Photo: FAROOQ NAEEM
The Black Caps have gone two-nil down in the one-day international series against Pakistan after a seven-wicket loss in a high-scoring affair at Rawalpindi.
Daryl Mitchell struck a career-best 129 as New Zealand posted an imposing 336 for five but the tourists could do little to stem the flashing blade of Pakistan opener Fakham Zaman, who raced to an unbeaten 180 off 144 balls.
As was the case in game one of the five-match series – which Pakistan won by five wickets – the Mitchell and Fakhar both reached three figures.
However, Fakhar’s knock was more influential as he posted fourth-highest ODI score against the Black Caps by any batter, easing his team home with 10 balls to spare.
Pakistan’s 337 for three was also their second highest successful run chase against any team in the 50-over format.
Fakhar made New Zealand pay a heavy price for dropping him twice soon after his half-century, going on to record 17 fours and six sixes.
“It was my lucky day to score again against New Zealand,” Fakhar said.
“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 was especially punishing of any loose from spinners Ish Sodhi (1-79) and Rachin Ravindra (0-75).
His fireworks eclipsed the fine knock of Mitchell, who scored 113 in a losing cause at the same venue 48 hours earlier.
He put on 183 for the third wicket with captain Tom Latham, who fell for 98 when trying to increase the tempo entering the final five overs.
Opener Chad Bowes scored 51 while Pakistan paceman Haris Rauf maintained his prolific recent form by taking 4-78.
“At the halfway mark we were pretty happy, (but) credit to Fakhar, he played an outstanding knock,” Latham said.
“They were able to build partnership after partnership . . . we have done that well in the last couple of games, but we have to create more chances in the middle phases.”
Game three is in Karachi on Wednesday.
– RNZ
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