PAK vs NZ: Fakhar Zaman joins Watson, Warner in elusive list

• Zaman becomes one of few openers in world to have an average over 45.
• Devon Conway scored  century to lead his team to win in 2nd ODI.
• Babar Azam earlier chose to bat in the third ODI.

After scoring a century in the third ODI against New Zealand on Friday in Karachi, Pakistan’s opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has joined a list of elusive players.

Zaman became one of the few openers in the world to have an average over 45 and strike rate above 90 in ODI cricket after getting 101 runs in 122 balls.

.@FakharZamanLive brings up a brilliant 1⃣0⃣0⃣ – his 8th in ODI cricket 👏#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/o1c5Sn0Gq3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 13, 2023

Other openers who have accomplished the same feat in the past include South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, England’s Jonny Bairstow, India’s Rohit Sharma, and Australia’s Shane Watson and David Warner.

Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, earlier chose to bat in the third ODI on Friday after winning the toss. Imam-ul-Haq and Naseem Shah have been replaced in Pakistan’s starting XI by Shan Masood and Mohammad Hasnain. Imam and Naseem both have fevers in addition to hamstring injuries.

New Zealand’s lineup for the third ODI remains the same.

It should be noted that New Zealand’s opener Devon Conway scored a brilliant century to lead his team to a decisive 79-run victory over Pakistan in the second One-Day International on Wednesday in Karachi.

Prior to a collapse that saw New Zealand lose nine wickets for 78 runs and restrict them to 261 all out in 49.5 overs, the left-hander produced 101 and captain Kane Williamson made 85.

Despite a valiant 79 from captain Babar Azam, Pakistan lost wickets frequently, and they were eventually bowled for 182, which resulted in a 1-1 tie in the three-match series.

Prior to that, quick bowler Naseem claimed five wickets in Karachi as Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the first ODI by a score of six wickets.

In just four ODI outings, the 19-year-old picked up 5-57, his second five-wicket haul, as New Zealand, who were put in to bat, managed 255-9 in their 50 overs at the National Stadium.

Fakhar Zaman (56), the captain Babar Azam (66), and Mohammad Rizwan (77 unbeaten) then assisted Pakistan in cruising to win with 11 balls remaining.

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