New Zealand began the preparations for the World Cup in style with a five-wicket win over Pakistan in a warm-up game at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Friday.
Southpaw and opener Rachin Ravindra (97, 72b, 16x4, 1x6) was the surprise packet for the Kiwis, chasing 346 to win, with some brilliant strokes on either side of the wicket. Later, the experienced Kane Williamson, who surprised many with his strokeplay and swift running between the wickets after being earlier ruled out of the World Cup opener, and Daryl Mitchell scored half-centuries before retiring.
