Guptill's blitz powers Kiwis past Pak in rain-hit ODI

Opener Martin Guptill produced a superb performance with the bat as New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets through the Duckworth-Lewis method in the second ODI to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series here at the Saxton Oval on Tuesday.

After rains played the spoilsport and delayed the play for more than two hours, the target was revised to 151 off 25 overs.

Guptill provided his side with a solid start as not only did he smash an undefeated 71-ball 86, but also shared a solid 104-run stand with Ross Taylor (45) to ensure the home side cross the mark with seven balls to spare.

Guptill also hammered five fours and five sixes in his blistering knock.

Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf were the only bowlers to provide some resistance to Pakistan by chipping in with a wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first.

Mohammad Hafiz (60) notched up his solid 33rd ODI half-century while Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan also hit 51 and 52 respectively to guide Pakistan to a score of 246 for nine.

For New Zealand, Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers for his figures of three for 39 while Tim Southee and Todd Astle also bagged two wickets.

Meanwhile, Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner took a wicket each.

Guptill was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his stellar performance with the bat.

The two sides will now play their third ODI on January 13 at the University Oval.