BENGALURU: Rachin Ravindra notched his third century in the World Cup, while Kane Williamson, also in form, made up for lost time with 95 as New Zealand posted a commanding 401-6 from 50 overs in their high-stakes World Cup match against Pakistan on Saturday .
Born in Wellington to Indian parents from Bengaluru, Ravindra delighted the local fans with his measured batting play and delivered magic moments with a 94-ball 108 with 15 fours and sixes to help them pass 500 runs in the World Cup.
Daryl Mitchell (29), Mark Chapman (39) and Glenn Phillips (41) put together a magnificent 180-run stand with captain Williamson before increasing the total.
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While New Zealand is in fourth place with eight points after seven matches, two points and two places behind Pakistan, they can end the Asian side’s semi-final hopes with a win.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s decision to bowl after winning the toss raised eyebrows after New Zealand made a torrid start at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with opening batsmen Devon Conway and Ravindra dominating the powerplay.
Hasan Ali, who replaced Usama Mir to give the 1992 champion the option of extra pace, caught Conway in the 35th minute, ending the duo’s 68-point run and bringing Williamson to the goal.
Playing his first match since breaking his thumb against Bangladesh last month, Williamson toyed with the bowlers and played a superb flick to Ravindra before unwinding to complete his second half-century of the tournament.
Williamson was bowled out to Iftikhar Ahmed en route to the third six before Ravindra was dismissed by Mohammad Wasim (3-60), but New Zealand brought further misery to Pakistan.
news source (www.brecorder.com)
