Captain Babar Azam scored an unbeaten century as Pakistan recorded another comfortable victory against a depleted New Zealand, winning the second Twenty20I by 38 runs.

Babar hit 101 not out off 58 balls and anchored Pakistan to 192 for four after winning his second successive toss in two days and choosing to bat first.

New Zealand, which is touring Pakistan without eight frontline players busy playing in the Indian Premier League and injured Kane Williamson, struggled to cope with fast bowler Haris Rauf (4/27) before their chase was restricted to 154 for seven.

Pakistan lead the five-match series 2-0.

“I tried to bat till the end, utilize the last few overs and we managed to get a good total,” Babar said. “Our bowling line-up is excellent. We have got experienced bowlers and some exciting young bowlers.”

Babar provided Pakistan with a brisk start of 99 runs off 64 balls with Mohammad Rizwan, who made 50 off 34, before the home team had a mini-collapse when New Zealand took three quick wickets.

Fast bowler Matt Henry (2/29) dismissed Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman off successive deliveries before Saim Ayub survived the hat-trick ball.

“When Babar plays like that, you tip your hat,” Latham said. “We were a lot better than last night (Friday) … it is a game of fine margins.”

Brief scores: Pakistan 192/4 in 20 overs (B. Azam 191 n.o.; M. Henry 2/29) New Zealand 154/7 in 20 overs (M. Chapman 56; H. Rauf 4/47). Pakistan won by 38 runs.