Blackcaps skipper Tom Latham was very impressed with Fakhar Zaman's innings (180 not out) in which Pakistan crossed a record total with the greatest of ease.

In the second ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in Rawalpindi, opener Fakhar Zaman played an exceptional inning, scoring 180* runs in just 144 deliveries. Based on his incredible batting, the home team managed to chasing 337 runs in 48.3 overs and that puts the Babar Azam-led side 2-0 up in the five-game ODI series.

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Tom Latham, while discussing Fakhar Zaman's punching power, mentioned that the 33-year-old was fantastic that night as he eventually took the game from the away side's hands. Latham also appreciated Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as both ended up scoring half a century each.

“With such an incredible inning that Fakhar played, it's hard to think of a win. He literally took the game away from us. His innings were really special. In addition, captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan came at just the right time in their 50s to help Pakistan chase the total.”

Latham said the sum was almost a win. “It was a very strong goal but Fakhar's innings made the difference. There's nothing you can do with a hundred like that.” When asked if Chapman of Fakhar's drop catch was a turning point in the second ODI, which Pakistan won by seven wickets, Latham said it wasn't.

Latham also praised Daryl Mitchell, who like Fakhar also scored back-to-back hundreds of hundreds, and admitted his form has given the Kiwis multiple options. “His form was very good. In 2023, with serious doubts surrounding Kane Williamson's World Championship availability, Mitchell's consistency with the racquet bodes well for the team. With three one-dayers on the show, we hope he continues in the same vein.

The New Zealand captain said his bowlers were unable to create enough chances. “The Pakistani batsmen kept coming back to us even though we managed to get the required run rate to over seven and a half runs per over. But that didn't last long and partnerships for Pakistan continued to be built. A few good stands is all you need and Pakistan had three or four that decided the issue in their favor.”

Latham was hoping for a comeback in the series as Kiwis did in the T20 series where they trailed 2-0 before drawing 2-2. "Yes we can. We did that in the T20 series and can we do it again in the one day series? These last three ODI are available to us before the World Cup. Hopefully those would count.” The New Zealand captain praised the Pindi crowd and said it was fantastic. "They supported us. They just like good cricket.” Referring to Babar Azam's captaincy, Latham said he was a fantastic cricketer and captain. "He was a great asset to his team as a captain and as a player."