Napier, New Zealand: Kane Williamson smashed a century off 80 balls before Ross Taylor made another 100 from 70 deliveries as New Zealand reached 369-5 on Tuesday in the second limited-overs international against Pakistan.
Williamson, who made 112, posted his sixth one-day international century and his third in his last eight innings as he carries rich form toward the cricket World Cup.
Taylor blasted his way into form with his 12th century which was also the 100th by a New Zealander in ODIs. He entered the final over needing 12 runs for his century; hit four from the first ball from Bilawal Bhatti then played and missed at three deliveries before he hit six and four from the last two balls of the innings to finish 102 not out.
Another part of New Zealand's World Cup preparation clicked into place when Guptill made 76 in a timely return to form.
Tuesday's match at McLean Park is the last official ODI for both New Zealand and Pakistan before the World Cup begins on Feb. 14, although both will play informal warmup matches against World Cup opponents.
Taylor accelerated his World Cup preparation with a dominant innings which comprised partnerships of 79 with Williamson and 72 with Grant Elliott.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum led the scoring early with 31 from 27 balls. He was out in an eventful over in which he hit two fours from Shahid Afridi and almost chopped the ball onto his stumps before he repeated the shot and was bowled.
Williamson demonstrated his immense value to New Zealand with an innings that ensured New Zealand would reach an extremely testing total. He now has an ODI average of 45, but has lifted his strike rate to 81, making him both the anchor and the engine of many New Zealand batting efforts.
His ability to score consistently at a brisk pace was emphasized when he reached his half century from 42 balls and added his second 50 from 38 balls, achieving his century partnership with Guptill from 97 deliveries.
Taylor's half century came from a relatively measured 49 balls — he reached the milestone with the first of three consecutive fours from Bhatti in the 45th over — but he added his second 50 from 21 balls and visibly grew in confidence.
Mohammad Irfan was the best of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 2-52 while Shahid Afridi took 1-57.
