We are back for the second essay. Blue skies greet the two umpires and players as they make their way out to the middle. It will be the left-hand right-hand combination of Fakhar Zaman ​​​​Abdullah Shafique to open the innings for Pakistan. Trent Boult is at the top of his mark and will start the proceedings for New Zealand. A slip in place. Here we go…

… THE RUN CHASE …

UPDATE – 3.08 pm IST (9.38 am GMT) – Good news! The rain has stopped and the covers have been removed. The ground staff are in the process of drying up the outfield to get the field ready for play. The match officials have decided that the Pakistan run chase will commence at 3.20 pm IST (9.50 am GMT).

UPDATE – 3.02 pm IST (9.32 am GMT) – The start of the chase might be a bit delayed as it is raining at the moment in Bangalore, but the sun is also out. So, the wait should not be that long. Stay with us for further updates.

Right then, New Zealand have batted Pakistan out of this game and they would want to bowl them out to boost their net run-rate significantly. As for Pakistan, they have their backs against the wall and will need to bat out of their skins to get anywhere close to the target. Join us in a bit to see how the chase unfolds.

The centurion, Rachin Ravindra is up for a chat. He says that it is pretty surreal to play in the country of his background. Adds that it is always special to play in India, especially in Bangalore in front of his family. Tells that the wicket is a good one, it was a bit slow at the start but still good to bat on. Mentions that they can play freely upfront as they have good power hitters like Phillips, Mitchell and Santner who can make up in the end. Praises Kane Williamson for the way he batted and says that there wasn't a target in their mind and it was just about continuing to score runs at a good rate and use that impressive start. Ends by saying that they have managed to put a good total and hopes that it is enough.

Despite winning what was a crucial toss under overcast conditions, Shaheen Afridi failed to set the tone as he lacked rhythm, and it was the same with his new ball partner, Hasan Ali. They were all over the place with their lines and lengths and conceded boundaries every now and then. Pakistan looked completely flat during the middle phase, which was fairly dominated by the partnership between Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra. Having managed to dismiss both in the space of 10 balls, they sensed an opening to stage a comeback. However, they lacked consistency with their lines and lengths and allowed New Zealand to get away. Even in the last ten overs, they could not nail their deliveries and the slow over-rate penalty during the last three overs made matters even worse for them. On a day when Shaheen Afridi registered the most expensive figures by a Pakistani bowler in World Cups, Mohammad Wasim stood out for them with figures of 3 for 60 from his 10 overs.

New Zealand fall one short of their highest ODI total but this is their highest-ever World Cup total! Enough to tell you what kind of batting performance this has been from the Kiwis. After being sent into bat, New Zealand were off to a solid start with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra getting into the groove quickly. Coming in at number 3, Kane Williamson got himself going with a couple of crisp boundaries and took the innings forward with Rachin Ravindra. The master and the apprentice looked at utmost ease in the middle during their 180-run stand. Although Williamson fell 5 runs short of his hundred, Ravindra brought up his third hundred and became the first batter to score three centuries in his maiden World Cup. After the departure of the two set batters, quickfire cameos from Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips ensured that New Zealand did not lose their way at any stage. Not to forget, Mitchell Santner's unbeaten knock which took helped New Zealand cross 400.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, Only a single to end the innings! Shaheen Afridi serves a low full toss, on middle, Mitchell Santner only manages to force it towards mid off for just a run. New Zealand finishes with 401/6!

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, Pulls his length back a bit this time, on middle, Mitchell Santner slaps it wide of long on for a couple of runs. New Zealand hits that magical 400-run mark!

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, SIX! Top shot! Shaheen Afridi continues with his fuller length and on off, Mitchell Santner makes a bit of room and shows the full face of the bat to launch it well over the long off fence for a biggie.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, In the air…safe! Shaheen Afridi takes pace off, touch fuller, on middle, Mitchell Santner looks to loft it away but goes through the shot early and mistimes it in the air in front of long on where Hasan Ali runs forward but fails to reach it. Two runs taken.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, Full again and outside off, Mitchell Santner swings hard through the line but gets a bottom edge to the keeper.

Shaheen Afridi to Tom Latham, Fuller one and on middle, Tom Latham moves across to scoop but toe-ends it through square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi (9-0-78-0) will bowl the final over.

Mohammad Wasim to Tom Latham, On a length and on leg, Tom Latham flicks it through square leg for one.

Tom Latham comes in at number 8.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mohammad Wasim strikes again! He nails another good yorker, on middle, tailing in, Glenn Phillips makes room to dig it out but fails to put his bat down in time as the ball goes off his pads to rattle the stumps. A good cameo from Glenn Phillips comes to an end as New Zealand lose their sixth wicket.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, Goes for another wide yorker but this time it is way outside off, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, Mohammad Wasim sees the batter back away and bowls this in the blockhole, outside off, Glenn Phillips fails to reach it.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! SMACKED! Mohammad Wasim lands this back of a length and around off, Glenn Phillips stands tall and absolutely dismisses it through covers for a boundary. It looked like a boundary from the moment it hit the bat.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards long on for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, SIX! BOOM! Mitchell Santner joins the act now! Mohammad Wasim bowls this full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away nicely and tonks it over the long off fence for another maximum.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, SIX! Glenn Phillips clears the fence now! Shaheen Afridi misses his yorker and serves a low full toss, on middle, Glenn Phillips clears his front leg away and tries to loft it but hits it with the toe-end of the bat again, However, the ball still sails way over the long on fence for a biggie.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, Short of a length and on middle, Mitchell Santner pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for one more.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, This is on a good length, on middle, slower too, Mitchell Santner knocks it back to the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, Touch fuller and around leg again, Glenn Phillips tries to heave it away but toe-ends it towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, A slower delivery now, on a length and around leg, Glenn Phillips goes through his slog way early and misses and gets hit on the midriff. He looks in a bit of pain.

Shaheen Afridi to Glenn Phillips, Full again but down the leg side, Glenn Phillips leaves it alone. Wided.

Shaheen Afridi to Mitchell Santner, DROPPED! A brilliant effort though! This is full and around off, Mitchell Santner backs away and and drives it uppishly wide of extra covers where Agha Salman dives to his right and gets both hands to it but just spills it out. A single is taken.

Penalty! Pakistan have been penalised for slow over-rate and they can now have only 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the remainder of the innings.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, BEATEN! Mohammad Wasim bowls this on a good length and just around off, nips back in, Glenn Phillips tries to make room and slashes at but misses as the ball just goes past the stumps.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, Fuller one and on off, Mitchell Santner drives it towards mid off and sets off for the run, the fielder picks up but misses his shy at the bowler's end and Santner gets home.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, On a length and around leg, Mitchell Santner tucks it with soft hands wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length and on off, Glenn Phillips heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, Overpitched and on off, Mitchell Santner drills it wide of extra covers where the fielder dives to his left to make a good stop. They cross.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length and outside off, Glenn Phillips slaps it towards deep point for a single.

Haris Rauf to Mitchell Santner, This is on a good length and around off, shaping away a bit, Mitchell Santner looks to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Haris Rauf ends the over well but still 13 runs from it.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Back of a length and on off, slower too, Glenn Phillips punches it towards extra covers for one.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Fantastic shot! Haris Rauf just misses his yorker and serves this full and around off, Glenn Phillips stays there and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Mitchell Santner, Touch fuller, on middle, Mitchell Santner looks to drive but gets an inside edge towards deep square leg for a run, Santner sets off for the second but is sent back in time.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, On a length and around off, Glenn Phillips pushes it through covers for a single.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, SIX! What a shot! Haris Rauf lands this on a hard length and around middle, Glenn Phillips strides forward a bit and gets under the ball really well to pummel it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, Goes fuller and on the pads, Mitchell Santner can only clip this one towards mid-wicket. End of a successful over from Mohammad Wasim.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, Short of a length, around off, Glenn Phillips works this one in front of deep point and turns the strike over.

Mohammad Wasim to Mitchell Santner, Hurries the batter, on a hard length, over middle, Mitchell Santner looks to get behind the line but plays all around it as he gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to third man for a single.

Mitchell Santner comes out to the middle now.

Mohammad Wasim to Mark Chapman, OUT! CASTLED! Mohammad Wasim gets his reward for attacking the stumps! New Zealand lose another as Mark Chapman departs. Bowls this one a good length, at pace, top of off, a bit of reverse swing, Mark Chapman clears his front leg and seems to have misread the length of the delivery. It is not that short but Chapman opts to hang back and heave it away on the off side. The ball skids off the deck and crashes into the top of the off-stump.

Mohammad Wasim to Glenn Phillips, At 141.8 kph, on a good length, around off, Glenn Phillips taps it wide of extra cover and turns the strike over.

Mohammad Wasim to Mark Chapman, Leg bye! Zoning in on the leg stump, on a good length, Mark Chapman fails to nudge this one away as the ball rolls off his back leg towards point for a leg bye.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, Tries to go full but ends up bowling a full toss, on off and middle, Mark Chapman drills it along the ground to long off and keeps the strike with a single.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Drags the length back and bowls it on off, Glenn Phillips gets a bit cramped for room but hops to push it wide of point for one more run.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Fullish delivery, at the stumps, Glenn Phillips gets his bat down in time and jams it out to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, Leg bye! Slower and on a length, drifting on the pads, Mark Chapman misses the clip as the ball rolls off hs pads in front of point for a leg bye.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, A bit too straight, on a good length, at the hips, Glenn Phillips swats it to fine leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, Directs this one at the pads, on a hard length, worked away in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, WIDE! Wayward from Haris Rauf, slower but way down leg, left alone for a wide.

UPDATE – The news coming from the Indian camp this morning is that Hardik Pandya has failed to recover from his ankle injury and is ruled out of the World Cup. Prasidh Krishna replaces him in the squad.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Back of a length, over middle, Mark Chapman nudges it off the front foot and takes a single towards deep mid-wicket.

Hasan Ali to Glenn Phillips, Sloppy from Pakistan! Sums up the day they have had so far. Delivers it on a length, on the pads, Glenn Phillips nudges it in front of deep mid-wicket and there are easy two on offer. Saud Shakeel in the deep runs in a bit too hard and takes his eys off the ball at the last moment. allowing an extra run.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Into the wicket, slower over middle, Mark Chapman swivels to pull this one but swings a bit early and adjusts well to check his shot to deep square leg for a single.

Hasan Ali to Glenn Phillips, Serves it full, on middle and leg, knocked down the ground to long on for one by Glenn Phillips.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Angled into the batter, on a length, Mark Chapman whips it on the bounce towards long on for a single.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Easy pickings for Mark Chapman! Hasan Ali charges in from around the wicket and bowls it fuller and slower, on the pads, Mark Chapman allows the ball to come to him and rolls his wrists to help it to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Haris Rauf misses his line yet again as he overpitches and offers width outside off, Glenn Phillips does not miss out as he leans on and creams the drive through covers for four more runs.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, On the pads again, full in length, Glenn Phillips gets his bat out in front and whips it towards mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Glenn Phillips is up and running! Haris Rauf errs in line and length as this is bowled and on the pads, Glenn Phillips just has to get bat on it and he does so to tickle it to the fine leg fence for his first boundary.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Hurls it on a good length, on off and middle, Glenn Phillips hangs on the back foot and taps it towards cover.

Haris Rauf to Glenn Phillips, Goes full on this occasion, on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips clips it neatly but straight to mid-wicket.

Glenn Phillips is the next man in.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, OUT! DRAGGED IT ON! Haris Rauf has struck for Pakistan! Haris Rauf bowls the off-cutter, on a good length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell goes for the drive away from his body with his hands and does not move his feet much. The ball comes back in off the deck enough to catch the inside edge before clattering back onto the stumps. Haris Rauf has his first wicket and New Zealand are now 4 down.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, Stays on a back of a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell whips it in front of long on and retains the strike with a single.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, Pace on now, on a hard length, Daryl Mitchell drives it away on the up towards extra cover.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, SIX! Just enough! Hasan Ali takes pace off this time and bowls it on a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell tries to go downtown but swings a bit early as he gets a bit deceived by the slowness of the delivery. The bottom hand comes off his bat but he gets a decent connection to clear the man stationed at long on for a maximum.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! The third time's the charm for Daryl Mitchell! In the slot from Hasan Ali, on middle, Daryl Mitchell crouches to get underneath the delivery and lofts it with a straight bat, wide of mid off for a boundary.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, A bit fuller than the previous delivery, on off and middle, Daryl Mitchell stays leg side of the ball and drills it straight to mid off again.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, Bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell punches it away on the up but picks out the man at mid off.

Powerplay 3! Pakistan can now have 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the innings. With an extra fielder allowed outside now, they will be hoping to finish strongly with the ball.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, FOUR! 16 runs off the over! Shaheen Afridi lands this back of a length and around off, Mark Chapman opens the face of his bat and uses the pace to carve it through point where the fielder dives to his right and gets a hand to it but the ball still races to the fence for four more runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, This is on a good length and around middle, Mark Chapman uses his wrists to flick it nicely towards deep square leg for a brace.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Mark Chapman is finding the fence with ease here! Shaheen Afridi serves this one fuller and around off again, Mark Chapman clears his front leg away and dispatches it wide of mid off for another boundary. 300 up for New Zealand!

Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, On a length and around leg, Daryl Mitchell nudges it towards short fine leg for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, Goes fuller and on middle, Mark Chapman drills it towards mid off for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Powered away! Shaheen Afridi lands this back of a length and around off, slower too, Mark Chapman waits for it and slaps it away, he hits it with the toe-end but it still goes well over mid off for a boundary.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Pitched up, on leg, angling in, Mark Chapman misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. The batters gets across for a leg bye.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, FOUR! A lucky boundary! Hasan Ali lands this on a hard length and around off, shaping away, Mark Chapman looks to work it away but closes the face a bit early and gets an outside edge towards the third man fence for a boundary.

Hasan Ali to Daryl Mitchell, Back of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell eases it towards long on for a run.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, On a length and on middle, Mark Chapman pats it down towards mid on for a quick single.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Pulls his length back a bit, on leg, angling in, Mark Chapman looks to slog it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Hasan Ali to Mark Chapman, Fuller one and on middle, Mark Chapman clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Up and over! Shaheen Afridi lands this on a good length and around middle, Daryl Mitchell waits for it and lets it come to him before lifting it using his muscle strength over mid on for four more runs. 13 runs off the over!

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, Short of a length and on off, Mark Chapman punches it towards sweeper covers for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Shaheen Afridi misses his yorker and serves a juicy full toss, on off, Mark Chapman shows the full face of the bat and drills it easily wide of mid off for another boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, A slower delivery, on a length and on middle, Mark Chapman only manages to block it down the pitch.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, FOUR! Fine shot! Shaheen Afridi bangs this one short and around middle, Mark Chapman hops up to get on top of the bounce and pulls it hard and in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Mark Chapman, Back of a length and on off, Mark Chapman dabs it towards backward point.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, Pitches this one up, on off, Mark Chapman drills it onto the ground as the bounce takes it over covers for one.

Haris Rauf to Mark Chapman, On a length and around leg, Mark Chapman misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length and on middle, Daryl Mitchell pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, Short of a length, on off, Daryl Mitchell hangs on the back foot and stabs it towards point.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! Slapped away! Haris Rauf overcompensates this time by offering width outside off, on a back of a length, Daryl Mitchell stands tall and drills it through the line. He gets it through covers and beats the man in the deep to his right for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Daryl Mitchell, FOUR! A hit-me delivery and Daryl Mitchell cashes in! Haris Rauf tries to go short but does not trouble the batter, on middle, Daryl Mitchell gets into a good position and hammers the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Mark Chapman, Beaten! Gets this one to angle across the left-hander, on a good length, in the channel on off, Mark Chapman gets beaten on the outside edge and did well there not to chase at the delivery.

Mark Chapman is the new man in.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, OUT! TAKEN! Mohammad Wasim gets a wicket now! Pakistan have made their way back in this game by getting rid of both the set batters in quick succession. Mohammad Wasim bangs this one into the pitch, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra picks it up well and whips it towards the deep square leg the fence but gets a bit of a top edge as the ball goes high in the air and fails to get the distance, Saud Shakeel there runs to his left and judges it well to take an excellent catch. Ravindra is disappointed with himself but he is departing after a brilliant hundred here. New Zealand three down now!

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! SMASHED! Mohammad Wasim lands this on a hard length and around off, Rachin Ravindra once again gets on top of the bounce and absolutely whacks it past covers for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Goes fuller but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to paddle it away but misses. Wided.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and around off, Rachin Ravindra opens the face of his bat and steers it nicely wide of deep point for a brace.

Mohammad Wasim to Daryl Mitchell, Length again and around leg this time, Daryl Mitchell looks to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and around middle, Rachin Ravindra knocks it towards mid on for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller again outside off, Rachin Ravindra steps out his front foot, reaches and drives the ball to deep extra cover, single done.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell moves back and punches it towards long on for one.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Pitches up down leg, Daryl Mitchell steps out and flicks the ball to the left of deep square leg for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Daryl Mitchell, Flighted, full and on off, Daryl Mitchell goes down to paddle it away but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW, but turned down as the impact looks outside off here.

Daryl Mitchell makes his way out to the centre. The stage is set for him to do what he does best.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, OUT! TAKEN! Iftikhar Ahmed strikes! Pakistan finally gets the breakthrough as Kane Williamson misses out on a well-deserved hundred here. This is flatter, full and around off, Kane Williamson skips down the track to loft it away but has to reach for it a bit and fails to get under it fully to get the elevation. As a result, the ball travels in the air wide of long off where Fakhar Zaman moves to his right quickly and pouches it safely. The Kiwi skipper goes back after a fine knock as they lose their second wicket.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, A bit short and around middle, Kane Williamson moves back and flicks it towards deep square leg and comes back for the second run.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Down middle, full-length delivery, Rachin Ravindra taps the ball to mid-on.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson clips it through mid-wicket for one more.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, HUNDRED FOR RAVINDRA! Another fantastic innings from this young Kiwi and the crowd is up on their feet. He removes his helmet and raises his bat to take it all in and also gets a warm hug from his skipper. This is another bouncer, on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it towards deep square leg for one and gets to his third century in this World Cup.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Mohammad Wasim bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but misses.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Rachin Ravindra moves to 99! Mohammad Wasim serves this one full and around middle, Rachin Ravindra stays in his crease and whips it wide of mid on for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Another run out chance..missed! This is on a good length and around off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it towards short covers as Kane Williamson sets off for the run but is sent back halfway through, he gives up but the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end and Williamson lives to fight another day.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Short ball over leg, Kane Williamson takes a bit of room at his leg, and pushes the ball to cover.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Gives this one some air as well, full and on middle, Kane Williamson goes for the reverse-sweep again but misses this time to get hit on the pads.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Full-length delivery on leg, Kane Williamson steps out of his crease and slogs the ball over the mid-wicket, to the right of long on but a beautiful diving piece of fielding by Shaheen Afridi to save a couple of runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Flighted, full and on middle, Rachin Ravindra works it past square leg for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Run out chance…missed! This is floated, full and around middle, Kane Williamson goes down and reverse-sweeps it towards point, the batters set off for the run but Williamson is a bit late to react, Fakhar Zaman takes his time to throw it at the bowler's end where Iftikhar Ahmed collects and breaks the stumps and looks confident. However, the replay shows that the Kiwi skipper is well inside the crease.

Is that out? Pakistan think they have got their man but the replays show that Kane Williamson has made it in at the non-striker's end where Iftikhar Ahmed took the bails off.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, full and on middle, Kane Williamson clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! 18 runs off the over! Hasan Ali once again bowls this short of a length and around middle, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and smacks it towards the deep mid-wicket fence where the ball just lands before the boundary cushions. The umpire sees the replay and signals for a four.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Hasan Ali bangs this into the pitch, on off, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but loses his bat in the process and mistimes it towards wide of deep square leg for a brace. He moves into the 90s now!

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, More misery for Pakistan! Hasan Ali has overstepped and it is a No Ball! This is on a hard length and on off, Kane Williamson dabs it through backward point for one. Free Hit coming up…

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Back of length down leg, Kane Williamson steps out of the crease and taps the ball to cover.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Short of a length and on off, Kane Williamson uses his feet but gets cramped for room and pats it down the pitch.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, FOUR! A boundary to follow now! This is back of a length and on middle, Kane Williamson looks to pull but fails to get the timing right on it and has to drag it. However, he generates enough power and places it perfectly between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket for four more runs.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, SIX! FLAT AND OVER THE FENCE! Hasan Ali bangs this short bit angling into the leg side, Kane Williamson picks up the length early and swivels and hammers it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Short ball pitched on middle, angling outside off, Rachin Ravindra attempts to smash the ball through his cover but mistimes.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Touch fuller but down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to glance it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls to the keeper.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Slower one on off, good-length delivery, Kane Williamson lunges halfway and taps the ball to his off for a quick single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, On a length and around off, Kane Williamson mistimes his push towards short covers.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Lovely shot! Mohammad Wasim lands this short of a length again, sits up nicely for the batter, Kane Williamson gets into a good position early and swats it wide of mid on for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Back of a length and around middle, Kane Williamson heaves it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Drinks! Things are not looking good for Pakistan as both the Kiwi batters have changed gears and are finding the boundaries with ease. This partnership is becoming a huge problem for the Men in Green and they need wickets and they need them quickly or else they could be chasing a massive target here. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Length delivery, on middle, Kane Williamson comes down the pitch to charge the ball and smashes the ball to mid-off but the connection wasn't proper on the ball.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Dispatched with disdain! Hasan Ali serves it on a good length, on middle, Kane Williamson picks the length early and swings across the line cleanly. He whips it hard and over mid-wicket for an easy boundary.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Slower one down middle, Kane Williamson prods halfway and pushes the ball between mid-wicket and mid-on.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Good running! Hasan Ali rolls his fingers over the ball and delivers it on a length, at the stumps, Rachin Ravindra taps it gently in front of mid on and calls Kane Williamson for a quick single. There is a shy at the non-striker's end but it would not have mattered even if that had hit as Rachin was well in.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, In the slot outside off, Kane Williamson comes down the pitch and hammers it to mid-off.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Nicely done! Hasan Ali lands it back of a length, on off and middle, Kane Williamson swivels in the crease in a flash and rolls his wrists to control the pull in front of square on the leg side for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, SIX! BANG! Rachin Ravindra goes huge! Haris Rauf persists with banging into the deck, over off, this sits up nicely for the batter. Rachin Ravindra hangs on the back foot, nails the pull off the front foot and deposits into the stands towards deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, This is bowled on a hard length, at the pads, Kane Williamson rides on top of the bounce and tucks it through square leg for a single.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Short ball over the off, Rachin Ravindra stays back and dabs the ball to his off ad takes a quick single.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Pitching on leg and angling it outside leg, Rachin Ravindra tries the smash the ball to his leg, opening his leg, but the ball flies to the keeper.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Angling in, on a good length, on middle, tucked straight to mid-wicket.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! So good by Rachin Ravindra! Haris Rauf decides to go short again but the line is much closer to the batter, on off, Rachin Ravindra gets into a good position nice and early as if he is expecting it. He use the pace of the delivery and ramps it over the keeper for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Goes into the wicket and bowls it with some pace, near the tramline on off, Rachin Ravindra bends his back and hops to carve this one over point but misses out.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, A bit of width on offer outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and drills it through point. Retains the strike with a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Well bowled! Nails the yorker does Shaheen Afridi, on middle, a bit of reverse swing there, Rachin Ravindra gets a bit hurried but does well to get his bat down in time to dig this one out to mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, In the air but safe! Pitches up down the middle, Rachin Ravindra tries to loft the ball over the mid-wicket, but the connection isn't proper, the ball goes in the air and drops at well wide of mid-on, couple of runs taken in between.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, On the off-stump line, on a good length, Kane Williamson uses his feet and thumps it with a horizontal bat to deep point for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Slower one, on the fifth stump, fuller, Rachin Ravindra steers the ball towards deep third man for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Slower and shorter, outside off, Rachin Ravindra sways away and drops his gloves to let the ball go harmlessly towards the keeper. It is called one bouncer for the over but Shaheen Afridi isn't happy with that call neither is Mohammad Rizwan.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Wayward by Shaheen Afridi as he bangs into the wicket but way down leg, Rachin Ravindra gets inside the line and lets it go for a wide.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Length delivery outside off, Kane Williamson stays back and pushes the ball to deep point for a single.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Takes pace off again, fuller and on off, Kane Williamson waits for the ball to arrive and opens the face of his bat to guide it towards backward point.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Low full toss outside off, Rachin Ravindra moves his wrist and taps the ball towards mid on for a single.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Honing in at the pads, on a length, Kane Williamson uses his wrists to play this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Fires this out just outside off, length delivery, Kane Williamson tries to tap the ball on his offside but misses the connection with the ball as it goes just past the outside edge to the keeper.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Top shot by a top batter! Haris Rauf begins on a back of a length, around off, Kane Williamson does not have much room to work with but he creates it with his hands and punches it right between cover and mid off for a boundary. Made it look so easy did Williamson there.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, At the hips, on a back of a length, Kane Williamson works this one in front of square on the leg side for one more run.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Kane Williamson gets to his FIFTY now! What a way to announce your return and that too, in a crunch game. Hurls it on a good length does Shaheen Afridi, outside off, Kane Williamson extends his arms and punches it away on the up towards mid off where the fielder slides to his left and parrries the ball away from him, allowing an extra run.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Gets this one to angle in from around the wicket, on middle and leg, on a length, Kane Williamson misses the clip and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Bowls with an upright seam, on a length, outside off, Kane Williamson goes for an expansive drive through covers but the bat turns in his hand and he mishits it towards mid off.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Lands it on a good length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and pushes it wide of cover for a run.

Shaheen Afridi to Kane Williamson, Starts his new spell on a back of a length, on middle, Kane Williamson hops and tucks it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Sliced away! Fires it in, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra stays leg side of the ball and uses the pace of the delivery to steer it between backward point and third man for yet another boundary.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Compensates now by bowling quicker and shorter, on middle, eased down to long on for one by Kane Williamson.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, FOUR! This is even better and Kane Williamson has back-to-back boundaries! Looped up by Iftikhar Ahmed, on off, Kane Williamson is quick to judge the length of the delivery as he winds up and slog sweeps it hard to the right of Shaheen Afridi at long on for four more runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Good use of the feet again! Iftikhar Ahmed tosses it up, on off and middle, Kane Williamson puts the dancing shoes on and moves leg side as well to carve it over extra cover for a boundary.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Dishes out a full delivery from around the wicket, around off, Rachin Ravindra slices the drive towards deep cover for one more run.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Short and turning into the pads, Kane Williamson plays it with the turn to fine leg and takes a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, On the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Kane Williamson gets a bit cramped for room but still manages to open the bat face to steer it to third man for one.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Hurls it on a good length, on off and middle, Kane Williamson opts to stay back in his crease and keeps it out in front of cover.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Slanting in, on a short of a length, at the hips, Kane Williamson shapes to nudge it on the leg side but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Angling into the pads, on a hard length, Rachin Ravindra tucks it off his pads to deep backward square leg for a run.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Good bumper! Bends his back and bangs in a sharp bouncer, over middle, Rachin Ravindra goes for the pull but the ball climbs on him and goes over his bat to the keeper.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Leg bye! Back of a length, on the stumps, Kane Williamson walks across to help it away but misses as the ball rolls off his thigh pad to fine leg for a leg bye.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! SHOT! Bowls it full this time, slanting in, on middle, Rachin Ravindra is quick to get down on one knee and slog sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He gets up while grimacing in pain but looks fine to continue.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Bowls it short now, around off, Kane Williamson punches it from the crease to deep point for a single.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, SIX! Wow, that is a shot and a half! Agha Salman floats it up, at the stumps, Kane Williamson trusts the surface and shimmies down the track. He opens himself up to hit it to the left of long off and executes it to perfection for a maximum.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Drags the length back and bowls it on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, Darts this one in, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra prods half-forward to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat to square leg for a single.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Slower and fuller, on middle, Kane Williamson steps out of the crease and pushes it through mi on for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, On the fourth stump line, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra allows the ball to come to him and tries to guide this one past backward point but picks out the man there.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Serves it on a good length, Rachin Ravindra hangs on the back foot and tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, This is bowled on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Kane Williamson hops and gets inside the line to tickle it to the fine leg fence for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Offers width outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra latches onto the width as he slaps it hard but straight to deep cover for one more.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Drifts on the pads this time, a bit fuller, Kane Williamson rolls his wrists to nudge it through square leg for a run.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Angling across, outside off, on a length, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and punches it away to deep point for a single.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, Much straighter this time, full and on the off-stump line, Rachin Ravindra gets on the front foot and knocks it down to long on for a single.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Slips a full delivery down leg from around the wicket, Rachin Ravindra gets down to sweep but misses and it is called a wide.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air, full and on off, Kane Williamson reaches out in front and crouches to whip it towards wide long on for a single.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Gives the ball even more air, fullish delivery, on middle, Kane Williamson steps out and nudges it towards mid-wicket.

Agha Salman to Kane Williamson, Keeps it full and at the stumps, Kane Williamson prods forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, Floated up, on middle and leg, clipped in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Agha Salman to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Agha Salman is greeted with a boundary albeit a streaky one! Tosses it up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra angles his bat to go through mid on but the ball angles back in to catch the inside edge and it races past short fine leg for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Overpitched and around off, Rachin Ravindra drills it hard but straight to sweeper covers for one.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Pitched up, on middle, Rachin Ravindra knocks it down the pitch.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, FIFTY FOR RAVINDRA! A third half-century for him in this World Cup and he continues his good form. He will look to make it a big one now. This is fuller and around leg, Rachin Ravindra glances it wide of fine leg where the fielder runs to his left and slides to stop. The batters take two runs.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Back of a length and on off, Kane Williamson runs it towards third man for another run.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Length again and around off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it wide of point for another quick single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, On a length and around leg, Kane Williamson looks to work it away but misses as the ball goes off his pads to the leg side, Rachin Ravindra sets off for the run but the skipper is a bit late to react, Mohammad Wasim runs forward and picks up and hits the stumps at the batter's end but Ravindra is in by that time, He should have gone for the other end as Kane Williamson was halfway down the pitch when Wasim picked up the ball. A lucky escape for Williamson!

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Rachin Ravindra finds the gap this time! Iftikhar Ahmed drags his length back again and outside off, Rachin Ravindra frees his arms and thrashes it past point for a boundary. With that, the 50-run partnership also comes up between these two batters.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Flighted, full and on middle, Kane Williamson works it through mid-wicket for one.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Flatter delivery, full and on off, Kane Williamson looks to play at it but gets an inside edge to the leg side.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra moves back and pulls it towards wide of long on for a run.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Quicker, short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra cuts it hard but straight to point.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Shorter in length and on middle, Kane Williamson goes down and drags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, BEATEN AGAIN! Mohammad Wasim this time goes a bit fuller and on the sixth stump line, angling away, Rachin Ravindra goes for the big drive but misses as the ball just goes past the outside edge to the keeper.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, BEATEN! Mohammad Wasim lands this on a hard length and just around off, shaping away, Rachin Ravindra has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Kane Williamson nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Wasim to Kane Williamson, FIVE WIDES! Free runs for New Zealand! Mohammad Wasim serves this full but way down the leg side, Kane Williamson misses his glance and the ball stays very low as Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps dives to his left but fails to stop it from going to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and around leg, Rachin Ravindra looks to flick but misses and the ball deflects off his pads through backward square leg. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Mohammad Wasim to Rachin Ravindra, Mohammad Wasim starts with a full delivery, on off, angling in, Rachin Ravindra pushes it wide of short covers.

A change in bowling as Mohammad Wasim is introduced into the attack now.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Quicker one, shortish and on middle, Kane Williamson goes down but sweeps it straight to square leg.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Slower through the air, on off, turns in, Kane Williamson uses his feet to push it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Floated, full and on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Goes short again and around off, Rachin Ravindra punches it off the back foot through covers for a run.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, full and on middle, Kane Williamson just chips it towards long on for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Short and on middle, Kane Williamson moves back and flicks it straight to square leg.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Pulls his length back a bit, on off, Kane Williamson drops it in front of point and scampers across for one more.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Overpitched and on off, Kane Williamson again drives it nicely wide of sweeper covers where Saud Shakeel runs to his right and slides to collect it. Two runs taken.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Short of a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it off the bottom edge towards fine leg for a run. 100 up for the Kiwis!

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards covers.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Pitches this one up and around off, Kane Williamson drives it firmly through covers for a single.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, This is on a good length and on leg, angling in, Rachin Ravindra misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards backward square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Drinks break! New Zealand will be more than happy with this start. Even though Devon Conway got out, Rachin Ravindra is looking in great nick and he will look to lay a solid foundation alongside skipper Kane Williamson. Despite favourable conditions, Pakistan have only one wicket to show for their efforts so far and they are leaking boundaries every now and then. Hasan Ali has looked like the only bowler who has asked questions and the rest will need to pull up their socks quickly.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Floated, short and on off,turns in with good bounce, Kane Williamson keeps his bat out as the ball hits the sticker and dies down on the pitch.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, Short again from Iftikhar Ahmed, on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra whips it off the back foot towards long on for one.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Kane Williamson, A bit short and on middle, Kane Williamson moves back and clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Tossed up, full and on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it towards long off for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Powered away! Iftikhar Ahmed drags his length back and around middle, Rachin Ravindra quickly moves onto his back foot and smashes it aerially but past the bowler and Kane Williamson also shows good reflexes to get out of the way as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Another short delivery, on middle, Rachin Ravindra rolls his wrists and controls his pull this time towards deep square leg for one.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Short of a length this time, on middle, Rachin Ravindra tries for the pull shot again but mistimes it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, Haris Rauf bends his back and bangs in a bouncer at around 146 clicks, on middle, takes off a bit, Rachin Ravindra misses out on his pull shot as Mohammad Rizwan collects it well leaping up behind the stumps.

Haris Rauf to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and on middle, angling in, Rachin Ravindra steers it towards point.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Full again and around off, Kane Williamson drills it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Another streaky boundary! Haris Rauf serves this one full and around off at 150 clicks, shaping away, Kane Williamson looks to drive but gets another outside edge this time past first slip towards the third man fence for four more runs.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Hasan Ali bangs in another well-directed bouncer at 131.9 clicks, on middle, Rachin Ravindra sways away from it.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Goes fuller and on off, Kane Williamson drills it through covers for one.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Short of a length and on leg, angling in, Rachin Ravindra flicks it towards deep square leg for another run.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and on off, Rachin Ravindra taps it towards backward point.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, Length again and around off, Kane Williamson opens the face of his bat and guides it towards third man for a run.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and on middle, Rachin Ravindra works it towards wide mid on for a single.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Another bouncer from Ali but this one is down the leg side, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull but misses. Wided.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Haris Rauf ends the over with a quick bouncer, on middle, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Pulls his length back a bit and on off, Kane Williamson dabs it towards short third man.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Goes fuller this time, on middle, angling in, Kane Williamson blocks it out down the pitch.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, EDGED AND FOUR! Haris Rauf lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, Kane Williamson looks to push it away with soft hands but gets an outside edge past the keeper and through the vacant first slip region for a boundary. A slip is there but he is very wide.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, Back of a length and on off, Kane Williamson knocks it towards mid on.

Haris Rauf to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Williamson at at his best! Haris Rauf lands this on a hard length and around off, Kane Williamson gets on top of the bounce well and crunches it through point as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Hasan Ali to Kane Williamson, On a length and on middle, Kane Williamson nudges it through square leg for a single and gets off the mark.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3 for New Zealand.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Hasan Ali draws first blood! He also gets his 100th ODI wicket and Devon Conway is his latest victim. Ali bangs in another quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Devon Conway goes for the pull but a bit too early and gets a bottom edge onto his shoulder and Mohammad Rizwan behind the stumps makes no mistake. There is no real appeal from the keeper but Conway starts walking back and the finger goes up as well. New Zealand lose their first wicket!

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length and on off again, Rachin Ravindra punches it through cover-point for a run.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Touch fuller and around off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it towards short covers.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Hasan Ali bangs in a sharp bouncer this time, Rachin Ravindra looks to pull it away but misses as the ball goes over him to the keeper.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, A slower delivery, on a length and on off, Devon Conway taps it to the off side and scampers across for a single as Hasan Ali runs forward, picks it up and misses his shy at the bowler's end.

Powerplay 2! Pakistan can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, A bit slower, on a length, around middle and leg, Devon Conway drops it with soft hands on the leg side and calls Rachin Ravindra for a single.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Zoning in, at the stumps, on a length, Devon Conway helps this one away with the angle and places it to the right of Shaheen Afridi at fine leg for two runs more.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Short of a length, around off, the ball gets a bit big on Devon Conway who adjusts well to steer it along the ground towards point.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, FOUR! Shot of authority! Back of a length, outside off, Devon Conway stands tall and lets his hands go through the shot. He punches it away on the up and gets it wide of point for a boundary.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Bowls it on a length, angling in, on middle, at 143.4 clicks, Devon Conway gets his bat out in front to block but plays outside the line and gets an inside edge onto his front pad.

Haris Rauf to Devon Conway, Begins from over the wicket and bowls it fuller in length, Devon Conway leans on and drives it on the up towards extra cover where Fakhar Zaman sprints and puts in a dive to his left to save at least a couple of runs for his side there.

Haris Rauf comes into the attack now.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Goes short again does Hasan Ali, on middle, Rachin Ravindra rides on top of the bounce and controls the pull off the front foot. He hits it to the right of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Bangs it in short, over off and middle, Rachin Ravindra ducks underneath it quickly and lets the ball pass.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, Drop and run! Short of a length, in the channel on off, Devon Conway hangs on the back foot and taps it with soft hands in front of point for a single.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, Slanting in, fuller in length, on middle and leg, Devon Conway flicks this one nicely but straight to mid-wicket.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, This is bowled on a hard length, in the channel on off, Devon Conway waits in his crease and blocks it onto the deck.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, Hurls it on a length, around off, Devon Conway drives this one the front foot towards cover-point.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Short again and four again! Iftikhar Ahmed persists with short length over middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra hops on the back foot quickly and gets underneath the delivery to pull it aerially but to the right of deep square leg for four more runs.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Floated up, outside off, Rachin Ravindra drives well but picks out the man at cover.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! A gift and Rachin Ravindra says thank you very much! A half-tracker and wide outside off, Rachin Ravindra rocks on the back foot in a flash and slaps it between cover and point for a boundary.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Rachin Ravindra, Skidding on, short and on the pads, Rachin Ravindra works it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Drifting in, short and on middle, Devon Conway turns this one wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Short and on off, punched away on the up towards short extra cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! All too easy for Rachin Ravindra! Pitches it up does Rachin Ravindra but it is on the pads, Rachin Ravindra needs no second invitation as he flicks it between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Angling in, on a good length, around middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra opts to stay in his crease and tucks it towards mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Shortish delivery, over middle, Devon Conway swivels and pulls it hard on the bounce towards fine leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Slanting in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Devon Conway tries to block this one but the ball jags back in to wear him high on the thigh pad.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, FOUR! Easy pickings! Strays on the pads, on a hard length, Devon Conway gets inside the line and takes his bottom hand off the bat to help it wide of the diving Mohammad Rizwan for a boundary to the fine leg fence.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, FOUR! Short and punished! Shaheen Afridi bends his back and bangs it in short, over middle, it looked like Devon Conway was caught by surprise by he got on top of the bounce nicely and pulled it in the air towards deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Skidding on, short and around middle, Devon Conway gets a bit hurried and somehow manages to get an inside edge towards backward square leg for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Darts this one back in, on middle and leg, Devon Conway gets half-forward and defends it on the leg side.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Drops it short again, outside off, not much of turn, Devon Conway stabs it off the back foot towards cover.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Drags the length back, over middle, Devon Conway hangs on the back foot and blocks it onto the deck.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, FOUR! Creamed through covers! Iftikhar Ahmed tosses it up and offers width outside off, Devon Conway extends his arms and drives through the line, through cover-point for a boundary.

Iftikhar Ahmed to Devon Conway, Starts off with a short delivery, over middle, Devon Conway goes back and pats it to the right of the bowler.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Length is pulled back, on middle, Rachin Ravindra tucks this one from the crease towards mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Absolutely glorious! Not a bad delivery but Rachin Ravindra is just too good. Shaheen bowls it on a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra picks the length early and leans into the drive with a high elbow. He gracefully drives it through extra cover for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, Hurls it on a back of a length again, outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to force this one through the off side but checks his shot and pushes it gently towards cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Bangs it into the wicket, on middle and leg, Devon Conway takes his bottom hand off the bat and fends it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, On a length and honing in at the pads, Rachin Ravindra nudges it in front of mid-wicket and calls Devon Conway for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Goes a bit full but the radar is off, sprays it way down leg, Rachin Ravindra misses the tickle and it is called a wide.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, More like it from Shaheen Afridi! This is bowled on a back of a length, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra has a poke at the delivery but the ball nips away to zip past his outside edge.

Shaheen Afridi to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Shaheen Afridi errs in line this time as he slips this one down leg on a back of a length. Wided.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, PItches it up again, at the stumps, Devon Conway drives it firmly down the wicket but Hasan Ali reacts well in his follow through and makes a good stop to his left.

Hasan Ali to Devon Conway, FOUR! Nicely clipped! A gift from Hasan Ali, pitched up and on the pads, Devon Conway does not miss out as he brings his wrists into play and clips it through square leg for another boundary.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Angled across, outside off, on a good length, Rachin Ravindra waits for the ball to arrive and steers it right under his eyes towards third man for a single.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, On a hard length, around off, Rachin Ravindra plays it off the back foot as he pats it towards cover.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! Class written all over it! Back of a length by Hasan Ali, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra stands tall in his crease and punches it away on the up. He hits to the left of cover for four more runs.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Gets this one to angle across the left-hander, on a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra is happy to leave the ball alone.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, FOUR! Quality shot! Serves it on a length, on the off-stump line, Devon Conway shimmies down the track in a flash and converts it into a full delivery. He presents the full face of his bat to loft it over wide mid off for his first boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, This is bowled from extremely wide of the crease and angled in, on a length, on off, Devon Conway picks the length and line early and pushes it towards cover.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Fuller than the previous delivery, on the pads, Devon Conway flicks it off the front foot but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Slants this one back in, on a length, on middle, Devon Conway plants his foot forward and clips it by taking his bottom hand off. He gets this one through square leg and opens his account with a couple of runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, In the corridor of uncertainty on off, on a good length, not much movement, Devon Conway hangs back and defends it late towards backward point.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, At 133 clicks, short of a length, moving away, outside off, there is width to cash in but Devon Conway opts to shoulder arms to this delivery.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, In the channel on off, full as well, Rachin Ravindra plays it right under his eyes and taps it in front of cover.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, This is bowled fuller now, outside off, Rachin Ravindra prods forward and dabs it towards point where Abdullah Shafique dives to his left and prevents a single.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, FOUR! First boundary for Rachin Ravindra and New Zealand! A bit too straight by Hasan Ali, on a good length but on the pads, Rachin Ravindra allows the ball to come to him and tickles it neatly to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Offers width outside off, short of a length, Rachin Ravindra sees the width on offer and throws his hands at it but connects with thin air.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Slanting in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra stays back in his crease and angles his bat face to pat it towards cover.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, Back of a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and rides on top of the bounce to punch it towards cover.

Hasan Ali to Rachin Ravindra, WIDE! Hasan Ali starts off with a wide as well. Looks to move the ball back in but starts way down leg, on a length. Left alone by Rachin Ravindra for a wide.

Hasan Ali to share the attack.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Gets this one to move away, on a length, on the fifth stump line, Devon Conway gets behind the line and accounts for the movement to keep it out to the right of the bowler. A tidy first over from Shaheen Afridi.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, A bit fuller again, shaping away, outside off, Devon Conway leans on the front foot and stabs it on the off side for another dot.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Angles it in, on a length, on middle and leg, at 129.6 clicks, Devon Conway shapes to push it down the ground but the ball sneaks past his inside edge to wear him on the thigh pad.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Delivers it on a good length again, around off, a bit of extra bounce again, Devon Conway gets on top of the bounce this time and manages to drop it with soft hands on the off side.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Goes wide of the crease and pitches it up, on middle, a bit of away movement, Devon Conway drives it along the ground towards mid on.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, Lands this one much straighter, on a good length, over off, Devon Conway looks to get on the front foot initially but the ball rises off the deck and catches him on the glove.

Shaheen Afridi to Devon Conway, WIDE! New Zealand are underway with a wide! Starts off a bit wayward, on a length but down leg, Devon Conway looks to help this one away off his pads but misses. Wided.

Done with the pre-match formalities! Pakistan players are spreading out to take their respective field positions. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra are the two openers for New Zealand. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play…

We are moments away from the start of the game but before that, players from both sides line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Pakistan's first followed by the national anthem of New Zealand.

New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson says that it is a slightly different looking surface than what it is usually here. Mentions that it is nice to be back and there are a few niggles in the camp. Adds that guys are excited for the challenge. Informs that they have made two changes to the side – Ish Sodhi comes in for Matt Henry and he comes in to replace Will Young. On Sodhi's inclusion, he says that they feel the surface might take turn throughout or even later in the game. Feels that it is important to stick to their plans and it will also be important to adapt to the conditions. Ends by saying that they will look to put up a competitive total on the board and defend later.

The skipper of Pakistan, Babar Azam says that they will bowl first. Adds that there is a bit of moisture on the wicket and that is the reason they are chasing here. Tells that their bowling has been good in the last couple of games and they are looking to continue that. Mentions that he is feeling good about his batting but he wants to finish the matches for the team. Informs Hasan Ali is in for Usama Mir.

Pakistan (Playing XI) – Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali (In for Usama Mir), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.

New Zealand (Playing XI) – Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (C) (In for Will Young), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman (In for James Neesham), Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi (In for Matt Henry), Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

TOSS – Babar Azam calls 'heads' and heads it is. Pakistan have opted to BOWL first.

After losing four of their first five games, Pakistan had their campaign sinking in front of their eyes. But thanks to South Africa's massive win over New Zealand and themselves winning emphatically over Bangladesh, there is light at the end of the tunnel for them. That said, their net run rate does not paint a promising picture, and Babar Azam's men will need to win big the next two matches. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are due for a big score, but Fakhar Zaman's timely inclusion has lessened their top-order woes. Shaheen Afridi has stood out, but not much support from the rest has been a cause for concern. Will Pakistan stake their claim for a semis spot with a win? Or will New Zealand return to winning ways? Let's find out. Toss and team news coming up…

Having faltered at the final hurdle in 2019, New Zealand looked to be on a mission to go all the way this time with four wins in their first four matches. Then they suffered three losses in as many games and now find themselves in a not-so-comfortable position. The injury list continues to grow, but still, all is not lost for them, as two wins from their remaining two matches might be enough for them to seal a semi-final berth. With Matt Henry ruled out due to a hamstring strain, the veteran pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee will have to do what they do best upfront. It was a disappointing batting effort for the Kiwis against South Africa, and the likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell will be looking to step up. Kane Williamson is close to being declared match-fit, and one feels that the return of their skipper might just be the boost New Zealand need.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks, to our coverage of match number 35 of the 2023 ODI World Cup between New Zealand and Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. We are at that stage in the competition where every game holds significant importance, and this fixture is no exception, with so much riding on it for both teams who find their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

… MATCH DAY …

The battle to keep the World Cup semi-final hopes alive. Yes, Pakistan will meet New Zealand in Match No. 35, and it would seem to many of them that this would be a decisive game for the fourth spot. Afghanistan too are in contention but their last two games are against the mighty Aussies and the ferocious South Africans. So, coming to this game, many would have given up hope in Pakistan but they have felt a sudden lift in their step. Their actual semi-final qualification possibilities are dependent on several factors, but first, they must prevail handily in their next two games. They dominated Bangladesh by seven wickets in their previous match, securing their first victory after four straight defeats. Fakhar Zaman made a strong comeback against Bangladesh in the previous game and it would be interesting to see if Pakistan would consider him in this game as well. Their pace attack has been firing on all cylinders but they lack a quality spinner in the middle overs. They will need to find a way to overcome this. On the other hand, the Kiwis at the start were on a roll and had won four matches in a trot. However, a near defeat against India, a painful 5-run loss against the Aussies, and a thrashing 190-run loss against the Proteas have left them in a spot to bother. They cannot afford any more slip-ups and need to pull up now. This World Cup, Rachin Ravindra has been a standout performer for the Kiwis. Devon Conway has lost his touch in the last few games and the side would hope for him to put up a gritty stand alongside Will Young in this game. Matt Henry joins New Zealand's mounting injury list with a strained hamstring. Lockie Ferguson, who hurt his Achilles against Australia, will likely be fit for this game. New Zealand would have to bring their A game in this encounter and try to secure their place in the Semis. Can they do it? Or will Pakistan make an unexpected comeback? We shall find out as this game promises to be a cracker.