• Rizwan scored a magnificent century in a warm-up match against NZ.
• This was his first century in the first innings on Indian soil.
• Pakistan set a formidable target of 346 runs for New Zealand.

Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has set an encouraging tone for Pakistan ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023, showcasing his talent with a remarkable century in a warm-up match against New Zealand in Hyderabad on Friday.

Rizwan’s performance was nothing short of stellar, as he notched up a century in just 81 balls, ultimately scoring 103 runs off 94 deliveries. His innings included an impressive 11 boundaries, consisting of nine fours and two sixes, after which he retired out.

This outstanding display by the 31-year-old came as a much-needed boost for the Pakistani side, which had underperformed in the Asia Cup 2023, finishing in fourth place.

Social media erupted with praise for Rizwan, as this century marked his first in the first innings on Indian soil.

In the first innings of the warm-up match, Pakistan set a formidable target of 346 runs for New Zealand.

It’s worth noting that these warm-up matches feature 50 overs per side but do not hold ODI status. This allows teams to field all 15 members of their squad in the playing XI.

Notably, the match is being played without spectators, a decision made in response to recommendations from local security authorities in Hyderabad due to ongoing festivals in the area.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to be hosted in India, featuring 10 teams competing for the coveted title across 10 venues. The tournament is scheduled to run from October 5 to November 19, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad serving as both the opener and the final venue.

Here are the squads for the respective teams:

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

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