Twitter Reactions: Guptill blasts 86 as New Zealand beat Pakistan in the rain-affected 2nd ODI

The Kiwis now lead the 5-match ODI series 2-0.

By Suraj Shukla

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Martin Guptill of New Zealand celebrates his half century
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Martin Guptill of New Zealand celebrates his half century. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Pakistani batsmen flattered once again in front of the New Zealand attack in the 2nd ODI. After winning the toss, skipper Safaraz Ahmed opted to bat first. The decision didn’t go down well as they lost their top 3 in the first 11 overs with the scorecard reading just 39 runs.

Mohammed Hafeez’s half-century came as a respite for the visitors but his wicket meant that Pakistan were staring at an under par score. Hafeez departed for 70 with Pakistan’s total 127 for 6. After another wicket, number 1 ranked bowler Hasan Ali combined with spinner Shadab Khan for a brilliant counterattacking partnership.

Ali scored his half-century in just 34 balls where he hit 4 sixes and as many boundaries while Shadab scored 52 off 68 deliveries. Their 70-run stand helped Pakistan post a decent enough total for the hosts to chase down. Lockie Ferguson for the Kiwis returned with figures of 3/39 in his 10 overs.

The Run Chase

Mohammad Amir struck on the third ball of the second inning to hamper the run chase pretty early as he removed in-form opener, Colin Munro. Skipper Kane Williamson consolidated the innings with Martin Guptill but was caught brilliantly by Shadab.

Thereafter Ross Taylor along with Guptill ensured things were moving along nicely. At the same time, Pakistani bowlers were not giving any easy runs but rain interrupted the play. New Zealand were 64 for 2 when rain arrived and extends drizzle halted the game for a long time. By the time rain stopped, a lot of time was lost and hence the game was cut short to 25 overs and New Zealand were given a revised target of 151 runs.

After play resumed, Guptill took the attack to the opposition when he deposited Hasan Ali for 2 consecutive sixes. He hit a six and a four in Shadab Khan’s over to complete his half-century. After the quick runs in the first 5 overs, there was no pressure of the run rate on the two set batsmen. They simply carved their way towards the target and eventually won the game with 7 balls to spare.

The Kiwis now lead the 5-match ODI series 2-0. The third ODI will be played on 13th January, Saturday when the sides face each other at Dunedin.

Here is how Twitterati reacted during the course of the match:

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