With an improved batting performance in this match, New Zealand posted 337 runs on board. It was second 100 of the series by Daryl Mitchell who scored 129 of 119 balls. However, as in the first match, his ton once again went in again as the big chase was overpowered by Fakhar Zaman.
Tom Latham (98 off 85 balls) played a well built knock and shared 181 runs partnership with Mitchell. However, New Zealand one failed to finish well with the bat, they are missing the power hitter who can play 30 runs in 15 odd balls. They definitely have such players but IPL schedule has kept these players busy.
It was an special innings from Fakhar Zaman, well supported by Babar Azam who scored 65 off 66 balls. Both shared 135 runs partnership which was surely a game changing or we can say game winning partnership for Pakistan.
New Zealand opened a small window of the when Ish Sodhi dismissed Babar Azam and within three overs, they dismissed Abdullah Shafiq, leaving Pakistan to score 119 off 95 balls.
As usual, Mohmmad Rizwan went about his business in most calm manner, risk free and productive shots because at the other end, Zaman was batting beautifully. Also, the chase was easy because of the dew.
New Zealand evidently felt that they were a bowler short, using five bowlers, Tom Latham didn’t have much options. Both spinners, Ish Sodhi and Rachin Ravindra conceded 154 runs for 1 wicket in their 20 overs. That could be seen as the weak link or perhaps a battle domineeringly won by Pakistani batters.
Mohammad Rizwan scored 54 off 41 balls and shared 119 runs partnership with Fakhar who endeed not out 180 off 144 balls. Gotta feel bad for Daryl Mitchell who scored back to back centuries but both in losing cause.
Pakistan lead the ODI series 2-0 now, both teams will come face to face for the third ODI on Wednesday which will be played in Lahore.