Guptill guides New Zealand to easy win over Pakistan

Martin Guptill ()

Nelson (New Zealand), Jan 9 - Riding on Martin Guptill's brisk half-century, New Zealand gained a 2-0 lead in their five-match ODI series against Pakistan notching a comfortable eight-wicket win on the DLS Method in a rain-interrupted second encounter here on Tuesday.

In the rain-affected match, New Zealand were set a revised target of 151 in 25 overs after Pakistan posted 246/9 in 50 overs -- thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Hafeez (60 off 71), Shadab Khan (52 off 68) and Hasan Ali (51 off 31). 

However, there was a two-hour delay caused by rain after 14 overs, when New Zealand were 64/2. The chase was a tricky one, with the home side needing 87 runs in 11 overs.

Guptill shifted gears after play resumed, ending unbeaten on a 71-ball 86, to help New Zealand past the target with seven balls remaining. 

Guptill was batting on 31 off 40 balls when rain intervened, but on resumption, he accumulated 56 runs off just 32 balls, ending with five sixes and as many fours.

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