Rawalpindi, 29 April 2023: Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten century leads Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second ODI at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Saturday evening. This was Fakhar Zaman’s third successive hundred in the 50-over format – all three coming against New Zealand this year.
Left-handed Fakhar ended-up scoring 180 not out – his third best individual score in this format. He faced 144 balls and struck 17 fours and six towering sixes. During the course of the innings, Fakhar also completed his 3,000 ODI runs. Chasing 337 to win, Fakhar and Imam-ul-Haq once again provided a solid start to the innings and the pair added 66 runs in 9.4 overs before Imam fell to Matt Henry for 24 off 26 balls, hitting three fours.
At that stage, Fakhar was joined by Babar Azam and the duo knitted a 135-run partnership for the second wicket. During the partnership, the world number one batter Babar brought up his 25th half-century. He scored 65 off 66, which included five fours and a six when he was caught by Chad Bowes off Ish Sodhi. Abdullah Shafique (7, 14b) was next to return back to the hut with Pakistan 218 for three in 34.1 overs and still requiring 119 runs off 95 balls.
At that point of the match, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar got together and the pair scored runs at ease and helped Pakistan achieved the target with 10 ball to spare. Fakhar, who was playing 67th ODI brought up his 10th century. Rizwan also brought up his ninth half-century during the match. He returned undefeated on 54 off 41 balls, smashing six fours.
Earlier, after being put into bat, New Zealand scored 336 for five in their allotted 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell was once again amongst the runs as the right-handed batter scored yet another century. He added 86 runs for the second wicket with Chad Bowes (51, 51b, 7x4s) and knitted a 183-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Tom Latham – who missed out on eighth ODI century by two runs. Tom’s innings included eight fours and one six.
Mitchell top-scored for his side with a 119-ball 129, which included eight fours and three sixes.
For the home side, right-arm fast Haris Rauf bagged four wickets for 78 runs from 10 overs. Making his ODI debut Ihsanullah couldn’t get a wicket and gave away 60 runs from eight overs.
After taking a 2-0 lead in the series, both sides will now travel to Karachi and will feature in the remaining three ODIs of the five-match series. The third ODI is scheduled to take place at the National Bank Stadium on 3 May.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat New Zealand by seven wickets
New Zealand 336-5, 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 129, Tom Latham 98, Chad Bowes 51; Haris Rauf 4-78)
Pakistan 337-3, 48.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 180 not out, Babar Azam 65, Mohammad Rizwan 54 not out)
Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
