Wellington: Pakistan’s batting lineup failed yet again in New Zealand’s conditions, as the visitors crumbled under pressure in the second One Day International (ODI), handing New Zealand a comprehensive 84-run victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bowl first. New Zealand’s openers struggled initially, with Nick Kelly scoring 31 and Mario adding 18 runs before getting dismissed. The middle order also faltered, as Daryl Mitchell (18), Henry Nicholls (22), and captain Michael Bracewell (17) failed to make an impact. By the time half the team was back in the pavilion, the hosts had managed only 132 runs.
However, Mitchell Hay played a match-winning knock, forming a crucial 77-run partnership with Mohammad Abbas, who contributed 41 runs. Hay remained unbeaten on 99 runs, smashing seven fours and seven sixes, guiding New Zealand to a respectable total of 292/8 in their 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Wasim Jr. and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up two wickets each, but the overall bowling effort couldn’t restrict New Zealand effectively.
Chasing 293, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Seven players failed to reach double figures, making the chase almost impossible.
- Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam were dismissed for just 1 run each.
- Imam-ul-Haq managed 3 runs, while captain Mohammad Rizwan (5) and Salman Ali Agha (9) also fell cheaply.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf played a lone warrior’s role, scoring 73 runs with six fours and three sixes. A late fightback came from Naseem Shah, who added 51 runs, including four fours and four sixes. Their 60-run partnership offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 208 runs in 42 overs, handing New Zealand an emphatic 84-run victory.
With this win, New Zealand secures the ODI series 2-0, making the third and final match on April 5 a mere formality.
