Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 5 wickets as they chased down the 289-point target with 9 balls to spare. This victory marked their 500th ODI victory.
Pakistan became the third team after Australia and India to reach 500 wins, reaching the milestone in their 949th ODI. Australia leads the list with 594 victories, followed by India with 539. Pakistan made their ODI debut in February 1973, and their first win in the format came in their second ODI appearance, against England in Nottingham in August 1974.
Pakistan had to work hard for their 500th ODI victory after New Zealand batted first and posted a competitive total of 288/7 thanks to Daryl Mitchell’s impressive 113 and opener Will Young’s brisk 86. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq opened Pakistan’s innings and laid a solid foundation.
Zaman, 33, would go on to steal the show with a fine 117 from 114 balls, while Imam contributed 60 as the duo began the chase with a 124-run stand for the first wicket.
Skipper Babar Azam also contributed crucial runs before falling one short of his half-century, while batting mainstay Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with a 34-ball 42* to help his side complete the chase in 48.3 overs.