Rawalpindi, April 29: Riding high on opening batter Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant knock of undefeated 180* runs, Pakistan comfortably beat visitors New Zealand on Saturday evening at the Rawalpindi Stadium to take 2-0 lead in the 5-match ODI series.
In pursuit of stiff target of 337, Pakistan started well with Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman who stitched a 66-run partnership inside 10 overs.
After Haq’s departure, skipper Babar Azam forged a brilliant 135-run partnership with Zaman. Azam made 65 in 66 balls before being dismissed by Kiwi leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.
Abdullah Shafique went back to the hut early, as Pakistan were reduced to 218-3 in the 35th over. But wicket-keeper batter Rizwan scored a magnificent half-century (54* in 41 balls) to guide Pakistan to victory alongside player of the match Fakhar Zaman.
Earlier, Pakistan asked New Zealand to bat first after winning the toss. Daryl Mitchell scored yet another century (129 in 119 balls), skipper Latham made 98 while opening batter Chad Bowes made a fifty. For Pakistan, fast bowler Haris Rauf took four wickets while Naseem Shah took one.
New Zealand failed to defend a total of 336. It was Pakistan’s second highest successful run chase in ODI history.