Fakhar Zaman's 180 powers Pakistan to comfortable win over New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Fakhar Zaman’s second successive century anchored Pakistan to another comfortable seven-wicket victory over NZ.

Fakhar Zaman’s second successive century anchored Pakistan to another comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second one-day international on Saturday.

Fakhar followed his 117 in the first ODI with another entertaining unbeaten 180 off 144 balls as Pakistan pulled off its second highest successful run chase in ODIs.

Pakistan romped to 337-3 in 48.2 overs after New Zealand posted an imposing 336-5 on the back of Daryl Mitchell’s own second straight hundred — a career-best 129 off 119 balls.

Fakhar made New Zealand pay a heavy price for dropping him twice soon after his half-century. He smacked 17 boundaries and six sixes in Pakistan’s chase to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

“It was my lucky day to score again against New Zealand,” Fakhar said after he was dropped in James Neesham’s successive overs after his half-century off 44 balls with 10 boundaries.

"I get a lot of liberty while playing with (Mohammad) Rizwan and he made things easier for me. I was told to stay at the crease till the end.”

Fakhar shared two dominant century stands, adding 135 runs with captain Babar Azam (65), and an unbroken 119 with Rizwan (54 not out), who survived two close run-outs and reversed a caught behind decision against him on review.