Pak vs NZ: Hasan Ali joins achieves major ODI milestone

Pakistan fast bowler Hassan Ali Saturday clinched the 100th wicket of his one-day international (ODI) career during today's match against New Zealand played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India.

In his 66-match-long ODI career, the pacer has become the six-fastest Pakistani cricketer to achieve the feat.

The fast bowler claimed the centenary wicket in ODI cricket after dismissing Kiwi opener Devon Conway, who bagged 35 runs in 39 balls.

The right-armer's feat comes after his inclusion in the team as a replacement for leg-spinner Usama Mir in the lineup for today's match.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to field in the crucial ICC World Cup 2023 clash against New Zealand who welcomed back regular captain Kane Williamson following a thumb injury.

Williamson, who had only recovered from knee surgery just before the tournament, featured in the match against Bangladesh in Chennai on October 13 during which he fractured his thumb and missed the subsequent games.

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan is still unavailable for selection after suffering concussion during the one-wicket defeat against South Africa.

Besides Williamson, New Zealand named spinner Ish Sodhi in place of injured seamer Matt Henry, Will Young made way for the skipper while Mark Chapman replaced James Neesham.

New Zealand are currently fourth in the 10-team table with eight points after their opening four wins were followed by three defeats.

Pakistan, with six points, need to win to stay in contention for a semi-final place.

Playing XIs

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson (capt), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wkt), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf