Hafeez, Sarfraz guide Pakistan to 262 against Kiwis

Veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez and Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed steered Pakistan toward a respectable total of 262 in the fourth ODI against New Zealand being played at Hamilton.

Both Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail scored fifties, after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat. Fakhar made 54 off 75 balls before falling to the spin of Mitchell Santner.

Faheem Ashraf, opening the innings after Imam-ul-Haq was ruled out of the match due to injury, could not fire and went for 1 off a Tim Southee delivery. Haris Sohail stabilised Pakistan's innings with a steady 50 off 74 balls before getting out off Kane Williamson's bowling.

However, Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam yet again failed to impress in the tour, as they departed after scoring 3 and 6 respectively.

Just as Pakistan seemed to slow down, Mohammad Hafeez and Sarfraz Ahmed batted with great responsibility and keep the momentum going. Hafeez scored 81 off 80 before getting run out, while Sarfraz put up 51 off 46 before falling to Trent Boult.

Paceman Tim Southee led the New Zealand attack with three for 44 and skipper Kane Williamson took two for 32.

Now New Zealand need 263 runs to win in 50 Overs.