In the second ODI World Cup warm-up match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on September 29 (Friday), Pakistan faced early setbacks as their openers were sent back to the pavilion. Nevertheless, the experienced partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan came to the rescue, stabilizing the innings and steering Pakistan to a formidable total.
Babar demonstrated his prowess with a well-earned 80 runs before departing, while Rizwan's exceptional performance saw him crafting a brilliant, unbeaten 103 before opting to retire. During a post-match interview, Rizwan humorously likened his batting chemistry to physics, stating that it's in perfect sync with Babar Azam. He further elaborated that their successful partnership is a testament to the excellent chemistry and understanding he shares with his captain.
The hilarious manner in which he put forward his point has been captured in a video clip going viral on social media.
Take a look at it here:
Despite Rizwan's hundred, it was New Zealand who ended up on the winning side with Rachin Ravindra shining as an opener. He top-scored with 97. Kane Williamson also looked good on his comeback and scored a half-century before retiring. Daryl Mitchell made 59 frrom 57 balls before retiring but it was really the effort from Mark Chapman (65 off 41 deliveries) that made the difference for the BlackCaps in this fixture.
New Zealand will take on South Africa in their second and final warm-up match. They will be travelling to Thiruvananthapuram for this fixture. On the other hand, Pakistan remain in Hyderabad where they will lock horns against Australia in the second warm-up match on October 3. The Men in Green also play their first two matches of the round-robin stage of the World Cup in Hyderabad before moving out for the remainder of their matches in the competition.