Pakistan’s second ODI against New Zealand was a dominant display of batting by Fakhar Zaman, who led the team to a seven-wicket victory. The hosts chased a competitive target of 337 with ease, thanks to Fakhar’s stunning performance. He set the pace of the chase from the outset, scoring a half-century opening stand with Imam-ul-Haq and then a match-defining century partnership with skipper Babar Azam.
Even after Babar’s dismissal, Fakhar continued to take on the bowling with ease and received ideal support from Mohammad Rizwan, who helped seal the game with an unbroken 119-run stand. Fakhar’s innings was a display of effortless ease, as he never slowed down and took advantage of the dropped catches by the New Zealand fielders.
Earlier in the day, Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham’s performances helped New Zealand set a challenging total. However, the Kiw😼💙is lost their momentum in the final five overs, allowing Pakistan to showcase their death bowling skills.
Pakistan’s victory was largely thanks to Fakhar’s majestic 180, which served as the cornerstone of the team’s run chase. His performance was particularly impressive given that he never slowed down at any stage, and his ability to take on the bowling with ease was on full display. Although New Zealand had set a competitive target, Fakhar’s innings made the chase a comfortable one for Pakistan.
While New Zealand had a solid start to their innings, they lost their momentum towards the end. However, their early aggression between overs 41-45, where they scored 61 runs, gave them hope for a score in excess of 350. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s impressive death bowling prevented a final flurry of runs and gave the hosts some much-needed respite.
Brief scores: Pakistan 337-3 in 48.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 180 not out, Babar Azam 65, Rizwan 54 not out; Henry Shipley 1/58 ) beat New Zealand 336-5 in 50 overs (Daryl Mitchell 129, Tom Latham 98, Chad Bowes 51; Haris Rauf 4/78) by seven wickets.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
//twꦦitter.com/SteelyDan66/status/1652404760597917697
A walk in the park for once again with that great 100 mashaAllah. Congratulations to the on another win. Onto the next one 🌳to win the series inshaAllah!👍
— Umar Gul (@mdk_gul)
Fakhar Zaman, the Fastest Pakistani Batsman to Scores 3000 Runs wi🧜th 67 innings and Babar Azam is Second Fastest with 68 innings
— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy)
What a win the series going good so far. Congra🌜tulations on your b🦹ack to back centuries. Well done
— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL)
The Matchless Fakhar Zaman – Fakhar e Pakistan.
Congratulations on 3000 ODI runs and another match winnin🎃g innings. 👏
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak)
Fakhar Zaman while chasing 300+ Targets in ODIs:
Innings- 8
Runs- 669
Average- 83.62
Strike Rate- 115+
Hundreds- 3If he's chasing, Guy is a different Star! Clutch 💯♥️
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888)
Fakhar Zaman brings up his 10th ODI 💯
— Multan Sultans (@MultanSultans)
And Fakhar Zaman Wins it for Pakisꦍtan with Blistering 180 Not Out 💯⭐
— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars)
/🧸/twitter.com/mariya_♈raj10/status/1652395455509086210
Congrats to the on a clinical run chase. Reaching 336 in the 49th over led by another superb innings by Fakhar Zaman (180* off 144).
Full scores at— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS)
//twitteওr.com/SharyOfficial/status/16523856507153694🅘72
Congratulations
Well Played
Good cameo by
Good as always brilliant 150* plus
Fifties by &
2nd highest chase by team— Mekan Lohana (@GatezMakan)
Compre𝔍hensive victory, and 2nd biggest ODI chase for Pakistan 🇵🇰 coဣurtesy fantastic knock of Fakhar Zaman 180* well supported by Babar 65 and Rizwan 54*
— Ammad Aulakh (@Amaadhussain225)
