammad Wasim bangs this one into the pitch, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra picks it up well and whips it towards the deep square leg the fence but gets a bit of a top edge as the ball goes high in the air and fails to get the distance, Saud Shakeel there runs to his left and judges it well to take an excellent catch. Ravindra is disappointed with himself but he is departing after a brilliant hundred here. New Zealand three down now!

35.44

FOUR! SMASHED! Mohammad Wasim lands this on a hard length and around off, Rachin Ravindra once again gets on top of the bounce and absolutely whacks it past covers for a boundary.

35.41wd

Goes fuller but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to paddle it away but misses. Wided.

35.32

Back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra opens the face of his bat and steers it nicely wide of deep point for a brace.

35.21lb

Length again and around leg this time, Daryl Mitchell looks to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

35.11

On a length and around middle, Rachin Ravindra knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 35 overs : 252/2

R Ravindra101 (90)

D Mitchell3 (3)

I Ahmed8-0-55-1

34.61

Fuller again outside off, Rachin Ravindra steps out his front foot, reaches and drives the ball to deep extra cover, single done.

34.51

Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell moves back and punches it towards long on for one.

34.42

Pitches up down leg, Daryl Mitchell steps out and flicks the ball to the left of deep square leg for a single.

34.30

Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell goes down to paddle it away but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down as the impact looks outside off here.

Daryl Mitchell makes his way out to the centre. The stage is set for him to do what he does best.

34.2W

OUT! TAKEN! Iftikhar Ahmed strikes! Pakistan finally gets the breakthrough as Kane Williamson misses out on a well-deserved hundred here. This is flatter, full and around off, Kane Williamson skips down the track to loft it away but has to reach for it a bit and fails to get under it fully to get the elevation. As a result, the ball travels in the air wide of long off where Fakhar Zaman moves to his right quickly and pouches it safely. The Kiwi skipper goes back after a fine knock as they lose their second wicket.

34.12

A bit short and around middle, Kane Williamson moves back and flicks it towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 34 overs : 246/1

R Ravindra100 (89)

K Williamson93 (77)

M Wasim6-0-30-0

33.60

Down middle, full-length delivery, Rachin Ravindra taps the ball to mid-on.

33.51

On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson clips it through mid-wicket for one more.

33.41

HUNDRED FOR RAVINDRA! Another fantastic innings from this young Kiwi and the crowd is up on their feet. He removes his helmet and raises his bat to take it all in and also gets a warm hug from his skipper. This is another bouncer, on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it towards deep square leg for one and gets to his third century in this World Cup.

33.30

Mohammad Wasim bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but misses.

33.24

FOUR! Rachin Ravindra moves to 99! Mohammad Wasim serves this one full and around middle, Rachin Ravindra stays in his crease and whips it wide of mid on for a boundary.

33.10

Another run out chance..missed! This is on a good length and around off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it towards short covers as Kane Williamson sets off for the run but is sent back halfway through, he gives up but the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and Williamson lives to fight another day.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 33 overs : 240/1

K Williamson92 (76)

R Ravindra95 (84)

I Ahmed7-0-49-0

32.60

Short ball over leg, Kane Williamson takes a bit of room at his leg, and pushes the ball to cover.

32.50

Gives this one some air as well, full and on middle, Kane Williamson goes for the reverse-sweep again but misses this time to get hit on the pads.

32.42

Full-length delivery on leg, Kane Williamson steps out of his crease and slogs the ball over the mid-wicket, to the right of long on but a beautiful diving piece of fielding by Shaheen Afridi to save a couple of runs.

32.31

Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra works it past square leg for a single.

32.21

Run out chance...missed! This is floated, full and around middle, Kane Williamson goes down and reverse-sweeps it towards point, the batters set off for the run but Williamson is a bit late to react, Fakhar Zaman takes his time to throw it at the bowler's end where Iftikhar Ahmed collects and breaks the stumps and looks confident. However, the replay shows that the Kiwi skipper is well inside the crease.

Is that out? Pakistan think they have got their man but the replays show that Kane Williamson has made it in at the non-striker's end where Iftikhar Ahmed took the bails off.

32.10

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kane Williamson clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 32 overs : 236/1

R Ravindra94 (83)

K Williamson89 (71)

H Ali7-0-54-1

31.64

FOUR! 18 runs off the over! Hasan Ali once again bowls this short of a length and around middle, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and smacks it towards the deep mid-wicket fence where the ball just lands before the boundary cushions. The umpire sees the replay and signals for a four.

31.52

Hasan Ali bangs this into the pitch, on off, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but loses his bat in the process and mistimes it towards wide of deep square leg for a brace. He moves into the 90s now!

31.52nb

More misery for Pakistan! Hasan Ali has overstepped and it is a No Ball! This is on a hard length and on off, Kane Williamson dabs it through backward point for one. Free Hit coming up...

31.40

Back of length down leg, Kane Williamson steps out of the crease and taps the ball to cover.

31.30

Short of a length and on off, Kane Williamson uses his feet but gets cramped for room and pats it down the pitch.

31.24

FOUR! A boundary to follow now! This is back of a length and on middle, Kane Williamson looks to pull but fails to get the timing right on it and has to drag it. However, he generates enough power and places it perfectly between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for four more runs.

31.16

SIX! FLAT AND OVER THE FENCE! Hasan Ali bangs this short bit angling into the leg side, Kane Williamson picks up the length early and swivels and hammers it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 31 overs : 218/1

R Ravindra88 (81)

K Williamson78 (66)

M Wasim5-0-24-0

30.60

Short ball pitched on middle, angling outside off, Rachin Ravindra attempts to smash the ball through his cover but mistimes.

30.50

Touch fuller but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to glance it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls to the keeper.

30.41

Slower one on off, good-length delivery, Kane Williamson lunges halfway and taps the ball to his off for a quick single.

30.30

On a length and around off, Kane Williamson mistimes his push towards short covers.

30.24

FOUR! Lovely shot! Mohammad Wasim lands this short of a length again, sits up nicely for the batter, Kane Williamson gets into a good position early and swats it wide of mid on for a boundary.

30.12

Back of a length and around middle, Kane Williamson heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Drinks! Things are not looking good for Pakistan as both the Kiwi batters have changed gears and are finding the boundaries with ease. This partnership is becoming a huge problem for the Men in Green and they need wickets and they need them quickly or else they could be chasing a massive target here. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 30 overs : 211/1

K Williamson71 (62)

R Ravindra88 (79)

H Ali6-0-36-1

29.61

Length delivery, on middle, Kane Williamson comes down the pitch to charge the ball and smashes the ball to mid-off but the connection wasn't proper on the ball.

29.54

FOUR! Dispatched with disdain! Hasan Ali serves it on a good length, on middle, Kane Williamson picks the length early and swings across the line cleanly. He whips it hard and over mid-wicket for an easy boundary.

29.40

Slower one down middle, Kane Williamson prods halfway and pushes the ball between mid-wicket and mid-on.

29.31

Good running! Hasan Ali rolls his fingers over the ball and delivers it on a length, at the stumps, Rachin Ravindra taps it gently in front of mid on and calls Kane Williamson for a quick single. There is a shy at the non-striker's end but it would not have mattered even if that had hit as Rachin was well in.

29.21

In the slot outside off, Kane Williamson comes down the pitch and hammers it to mid-off.

29.14

FOUR! Nicely done! Hasan Ali lands it back of a length, on off and middle, Kane Williamson swivels in the crease in a flash and rolls his wrists to control the pull in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 29 overs : 200/1

R Ravindra87 (78)

K Williamson61 (57)

H Rauf6-0-49-0

28.66

SIX! BANG! Rachin Ravindra goes huge! Haris Rauf persists with banging into the deck, over off, this sits up nicely for the batter. Rachin Ravindra hangs on the back foot, nails the pull off the front foot and deposits into the stands towards deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

28.51

This is bowled on a hard length, at the pads, Kane Williamson rides on top of the bounce and tucks it through square leg for a single.

28.41

Short ball over the off, Rachin Ravindra stays back and dabs the ball to his off ad takes a quick single.

28.41wd

WIDE! Pitching on leg and angling it outside leg, Rachin Ravindra tries the smash the ball to his leg, opening his leg, but the ball flies to the keeper.

28.30

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, tucked straight to mid-wicket.

28.24

FOUR! So good by Rachin Ravindra! Haris Rauf decides to go short again but the line is much closer to the batter, on off, Rachin Ravindra gets into a good position nice and early as if he is expecting it. He use the pace of the delivery and ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.

28.10

Goes into the wicket and bowls it with some pace, near the tramline on off, Rachin Ravindra bends his back and hops to carve this one over point but misses out.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 28 overs : 187/1

R Ravindra76 (73)

K Williamson60 (56)

S Afridi6-0-39-0

27.61

A bit of width on offer outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and drills it through point. Retains the strike with a single.

27.50

Well bowled! Nails the yorker does Shaheen Afridi, on middle, a bit of reverse swing there, Rachin Ravindra gets a bit hurried but does well to get his bat down in time to dig this one out to mid on.

27.42

In the air but safe! Pitches up down the middle, Rachin Ravindra tries to loft the ball over the mid-wicket, but the connection isn't proper, the ball goes in the air and drops at well wide of mid-on, couple of runs taken in between.

27.31

On the off-stump line, on a good length, Kane Williamson uses his feet and thumps it with a horizontal bat to deep point for a single.

27.21

Slower one, on the fifth stump, fuller, Rachin Ravindra steers the ball towards deep third man for a single.

27.10

Slower and shorter, outside off, Rachin Ravindra sways away and drops his gloves to let the ball go harmlessly towards the keeper. It is called one bouncer for the over but Shaheen Afridi isn't happy with that call neither is Mohammad Rizwan.

27.11wd

WIDE! Wayward by Shaheen Afridi as he bangs into the wicket but way down leg, Rachin Ravindra gets inside the line and lets it go for a wide.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 27 overs : 181/1

K Williamson59 (55)

R Ravindra72 (68)

H Rauf5-0-36-0

26.62

Length delivery outside off, Kane Williamson stays back and pushes the ball to deep point for a single.

26.50

Takes pace off again, fuller and on off, Kane Williamson waits for the ball to arrive and opens the face of his bat to guide it towards backward point.

26.41

Low full toss outside off, Rachin Ravindra moves his wrist and taps the ball towards mid on for a single.

26.31

Honing in at the pads, on a length, Kane Williamson uses his wrists to play this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.

26.20

Fires this out just outside off, length delivery, Kane Williamson tries to tap the ball on his offside but misses the connection with the ball as it goes just past the outside edge to the keeper.

26.14

FOUR! Top shot by a top batter! Haris Rauf begins on a back of a length, around off, Kane Williamson does not have much room to work with but he creates it with his hands and punches it right between cover and mid off for a boundary. Made it look so easy did Williamson there.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 26 overs : 173/1

K Williamson52 (50)

R Ravindra71 (67)

S Afridi5-0-33-0

25.61

At the hips, on a back of a length, Kane Williamson works this one in front of square on the leg side for one more run.

25.52

Kane Williamson gets to his FIFTY now! What a way to announce your return and that too, in a crunch game. Hurls it on a good length does Shaheen Afridi, outside off, Kane Williamson extends his arms and punches it away on the up towards mid off where the fielder slides to his left and parrries the ball away from him, allowing an extra run.

25.40

Gets this one to angle in from around the wicket, on middle and leg, on a length, Kane Williamson misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

25.30

Bowls with an upright seam, on a length, outside off, Kane Williamson goes for an expansive drive through covers but the bat turns in his hand and he mishits it towards mid off.

25.21

Lands it on a good length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and pushes it wide of cover for a run.

25.11

Starts his new spell on a back of a length, on middle, Kane Williamson hops and tucks it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 25 overs : 168/1

R Ravindra70 (66)

K Williamson48 (45)

I Ahmed6-0-45-0

24.64

FOUR! Sliced away! Fires it in, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra stays leg side of the ball and uses the pace of the delivery to steer it between backward point and third man for yet another boundary.

24.51

Compensates now by bowling quicker and shorter, on middle, eased down to long on for one by Kane Williamson.

24.44

FOUR! This is even better and Kane Williamson has back-to-back boundaries! Looped up by Iftikhar Ahmed, on off, Kane Williamson is quick to judge the length of the delivery as he winds up and slog sweeps it hard to the right of Shaheen Afridi at long on for four more runs.

24.34

FOUR! Good use of the feet again! Iftikhar Ahmed tosses it up, on off and middle, Kane Williamson puts the dancing shoes on and moves leg side as well to carve it over extra cover for a boundary.

24.21

Dishes out a full delivery from around the wicket, around off, Rachin Ravindra slices the drive towards deep cover for one more run.

24.11

Short and turning into the pads, Kane Williamson plays it with the turn to fine leg and takes a single.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 24 overs : 153/1

K Williamson38 (41)

R Ravindra65 (64)

M Wasim4-0-17-0

23.61

On the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Kane Williamson gets a bit cramped for room but still manages to open the bat face to steer it to third man for one.

23.50

Hurls it on a good length, on off and middle, Kane Williamson opts to stay back in his crease and keeps it out in front of cover.

23.40

Slanting in, on a short of a length, at the hips, Kane Williamson shapes to nudge it on the leg side but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.

23.31

Angling into the pads, on a hard length, Rachin Ravindra tucks it off his pads to deep backward square leg for a run.

23.20

Good bumper! Bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer, over middle, Rachin Ravindra goes for the pull but the ball climbs on him and goes over his bat to the keeper.

23.11lb

Leg bye! Back of a length, on the stumps, Kane Williamson walks across to help it away but misses as the ball rolls off his thigh pad to fine leg for a leg bye.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 150/1

R Ravindra64 (62)

K Williamson37 (37)

A Salman2-0-21-0

22.64

FOUR! SHOT! Bowls it full this time, slanting in, on middle, Rachin Ravindra is quick to get down on one knee and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He gets up while grimacing in pain but looks fine to continue.

22.51

Bowls it short now, around off, Kane Williamson punches it from the crease to deep point for a single.

22.46

SIX! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Agha Salman floats it up, at the stumps, Kane Williamson trusts the surface and shimmies down the track. He opens himself up to hit it to the left of long off and executes it to perfection for a maximum.

22.30

Drags the length back and bowls it on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

22.21

Darts this one in, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra prods half-forward to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat to square leg for a single.

22.11

Slower and fuller, on middle, Kane Williamson steps out of the crease and pushes it through mi on for a single.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 137/1

R Ravindra59 (60)

K Williamson29 (33)

M Wasim3-0-15-0

21.60

On the fourth stump line, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra allows the ball to come to him and tries to guide this one past backward point but picks out the man there.

21.50

Serves it on a good length, Rachin Ravindra hangs on the back foot and tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

21.41

This is bowled on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Kane Williamson hops and gets inside the line to tickle it to the fine leg fence for a single.

21.31

Offers width outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra latches onto the width as he slaps it hard but straight to deep cover for one more.

21.21

Drifts on the pads this time, a bit fuller, Kane Williamson rolls his wrists to nudge it through square leg for a run.

21.11

Angling across, outside off, on a length, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and punches it away to deep point for a single.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 133/1

R Ravindra57 (56)

K Williamson27 (31)

A Salman1-0-8-0

20.61

Much straighter this time, full and on the off-stump line, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and knocks it down to long on for a single.

20.61wd

WIDE! Slips a full delivery down leg from around the wicket, Rachin Ravindra gets down to sweep but misses and it is called a wide.

20.51

Slower through the air, full and on off, Kane Williamson reaches out in front and crouches to whip it towards wide long on for a single.

20.40

Gives the ball even more air, fullish delivery, on middle, Kane Williamson steps out and nudges it towards mid-wicket.

20.30

Keeps it full and at the stumps, Kane Williamson prods forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

20.21

Floated up, on middle and leg, clipped in front of square on the leg side for a single.

20.14

FOUR! Agha Salman is greeted with a boundary albeit a streaky one! Tosses it up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra angles his bat to go through mid on but the ball angles back in to catch the inside edge and it races past short fine leg for a boundary.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 125/1

R Ravindra51 (53)

K Williamson26 (28)

M Wasim2-0-11-0

19.61

Overpitched and around off, Rachin Ravindra drills it hard but straight to sweeper covers for one.

19.50

Pitched up, on middle, Rachin Ravindra knocks it down the pitch.

19.42

FIFTY FOR RAVINDRA! A third half-century for him in this World Cup and he continues his good form. He will look to make it a big one now. This is fuller and around leg, Rachin Ravindra glances it wide of fine leg where the fielder runs to his left and slides to stop. The batters take two runs.

19.31

Back of a length and on off, Kane Williamson runs it towards third man for another run.

19.21

Length again and around off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it wide of point for another quick single.

19.11lb

On a length and around leg, Kane Williamson looks to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side, Rachin Ravindra sets off for the run but the skipper is a bit late to react, Mohammad Wasim runs forward and picks up and hits the stumps at the batter's end but Ravindra is in by that time, He should have gone for the other end as Kane Williamson was halfway down the pitch when Wasim picked up the ball. A lucky escape for Williamson!

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 119/1

R Ravindra47 (49)

K Williamson25 (26)

I Ahmed5-0-30-0

18.64

FOUR! Rachin Ravindra finds the gap this time! Iftikhar Ahmed drags his length back again and outside off, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and thrashes it past point for a boundary. With that, the 50-run partnership also comes up between these two batters.

18.51

Flighted, full and on middle, Kane Williamson works it through mid-wicket for one.

18.40

Flatter delivery, full and on off, Kane Williamson looks to play at it but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

18.31

Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra moves back and pulls it towards wide of long on for a run.

18.20

Quicker, short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra cuts it hard but straight to point.

18.11

Shorter in length and on middle, Kane Williamson goes down and drags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 112/1

R Ravindra42 (46)

K Williamson23 (23)

M Wasim1-0-6-0

17.60

BEATEN AGAIN! Mohammad Wasim this time goes a bit fuller and on the sixth stump line, angling away, Rachin Ravindra goes for the big drive but misses as the ball just goes past the outside edge to the keeper.

17.50

BEATEN! Mohammad Wasim lands this on a hard length and just around off, shaping away, Rachin Ravindra has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

17.40

Back of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.

17.31

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Kane Williamson nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

17.35wd

FIVE WIDES! Free runs for New Zealand! Mohammad Wasim serves this full but way down the leg side, Kane Williamson misses his glance and the ball stays very low as Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps dives to his left but fails to stop it from going to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

17.21lb

On a length and around leg, Rachin Ravindra looks to flick but misses and the ball deflects off his pads through backward square leg. The batters cross for a leg bye.

17.10

Mohammad Wasim starts with a full delivery, on off, angling in, Rachin Ravindra pushes it wide of short covers.

A change in bowling as Mohammad Wasim is introduced into the attack now.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 105/1

K Williamson22 (22)

R Ravindra42 (41)

I Ahmed4-0-23-0

16.60

Quicker one, shortish and on middle, Kane Williamson goes down but sweeps it straight to square leg.

16.50

Slower through the air, on off, turns in, Kane Williamson uses his feet to push it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

16.40

Floated, full and on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

16.31

Goes short again and around off, Rachin Ravindra punches it off the back foot through covers for a run.

16.21

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kane Williamson just chips it towards long on for a single.

16.10

Short and on middle, Kane Williamson moves back and flicks it straight to square leg.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 103/1

K Williamson21 (17)

R Ravindra41 (40)

H Rauf4-0-28-0

15.61

Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Kane Williamson drops it in front of point and scampers across for one more.

15.52

Overpitched and on off, Kane Williamson again drives it nicely wide of sweeper covers where Saud Shakeel runs to his right and slides to collect it. Two runs taken.

15.41

Short of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it off the bottom edge towards fine leg for a run. 100 up for the Kiwis!

15.30

Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards covers.

15.21

Pitches this one up and around off, Kane Williamson drives it firmly through covers for a single.

15.11lb

This is on a good length and on leg, angling in, Rachin Ravindra misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards backward square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Drinks break! New Zealand will be more than happy with this start. Even though Devon Conway got out, Rachin Ravindra is looking in great nick and he will look to lay a solid foundation alongside skipper Kane Williamson. Despite favourable conditions, Pakistan have only one wicket to show for their efforts so far and they are leaking boundaries every now and then. Hasan Ali has looked like the only bowler who has asked questions and the rest will need to pull up their socks quickly.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 97/1

K Williamson17 (14)

R Ravindra40 (37)

I Ahmed3-0-21-0

14.60

Floated, short and on off,turns in with good bounce, Kane Williamson keeps his bat out as the ball hits the sticker and dies down on the pitch.

14.50

Short again from Iftikhar Ahmed, on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

14.41

Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra whips it off the back foot towards long on for one.

14.31

A bit short and on middle, Kane Williamson moves back and clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

14.21

Tossed up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it towards long off for a single.

14.14

FOUR! Powered away! Iftikhar Ahmed drags his length back and around middle, Rachin Ravindra quickly moves onto his back foot and smashes it aerially but past the bowler and Kane Williamson also shows good reflexes to get out of the way as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 90/1

R Ravindra34 (34)

K Williamson16 (11)

H Rauf3-0-23-0

13.61

Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra rolls his wrists and controls his pull this time towards deep square leg for one.

13.52

Short of a length this time, on middle, Rachin Ravindra tries for the pull shot again but mistimes it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

13.40

Haris Rauf bends his back and bangs in a bouncer at around 146 clicks, on middle, takes off a bit, Rachin Ravindra misses out on his pull shot as Mohammad Rizwan collects it well leaping up behind the stumps.

13.30

On a length and on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra steers it towards point.

13.21

Full again and around off, Kane Williamson drills it towards sweeper covers for a single.

13.14

FOUR! Another streaky boundary! Haris Rauf serves this one full and around off at 150 clicks, shaping away, Kane Williamson looks to drive but gets another outside edge this time past first slip towards the third man fence for four more runs.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 82/1

R Ravindra31 (30)

K Williamson11 (9)

H Ali5-0-25-1

12.60

Hasan Ali bangs in another well-directed bouncer at 131.9 clicks, on middle, Rachin Ravindra sways away from it.

12.51

Goes fuller and on off, Kane Williamson drills it through covers for one.

12.41

Short of a length and on leg, angling in, Rachin Ravindra flicks it towards deep square leg for another run.

12.30

Back of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra taps it towards backward point.

12.21

Length again and around off, Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and guides it towards third man for a run.

12.11

On a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra works it towards wide mid on for a single.

12.11wd

Another bouncer from Ali but this one is down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 77/1

K Williamson9 (7)

R Ravindra29 (26)

H Rauf2-0-15-0

11.60

Haris Rauf ends the over with a quick bouncer, on middle, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

11.50

Pulls his length back a bit and on off, Kane Williamson dabs it towards short third man.

11.40

Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Kane Williamson blocks it out down the pitch.

11.34

EDGED AND FOUR! Haris Rauf lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, Kane Williamson looks to push it away with soft hands but gets an outside edge past the keeper and through the vacant first slip region for a boundary. A slip is there but he is very wide.

11.20

Back of a length and on off, Kane Williamson knocks it towards mid on.

11.14

FOUR! Williamson at at his best! Haris Rauf lands this on a hard length and around off, Kane Williamson gets on top of the bounce well and crunches it through point as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 69/1

K Williamson1 (1)

R Ravindra29 (26)

H Ali4-0-20-1

10.61

On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson nudges it through square leg for a single and gets off the mark.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3 for New Zealand.

10.5W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Hasan Ali draws first blood! He also gets his 100th ODI wicket and Devon Conway is his latest victim. Ali bangs in another quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Devon Conway goes for the pull but a bit too early and gets a bottom edge onto his shoulder and Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps makes no mistake. There is no real appeal from the keeper but Conway starts walking back and the finger goes up as well. New Zealand lose their first wicket!

10.41

Back of a length and on off again, Rachin Ravindra punches it through cover-point for a run.

10.30

Touch fuller and around off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it towards short covers.

10.20

Hasan Ali bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull it away but misses as the ball goes over him to the keeper.

10.11

A slower delivery, on a length and on off, Devon Conway taps it to the off side and scampers across for a single as Hasan Ali runs forward, picks it up and misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Powerplay 2! Pakistan can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 66/0

D Conway34 (37)

R Ravindra28 (23)

H Rauf1-0-7-0

9.61

A bit slower, on a length, around middle and leg, Devon Conway drops it with soft hands on the leg side and calls Rachin Ravindra for a single.

9.52

Zoning in, at the stumps, on a length, Devon Conway helps this one away with the angle and places it to the right of Shaheen Afridi at fine leg for two runs more.

9.40

Short of a length, around off, the ball gets a bit big on Devon Conway who adjusts well to steer it along the ground towards point.

9.34

FOUR! Shot of authority! Back of a length, outside off, Devon Conway stands tall and lets his hands go through the shot. He punches it away on the up and gets it wide of point for a boundary.

9.20

Bowls it on a length, angling in, on middle, at 143.4 clicks, Devon Conway gets his bat out in front to block but plays outside the line and gets an inside edge onto his front pad.

9.10

Begins from over the wicket and bowls it fuller in length, Devon Conway leans on and drives it on the up towards extra cover where Fakhar Zaman sprints and puts in a dive to his left to save at least a couple of runs for his side there.

Haris Rauf comes into the attack now.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 59/0

R Ravindra28 (23)

D Conway27 (31)

H Ali3-0-17-0

8.62

Goes short again does Hasan Ali, on middle, Rachin Ravindra rides on top of the bounce and controls the pull off the front foot. He hits it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

8.50

Bangs it in short, over off and middle, Rachin Ravindra ducks underneath it quickly and lets the ball pass.

8.41

Drop and run! Short of a length, in the channel on off, Devon Conway hangs on the back foot and taps it with soft hands in front of point for a single.

8.30

Slanting in, fuller in length, on middle and leg, Devon Conway flicks this one nicely but straight to mid-wicket.

8.20

This is bowled on a hard length, in the channel on off, Devon Conway waits in his crease and blocks it onto the deck.

8.10

Hurls it on a length, around off, Devon Conway drives this one the front foot towards cover-point.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 56/0

R Ravindra26 (21)

D Conway26 (27)

I Ahmed2-0-14-0

7.64

FOUR! Short again and four again! Iftikhar Ahmed persists with short length over middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra hops on the back foot quickly and gets underneath the delivery to pull it aerially but to the right of deep square leg for four more runs.

7.50

Floated up, outside off, Rachin Ravindra drives well but picks out the man at cover.

7.44

FOUR! A gift and Rachin Ravindra says thank you very much! A half-tracker and wide outside off, Rachin Ravindra rocks on the back foot in a flash and slaps it between cover and point for a boundary.

7.30

Skidding on, short and on the pads, Rachin Ravindra works it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

7.21

Drifting in, short and on middle, Devon Conway turns this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.

7.10

Short and on off, punched away on the up towards short extra cover.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 47/0

R Ravindra18 (17)

D Conway25 (25)

S Afridi4-0-28-0

6.64

FOUR! All too easy for Rachin Ravindra! Pitches it up does Rachin Ravindra but it is on the pads, Rachin Ravindra needs no second invitation as he flicks it between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

6.50

Angling in, on a good length, around middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra opts to stay in his crease and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

6.41

Shortish delivery, over middle, Devon Conway swivels and pulls it hard on the bounce towards fine leg for a single.

6.30

Slanting in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Devon Conway tries to block this one but the ball jags back in to wear him high on the thigh pad.

6.24

FOUR! Easy pickings! Strays on the pads, on a hard length, Devon Conway gets inside the line and takes his bottom hand off the bat to help it wide of the diving Mohammad Rizwan for a boundary to the fine leg fence.

6.14

FOUR! Short and punished! Shaheen Afridi bends his back and bangs it in short, over middle, it looked like Devon Conway was caught by surprise by he got on top of the bounce nicely and pulled it in the air towards deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 34/0

D Conway16 (21)

R Ravindra14 (15)

I Ahmed1-0-5-0

5.61

Skidding on, short and around middle, Devon Conway gets a bit hurried and somehow manages to get an inside edge towards backward square leg for a single.

5.50

Darts this one back in, on middle and leg, Devon Conway gets half-forward and defends it on the leg side.

5.40

Drops it short again, outside off, not much of turn, Devon Conway stabs it off the back foot towards cover.

5.30

Drags the length back, over middle, Devon Conway hangs on the back foot and blocks it onto the deck.

5.24

FOUR! Creamed through covers! Iftikhar Ahmed tosses it up and offers width outside off, Devon Conway extends his arms and drives through the line, through cover-point for a boundary.

5.10

Starts off with a short delivery, over middle, Devon Conway goes back and pats it to the right of the bowler.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 29/0

R Ravindra14 (15)

D Conway11 (15)

S Afridi3-0-15-0

4.60

Length is pulled back, on middle, Rachin Ravindra tucks this one from the crease towards mid-wicket.

4.54

FOUR! Absolutely glorious! Not a bad delivery but Rachin Ravindra is just too good. Shaheen bowls it on a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra picks the length early and leans into the drive with a high elbow. He gracefully drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

4.40

Hurls it on a back of a length again, outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to force this one through the off side but checks his shot and pushes it gently towards cover.

4.31

Bangs it into the wicket, on middle and leg, Devon Conway takes his bottom hand off the bat and fends it behind square on the leg side for a single.

4.21

On a length and honing in at the pads, Rachin Ravindra nudges it in front of mid-wicket and calls Devon Conway for a single.

4.21wd

WIDE! Goes a bit full but the radar is off, sprays it way down leg, Rachin Ravindra misses the tickle and it is called a wide.

4.10

More like it from Shaheen Afridi! This is bowled on a back of a length, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra has a poke at the delivery but the ball nips away to zip past his outside edge.

4.11wd

WIDE! Shaheen Afridi errs in line this time as he slips this one down leg on a back of a length. Wided.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 21/0

D Conway10 (14)

R Ravindra9 (10)

H Ali2-0-14-0

3.60

PItches it up again, at the stumps, Devon Conway drives it firmly down the wicket but Hasan Ali reacts well in his follow through and makes a good stop to his left.

3.54

FOUR! Nicely clipped! A gift from Hasan Ali, pitched up and on the pads, Devon Conway does not miss out as he brings his wrists into play and clips it through square leg for another boundary.

3.41

Angled across, outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra waits for the ball to arrive and steers it right under his eyes towards third man for a single.

3.30

On a hard length, around off, Rachin Ravindra plays it off the back foot as he pats it towards cover.

3.24

FOUR! Class written all over it! Back of a length by Hasan Ali, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra stands tall in his crease and punches it away on the up. He hits to the left of cover for four more runs.

3.10

Gets this one to angle across the left-hander, on a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra is happy to leave the ball alone.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 12/0

D Conway6 (12)

R Ravindra4 (6)

S Afridi2-0-7-0

2.64

FOUR! Quality shot! Serves it on a length, on the off-stump line, Devon Conway shimmies down the track in a flash and converts it into a full delivery. He presents the full face of his bat to loft it over wide mid off for his first boundary.

2.50

This is bowled from extremely wide of the crease and angled in, on a length, on off, Devon Conway picks the length and line early and pushes it towards cover.

2.40

Fuller than the previous delivery, on the pads, Devon Conway flicks it off the front foot but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

2.32

Slants this one back in, on a length, on middle, Devon Conway plants his foot forward and clips it by taking his bottom hand off. He gets this one through square leg and opens his account with a couple of runs.

2.20

In the corridor of uncertainty on off, on a good length, not much movement, Devon Conway hangs back and defends it late towards backward point.

2.10

At 133 clicks, short of a length, moving away, outside off, there is width to cash in but Devon Conway opts to shoulder arms to this delivery.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 6/0

R Ravindra4 (6)

D Conway0 (6)

H Ali1-0-5-0

1.60

In the channel on off, full as well, Rachin Ravindra plays it right under his eyes and taps it in front of cover.

1.50

This is bowled fuller now, outside off, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and dabs it towards point where Abdullah Shafique dives to his left and prevents a single.

1.44

FOUR! First boundary for Rachin Ravindra and New Zealand! A bit too straight by Hasan Ali, on a good length but on the pads, Rachin Ravindra allows the ball to come to him and tickles it neatly to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

1.30

Offers width outside off, short of a length, Rachin Ravindra sees the width on offer and throws his hands at it but connects with thin air.

1.20

Slanting in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra stays back in his crease and angles his bat face to pat it towards cover.

1.10

Back of a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and rides on top of the bounce to punch it towards cover.

1.11wd

WIDE! Hasan Ali starts off with a wide as well. Looks to move the ball back in but starts way down leg, on a length. Left alone by Rachin Ravindra for a wide.

Hasan Ali to share the attack.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 1/0

D Conway0 (6)

R Ravindra0 (0)

S Afridi1-0-1-0

0.60

Gets this one to move away, on a length, on the fifth stump line, Devon Conway gets behind the line and accounts for the movement to keep it out to the right of the bowler. A tidy first over from Shaheen Afridi.

0.50

A bit fuller again, shaping away, outside off, Devon Conway leans on the front foot and stabs it on the off side for another dot.

0.40

Angles it in, on a length, on middle and leg, at 129.6 clicks, Devon Conway shapes to push it down the ground but the ball sneaks past his inside edge to wear him on the thigh pad.

0.30

Delivers it on a good length again, around off, a bit of extra bounce again, Devon Conway gets on top of the bounce this time and manages to drop it with soft hands on the off side.

0.20

Goes wide of the crease and pitches it up, on middle, a bit of away movement, Devon Conway drives it along the ground towards mid on.

0.10

Lands this one much straighter, on a good length, over off, Devon Conway looks to get on the front foot initially but the ball rises off the deck and catches him on the glove.

0.11wd

WIDE! New Zealand are underway with a wide! Starts off a bit wayward, on a length but down leg, Devon Conway looks to help this one away off his pads but misses. Wided.

Done with the pre-match formalities! Pakistan players are spreading out to take their respective field positions. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are the two openers for New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the game but before that, players from both sides line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Pakistan's first followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson says that it is a slightly different looking surface than what it is usually here. Mentions that it is nice to be back and there are a few niggles in the camp. Adds that guys are excited for the challenge. Informs that they have made two changes to the side - Ish Sodhi comes in for Matt Henry and he comes in to replace Will Young. On Sodhi's inclusion, he says that they feel the surface might take turn throughout or even later in the game. Feels that it is important to stick to their plans and it will also be important to adapt to the conditions. Ends by saying that they will look to put up a competitive total on the board and defend later.

The skipper of Pakistan, Babar Azam says that they will bowl first. Adds that there is a bit of moisture on the wicket and that is the reason they are chasing here. Tells that their bowling has been good in the last couple of games and they are looking to continue that. Mentions that he is feeling good about his batting but he wants to finish the matches for the team. Informs Hasan Ali is in for Usama Mir.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali (In for Usama Mir), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C) (In for Will Young), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman (In for James Neesham), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (In for Matt Henry), Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

TOSS - Babar Azam calls 'heads' and heads it is. Pakistan have opted to BOWL first.

After losing four of their first five games, Pakistan had their campaign sinking in front of their eyes. But thanks to South Africa's massive win over New Zealand and themselves winning emphatically over Bangladesh, there is light at the end of the tunnel for them. That said, their net run rate does not paint a promising picture, and Babar Azam's men will need to win big the next two matches. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are due for a big score, but Fakhar Zaman's timely inclusion has lessened their top-order woes. Shaheen Afridi has stood out, but not much support from the rest has been a cause for concern. Will Pakistan stake their claim for a semis spot with a win? Or will New Zealand return to winning ways? Let's find out. Toss and team news coming up...

Having faltered at the final hurdle in 2019, New Zealand looked to be on a mission to go all the way this time with four wins in their first four matches. Then they suffered three losses in as many games and now find themselves in a not-so-comfortable position. The injury list continues to grow, but still, all is not lost for them, as two wins from their remaining two matches might be enough for them to seal a semi-final berth. With Matt Henry ruled out due to a hamstring strain, the veteran pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will have to do what they do best upfront. It was a disappointing batting effort for the Kiwis against South Africa, and the likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell will be looking to step up. Kane Williamson is close to being declared match-fit, and one feels that the return of their skipper might just be the boost New Zealand need.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks, to our coverage of match number 35 of the 2023 ODI World Cup between New Zealand and Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. We are at that stage in the competition where every game holds significant importance, and this fixture is no exception, with so much riding on it for both teams who find their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

... MATCH DAY ...

The battle to keep the World Cup semi-final hopes alive. Yes, Pakistan will meet New Zealand in Match No. 35, and it would seem to many of them that this would be a decisive game for the fourth spot. Afghanistan too are in contention but their last two games are against the mighty Aussies and the ferocious South Africans. So, coming to this game, many would have given up hope in Pakistan but they have felt a sudden lift in their step. Their actual semi-final qualification possibilities are dependent on several factors, but first, they must prevail handily in their next two games. They dominated Bangladesh by seven wickets in their previous match, securing their first victory after four straight defeats. Fakhar Zaman made a strong comeback against Bangladesh in the previous game and it would be interesting to see if Pakistan would consider him in this game as well. Their pace attack has been firing on all cylinders but they lack a quality spinner in the middle overs. They will need to find a way to overcome this. On the other hand, the Kiwis at the start were on a roll and had won four matches in a trot. However, a near defeat against India, a painful 5-run loss against the Aussies, and a thrashing 190-run loss against the Proteas have left them in a spot to bother. They cannot afford any more slip-ups and need to pull up now. This World Cup, Rachin Ravindra has been a standout performer for the Kiwis. Devon Conway has lost his touch in the last few games and the side would hope for him to put up a gritty stand alongside Will Young in this game. Matt Henry joins New Zealand's mounting injury list with a strained hamstring. Lockie Ferguson, who hurt his Achilles against Australia, will likely be fit for this game. New Zealand would have to bring their A game in this encounter and try to secure their place in the Semis. Can they do it? Or will Pakistan make an unexpected comeback? We shall find out as this game promises to be a cracker.