The Pakistani opener’s undefeated score of 180*, which included 17 boundaries and six huge sixes, helped the Asian team to chase down New Zealand’s respectable total of 336/5 with 10 deliveries remaining.
Fakhar Zaman hit his third consecutive ODI century to lead Pakistan to a stunning seven-wicket victory against New Zealand today.
During the match, Fakhar became only the fourth Pakistan hitter to achieve three consecutive ODI hundreds, and he also became the country’s fastest player to reach 3000 ODI runs, according to the ICC.
Pakistan’s total of 337/3 was also their fourth greatest ODI score in an ODI and their second best run chase.
Skipper Babar Azam (68) and seasoned batsman Mohammad Rizwan (54*) all contributed to the thrilling win, but it was Fakhar who stole the show, as the powerful left-hander maintained his rich vein of form in devastating manner.
In response, Pakistan needed something special from Fakhar’s as New Zealand established what appeared to be a very respectable total on the strength of a stunning century from Daryl Mitchell (129) and an equally significant hit from skipper Tom Latham (98).
Mitchell’s knock contained eight boundaries and three sixes, and his total was the greatest by a New Zealand hitter in an ODI in Pakistan, surpassing Ricky Ponting’s 124* in 1998 for the most by any visiting No.3.
Pakistan appeared to be cruising to win in reply, with Fakhar and Babar at the crease and the score at 200/1, but the hosts’ skipper fell and Abdullah Shafique (7) was removed shortly after, giving New Zealand a ray of hope.
However, Rizwan joined Fakhar at the crease and successfully guided the home side to victory, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
