Wisden
Third One-Day International

New Zealand v Pakistan

Don Cameron

At Christchurch, January 10, 2004. New Zealand won by seven wickets. Toss: New Zealand.

New Zealand chased this target as industriously as Pakistan had in Queenstown. In the case of Fleming, who hit a sublime match-winning century, there was a spot of panache too. On a much better batting pitch, Pakistan's top order hit flowing form, helped by grassed catches, before a collapse left them 190 for seven in the 43rd over. That only awoke Abdul Razzaq, lurking at No. 8. He opened his stance to swing like a baseball hitter, and used just 26 balls to hit a blistering 50 not out. Suddenly Pakistan had an imposing 255. But it was not half as imposing as Fleming's unbeaten 115, a majestic 135-ball innings. The middle order jogged comfortably in his shadow and New Zealand eased home with 22 balls to spare. It was Fleming's fifth one-day international hundred: all had underpinned successful run-chases. His sixth was to come the same way on the same ground the following month.

Man of the Match: S. P. Fleming.

© John Wisden & Co