NZ beat Pakistan again, taking 2-0 lead in series

Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor have led New Zealand to eight wickets victory against Pakistan in second ODI played at Nelson on Tuesday.

Chasing the target of 247, New Zealand made 64 on loss of two wickets in 14 overs before rain interrupted the game. The match was reduced to 25 overs with Kiwis required another 87 in 11 overs.

Guptill’s timely charge and Taylor’s responsible innings led the side to a comfortable victory with seven balls remaining in the innings. Guptill made unbeaten 86 while Taylor scored 45.

Fahim Ashraf and Mohammad Amir managed to bag a wicket each for the visitors. New Zealand now leads the five-match series 2-0 against Pakistan.

Earlier, Sarfraz won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan’s batting line collapsed miserably before Hafeez, Hasan and Shadab came to the rescue scoring half centuries each. Hafeez departed after scoring 60. He also completed 6,000 runs in ODI cricket as well.

Meanwhile, Hasan Ali scored his maiden half century. He scored 51 of just 31 delivers. Shadab played a crucial knock of 52 to guide the total to 246 on loss of nine wickets. Lockie Ferguson picked up three wickets while Todd Astle and Tim Southee bagged two wickets each for New Zealand.

The third ODI of the series will be played at the Oval on January 12.