Hamilton: New Zealand clinched the three-match ODI series against Pakistan by securing an 84-run victory in the second ODI at Seddon Park, Hamilton. With this win, New Zealand now leads the series 2-0.
Batting first after losing the toss, New Zealand posted a total of 292/8 in 50 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mitchell Hay played a match-winning knock of 99 off 78 balls*, smashing 7 sixes and 7 fours.
In response, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed and was bowled out for 208 runs. Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) were the only notable contributors with the bat.
New Zealand openers provided a solid start with a 54-run stand, but Nick Kelly (31) was dismissed in the sixth over by Haris Rauf.
- Rhys Mariu (18) fell in the 10th over to Wasim Jr., leaving New Zealand at 71/2.
- Daryl Mitchell (18) and Henry Nicholls (22) were dismissed with the team’s score at 102/4 in 17 overs.
- Captain Michael Bracewell and Mohammad Abbas built a brief 30-run stand, but Bracewell (17) departed in the 26th over.
- Mitchell Hay and Mohammad Abbas added 77 runs for the sixth wicket, guiding New Zealand to 209/6 in the 40th over.
- Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, Mitchell Hay’s aggressive batting in the final overs propelled New Zealand to 292/8, with 24 runs coming in the last over.
- Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Muqeem took two wickets each.
- Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each.
- One New Zealand batter was run out.
Chasing 293, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals. Only Faheem Ashraf (73) and Naseem Shah (51) provided resistance, but their efforts were not enough, as Pakistan was bowled out for 208 runs.
Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI. Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Khan Niazi, and Naseem Shah were left out, while Akif Javed, Sufiyan Muqeem, and others were included.
New Zealand also missed key batter Mark Chapman due to a hamstring injury.
With this win, New Zealand secures a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, leaving Pakistan with no chance of winning the series.
