Pak complete whitewash

Pakistan completed a clean sweep of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand on Sunday with a 49 runs-win in the final match.

It is the eighth time Pakistan have recorded a clean sweep in a series at home and their second of the home season after a 5-0 demolition of lowly Asian neighbours Bangladesh in September.

The foundation for the emphatic win on Sunday was laid by young openers Yasir Hameed 127 not out and Imran Farhat 107 who put on 197 to set Pakistan on their way to an imposing total of 277 for four. It was a record fourth time in a row that the two men had posted century opening partnerships and the stand also beat Pakistan8217;s previous highest-ever against New Zealand of 194.

The left-handed Farhat8217;s maiden ODI century featured 12 fours and a six. Hameed8217;s, meanwhile, came from 154 balls, with nine fours and one six.

The 21-year-old Farhat, since returning to the Pakistan team after a year on the sidelines, has figured in seven century opening stands in his last nine innings in Tests and one-dayers, a feat that currently sees him being talked about as a capable replacement for former opening great Saeed Anwar, who retired recently.

Although Hamish Marshall scored his third half century of the series 62 not out, the Kiwis were never able to chase the target once openers Craig Cumming and Richard Jones struggled to bring up 50 in the first 15 overs. Three unnecessary run-outs in the innings did not help their cause either.

By the time captain Chris Cairns came out to bat in the 36th over, his team were struggling on 141 for three and in the last 10 overs they required 118 for an unlikely win.