New Zealand set a new record for the highest total against Pakistan in World Cup history, scoring 401/6. This also marked their first-ever 400+ total in the tournament's history. The impressive innings from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson played a significant role in achieving this milestone.
The New Zealand team was aware of the looming rain threat in the second innings, motivating them to aim for a substantial total after being put in to bat first. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra started the innings aggressively, adding 68 runs for the first wicket in just 11 overs. Following Conway's dismissal, Kane Williamson took charge and aggressively tackled the Pakistan pacers, contributing 95 runs off 79 balls before being caught at the long-off boundary by Iftikhar Ahmed in the 35th over.
Meanwhile, Rachin Ravindra continued his sensational form, completing his third century of the tournament. Daryl Mitchell (29 off 18), Mark Chapman (39 off 27), and Glenn Phillips (41 off 25) further intensified the pressure with their quick cameos. Despite Pakistan taking wickets consistently in the final 10 overs, they struggled to contain the run rate. Notably, two powerful sixes from Mitchell Santner in the last moments of the innings bolstered New Zealand's total to over 400 runs.
While Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi remained wicketless and conceded 90 runs, Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf also proved to be expensive for their team. Mohammad Wasim Jr was Pakistan's most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 60 runs in his 10 overs.
In the 35th match of the tournament, Kane Williamson became the third New Zealand batter to surpass 1000 runs in World Cup competitions, marking a significant achievement in his cricketing career. This milestone places him alongside the esteemed company of Stephen Fleming and Ross Taylor, who were the other two Kiwi batters to reach this impressive feat.
Stephen Fleming accumulated a total of 1,075 runs in World Cup matches, while Ross Taylor crossed the 1,000-run mark with 1,002 runs. This trio of exceptional New Zealand cricketers exemplifies remarkable consistency and determination, with Williamson further solidifying his position as one of the finest contemporary batters in the sport.
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