Fakhar Zaman scored a scintillating century as Pakistan opened the five-match ODI series against New Zealand with a comfortable five-wicket win on Thursday.
New Zealand scored 288-7 batting first in Rawalpindi, thanks to all-rounder Daryl Mitchell's composed ton. But the total seemed below par in one of the highest scoring grounds in the world.
Zaman and Pakistan's top order were barely troubled as they reached the target with nine balls to spare. Left-hand batsman Zaman smashed 13 boundaries and a six in his 117 off 114 balls for his ninth ODI hundred.
He received ideal support from fellow opener Imam Ul Haq (60), captain Babar Azam (49) and Mohammad Rizwan (42 not out). Imam and Zaman put on 124 for the first wicket by the 22nd over, negating New Zealand's attack on a flat pitch.