Pak vs NZ: Hasan Ali joins 100 club — 22nd Pakistani bowler to do so

Fast bowler Hasan Ali became the sixth-fastest Pakistani cricketer to claim the 100th wicket of his one-day international (ODI) career. 

The pacer achieved this feat in today's match against New Zealand of the ICC World Cup 2023 being played in Bengaluru, India. 

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

He is the 22nd Pakistani bowler to take 100 or more ODI wickets, with the achievement coming after Shaheen Shah Afridi who reached the milestone in the team's last match against Bangladesh.

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 World Cup 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 a 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.