Nelson (New Zealand): Martin Guptill (86 n o, 71b, 5×4, 5×6) was at his belligerent best as New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets in the second ODI here, Tuesday.
The match was evenly poised when rain forced the players from the field for more than two hours with New Zealand 64 for two after 14 overs in reply to Pakistan’s 246 for nine.
When play resumed under the Duckworth-Lewis system New Zealand’s target was revised to 151 in 25 overs meaning they had 11 overs left to make 87. They did that with aplomb, Guptill showing the way.
After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat Mohammad Hafeez (60, 71b, 8×4) held the first half of the innings together as Pakistan struggled to 141 for seven in the 37th over before Shadab Khan (52, 68b, 3×4, 1×6) and Hasan Ali (51, 31b, 4×4, 4×6) put on 70 runs for the eighth wicket. Lockie Ferguson (3/39) was the standout among the Kiwi bowlers.
Pakistan looked on course to level the series as they claimed the wickets of Colin Munro (zero) and Kane Williamson (19) to have New Zealand at 47 for two in the 10th over. However, Guptill and Ross Taylor (45 n o, 43b, 4×4) ensured victory for the hosts comfortably.
Brief scores
Pakistan 246/9 (Mohammed Hafeez 60, Shadab Khan 52, Hasan Ali 51; Lockie Ferguson 3/39) lost to New Zealand 151/2 in 23.5 overs (Martin Guptill 86 n o, Ross Taylor 45 n o) by eight wickets in D/L method.
agence france-presse
