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‘Fakhar Zaman ki yaad toh Jasprit Bumrah ko abhi bhi aati hogi’ – Fans react as Fakhar Zaman scores match-winning 180 against New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Fakhar Zaman

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‘Fakhar Zaman ki yaad toh Jasprit Bumrah ko abhi bhi aati hogi’ – Fans react as Fakhar Zaman scores match-winning 180 against New Zealand in 2nd ODI

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In the second ODI on Saturday, Fakhar Zaman’s second consecutive century helped Pakistan defeat New Zealand by seven wickets with ease. As Pakistan completed their second-highest productive run chase in ODIs, Fakhar followed up his welcoming undefeated 180 off 144 balls from the first ODI by hitting another exciting 180.

After New Zealand scored an impressive 336-5 thanks to Daryl Mitchell’s second consecutive hundred, a professional-best 129 off 119 balls, Pakistan sailed towards 337-3 in 48.2 overs. When Fakhar was dropped twice soon after reaching his half-century, New Zealand paid a steep price. He hit six sixes and 17 boundaries in Pakistan’s effort to win the five-match series 2-0. 

Fakhar contributed to two impressive century partnerships, scoring 135 runs with skipper Babar Azam (65), as well as an uninterrupted 119 alongside Rizwan (54 not out), who overcame two close outs and successfully appealed a caught-behind ruling against him. Ish Sodhi (1-79) with Rachin Ravindra (0-75), two New Zealand spinners who combined for 20 overs and 154 runs, were particularly harshly treated by Fakhar.

Shaheen Shah Afridi along with Shadab Khan, two of Pakistan’s regular bowlers, chose to rest instead of allowing New Zealand to bowl first. The other Pakistani bowlers, with the exception of Naseem Shah, struggled versus Mitchell and Tom Latham. Following Chad Bowes’ run-a-ball 51, Mitchell and Latham, who produced 98 off 85 balls, put on a 183-run partnership. Both hitters targeted Haris Rauf, although him taking 4-78, and gave quick bowler Ihsanullah a costly debut with 0-60.

In spite of the poor Pakistan fielding, Mitchell and Latham’s aggression enabled New Zealand to rack up 98 runs off the final 10 overs. When Mitchell was on 96, Naseem Shah took a legal catch at mid-on to prevent Pakistan from denying him of his century. Mitchell needed 102 balls to finish his century. His superb innings, which featured eight fours as well as three sixes, was cut short by a wonderful diving catch by Mohammad Nawaz at deep square leg.

Fakhar Zaman spoke in the post-match presentation where he was awarded the player of the match award. He spoke about Mohammed Rizwan making things easier for him at the other end. He said, “It was my lucky day to score again against New Zealand. 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.”

Fans react as Fakhar Zaman scores match-winning 180 against New Zealand in 2nd ODI : –

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