Pakistani wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan showed positive signs before the ICC World Cup 2023 commenced by scoring an impressive 81-ball century against New Zealand in a warmup match in Hyderabad on Friday.
Rizwan performed brilliantly and scored 103 off 94 courtesy of 11 boundaries that included nine fours and two sixes and got retired out.
The 31-year-old’s solid display was much-needed for the Pakistani side who did not perform up to mark in the Asia Cup 2023 and finished fourth.
Rizwan was praised by fans on social media for his century as it was his first hundred in the first innings on Indian soil.
Here is how fans reacted on X, formerly known as Twitter:
In the first innings, Pakistan post a colossal 346-run target for New Zealand.
It must be noted that the warm-up matches will consist of 50 overs per side. However, these matches won't have ODI status because teams will have the flexibility to include all 15 members of their squad in the playing XI.
The game is being held without spectators. This decision came in response to recommendations from local security authorities in Hyderabad, the match's designated venue, coinciding with ongoing festivals in the area.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will take place in India with 10 teams fighting for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hosting the tournament opener and the final.
Squads
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha
