Rawalpindi, 30 April 2023 (GNP): At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten century. This was Fakhar’s third consecutive ODI century; all three came this year against New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand scored 336 for 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs after being given the opportunity to bat. Daryl Mitchell scored his tenth ODI hundred. He formed a 183-run stand for the third wicket with captain Tom Latham, who fell two runs short of his eighth ODI century. Tom Latham hit eight fours and one six throughout his innings.
With eight fours and three sixes in his 119-ball 129, Mitchell was the top run scorer for NZ.
Haris Rauf, claimed four wickets for the home team for 78 runs in his 10 overs. Ihsanullah, who was playing his debut ODI, failed to take a wicket and surrendered 60 runs in his eight overs.
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For Pakistan, Fakhar and Imam-ul-Haq gave the team a strong start as they chased 337 to win. The pair build up 66 runs partnership in 9.4 overs until Imam was dismissed by Matt Henry for 24 off 26 balls, including three fours.
Fakhar finished at 180 not out, which is his third best individual score in ODI format. He faced 144 balls and hit six sixes in addition to seventeen fours while hitting third consecutive ODI century.
Moreover, Fakhar also reached his 3,000 ODI runs during the course of the innings.
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Babar Azam joined Fakhar at that point, and they established a 135-run partnership for the second wicket. Babar, the top batter in the world, reached his 25th half-century during the partnership. He scored 65 off 66, when Chad Bowes caught him off Ish Sodhi. His innings include five fours and a six.
After Babar, Abdullah Shafique came to bat. But he could not stay on the crease for a long time and gave his wicket just for seven runs.
Rizwan, the wicketkeeper-batter, and Fakhar teamed up at that time, easily scoring runs to assist Pakistan reach its goal with 10 balls remaining. Fakhar notched up his tenth century while playing the 67th ODI. During the game, Rizwan also reached his eighth half-century. He came back unbeaten with 54 off 41 balls and six fours.
Brief Scorecard:
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)
