Fakhar Zaman's Unbeaten Century Leads Pakistan to Victory in Second ODI Against New Zealand

Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman has once again proved his mettle in the second ODI against New Zealand by smashing a magnificent unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over the Kiwis in Rawalpindi. With this win, Pakistan took a 2-0 lead in the five-match one-day international series at home. 

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s skipper, won the toss and opted to field first. The hosts started the first innings well with pacer Haris Rauf getting rid of Kiwi opener Will Young in the sixth over. Fellow opening batter Chad Bowes then formed a crucial 86-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell to settle New Zealand’s innings, before being caught LBW by Rauf. Bowes scored 51 runs off as many deliveries while smashing seven boundaries. 

Mitchell then stitched a massive 183-run stand with Tom Latham and even went on to complete his second century in ODI cricket. Mitchell scored 129 runs off 119 balls, hitting eight boundaries and three maximums, before being dismissed by pacer Naseem Shah. 

Latham soon followed Mitchell back into the dugout, after missing out on a well-deserved hundred. Latham scored 98 runs off 85 deliveries and became Rauf’s third wicket of the day. The right-arm pacer then sent Mark Chapman packing as New Zealand finished with 336 for 5 on the scoreboard after 50 overs. Rauf was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming four wickets while giving away 78 runs in 10 overs. 

In the second innings, Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq started off in positive fashion and formed a 66-run stand for the opening wicket, before Matt Henry dismissed Imam in the 10th over. Then, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam stitched a vital 132-run partnership with Zaman, which saw both batters complete their respective half-centuries. 

However, Ish Sodhi provided an important breakthrough for his side, getting rid of Babar in the 30th over. Babar scored 65 runs off 66 balls, hitting five boundaries and a solitary six. Abdullah Shafique came and went without moving the scoreboard much as Henry Shipley claimed his only wicket of the evening. 

But it was Fakhar Zaman’s innings that stole the show. The left-handed opener batted with the utmost composure, scoring a blazing 143 runs off just 122 balls, which included 18 boundaries and three sixes. Zaman remained unbeaten as he guided Pakistan to a seven-wicket victory with 12 balls to spare. 

Zaman’s innings were a treat to watch, and they showcased his ability to play aggressive cricket while keeping his cool under pressure. He had the ability to pierce the gaps with ease and hit boundaries at will, which kept the pressure on the New Zealand bowlers. His innings were the highlight of the match and he was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match award. 

Pakistan’s win in the second ODI against New Zealand is a testament to the team’s overall performance. The bowlers did well to restrict the Kiwis to a manageable score, and the batsmen then chased down the target with ease. The team displayed great character and resilience, and they will look to carry this momentum forward in the remaining matches of the series. 

Overall, the second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand was a thrilling encounter, with both teams putting up a great show. The match had everything a cricket fan could ask for – great bowling, superb batting, and nail-biting finishes. It was a true spectacle of cricket and one that will be remembered for a long time.