RAWALPINDI: Pakistan pulled off a sensational run-chase to secure a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a mammoth total of 337 runs set by New Zealand, Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman played a stunning innings of 180 off 144 balls, which included 17 fours and six sixes, while Mohammad Rizwan provided crucial support with a knock of 54 off 41 deliveries.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq was sent to the pavilion after he was dismissed for a total of 66 runs. But, Fakhar Zaman got full support from skipper Babar Azam after Imam-ul-Haq departed. Babar Azam went out on a soft dismissal off Ish Sodhi at 65 runs. Fakhar Zaman kept going and in the end, partnered strongly with Mohammad Rizwan to complete the highest chase in ODIs in Rawalpindi.
New Zealand had earlier posted an imposing total of 336/5 in their 50 overs, thanks to brilliant contributions from their top-order batsmen. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson starred with the bat, scoring 92 and 86 runs, respectively.
With this win, Pakistan have taken a 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand.
It was an enthralling match which kept the crowd on the edge of their seats till the end. The victory will give Pakistan a massive boost of confidence going into the coming matches of the series.
Pakistan Playing II
Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Agha Salman, Abdullah Shafique, Ihsanullah, Usama Mir.
New Zealand Playing II
Tom Latham (captain), Chad Bowes, Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Henry Shipley, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham, Will Young. Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Rashid Riaz (PAK). TV umpire: Ahsan Raza (PAK). Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG).
