29 September 2023 07:16 pm Views - 273
Mohammad Rizwan smashed a century to help Pakistan score 345-5 against New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up match on Friday.
Rizwan, a wicketkeeper-batsman, retired on 103 and skipper Babar Azam hit 80 in a run-feast at Hyderabad.
The match was played behind closed doors due to a Hindu festival and security issues in the southern Indian city.
The 50-over World Cup begins October 5 in Ahmedabad with holders England taking on New Zealand.
Pakistan lost two early wickets on Friday after electing to bat first, but Rizwan and Azam rebuilt the innings and attacked the New Zealand bowling with regular boundaries.
Azam hit eight fours and two sixes before he fell to Mitchell Santner but Rizwan stayed on to complete his century in another key stand with Saud Shakeel, who made 75.
Rizwan struck nine fours and two sixes in his 94-ball innings and said: A "hundred is hundred in any conditions. I feel proud and satisfied."
Agha Salman remained unbeaten on 33.
The Pakistan innings saw eight New Zealand bowlers used by stand-in-skipper Tom Latham.
Regular captain Kane Williamson is playing only as a batsman in a game that is not an official one-day international. (AFP)