New Zealand Secures Series Victory Over Pakistan in 2nd ODI
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at Seddon Park, New Zealand overcame Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI, clinching a 2-0 lead in the series. Mitchell Hay's stellar performance and New Zealand's strong bowling ensured a solid win.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Hay scored 99 not out in New Zealand's innings.
- New Zealand posted 292/8 in their 50 overs.
- Pakistan was bowled out for 208 runs.
- New Zealand's bowlers dominated, with Ben Sears taking 5 wickets.
- This victory gives New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Hamilton, April 2 (NationPress) New Zealand triumphed over Pakistan by 84 runs in the second ODI at Seddon Park on Wednesday, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series of three matches.
Mitchell Hay's outstanding score of 99 not out led New Zealand to a total of 292/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Subsequently, a formidable performance by the fast bowlers made Pakistan's pursuit a mere formality, as they were dismissed for 208.
Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that quickly backfired as openers Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly propelled New Zealand to a swift start, crossing 50 runs within the first six overs.
However, Haris Rauf reinvigorated Pakistan’s hopes by taking the wicket of Kelly in the seventh over. Subsequently, Babar Azam made a sharp catch to dismiss Mariu, leaving the hosts at 97/2 by the 15th over.
Then, left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem took two quick wickets, dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls, leaving New Zealand at 135/4. Just as Pakistan seemed to gain the upper hand, Hay and Muhammad Abbas formed a vital partnership of 77 runs.
Abbas, impressing in his debut, scored a measured 20 off 52 balls, while Hay accelerated the scoring. Once Abbas was dismissed, Hay unleashed a powerful assault in the closing overs, smashing 49 runs off Mohammad Wasim Jr's final three overs to elevate New Zealand to 292/8.
For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Muqeem proved to be the most effective bowler, taking 2 wickets for 33 runs in 10 overs. Meanwhile, Mohammad Wasim Jr, in his first match of the tour, also claimed 2 wickets for 78 runs.
In their chase for 293, Pakistan faced a swift downfall as New Zealand's fast bowling attack dismantled their top order. Jacob Duffy and Will O’Rourke quickly sent Abdullah Shafique (1), Babar Azam (1), and Imam-ul-Haq (3) back to the pavilion within the opening six overs, leaving Pakistan in dire straits at 9/3. The pressure mounted as Ben Sears dismissed Rizwan (5) and Salman Ali Agha (9), sinking the visitors to 32/5 within just 12 overs.
Pakistan's situation worsened when Haris Rauf had to exit the game after being hit by a rising delivery from O’Rourke. His replacement, Naseem Shah, made a notable contribution with his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 51 off 44, which included a 60-run partnership for the ninth wicket alongside Faheem Ashraf (73 off 80).
Sears later claimed Ashraf's wicket before Naseem's innings concluded when he edged a wild slog to the keeper.
New Zealand's pace trio of O’Rourke (1/19), Duffy (3/35), and Sears (5/59) were exceptional, establishing a dominant early presence and ensuring Pakistan had no chance of recovery.
Brief scores: New Zealand 292-8, 50 overs (Mitchell Hay 99 not out, Muhammad Abbas 41; Sufiyan Muqeem 2-33, Mohammad Wasim 2-78) beat Pakistan 208 all out in 41.2 overs (Faheem Ashraf 73, Naseem Shah 51; Ben Sears 5-59, Jacob Duffy 3-35)
