HAMILTON: New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI against Pakistan, securing a series victory with an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The hosts set a formidable target of 293 runs at Seddon Park on Wednesday, and Pakistan faltered in their chase, bowled out for just 208 runs.
With this comprehensive win, New Zealand have now ensured they cannot lose the three-match ODI series. The final game is set to take place on April 5, where Pakistan will look to salvage some pride against the dominant Black Caps.
Pakistan’s batting lineup suffered an early collapse, putting them on the back foot from the outset. Abdullah Shafique (1) fell cheaply to William O’Rourke, followed by Imam-ul-Haq (3) and skipper Babar Azam (1), both dismissed by Jacob Duffy. With three key wickets lost in quick succession, Pakistan’s innings was in disarray.
The struggles continued as Mohammad Rizwan (5) and Salman Agha (9) also failed to build any momentum, leaving Pakistan reeling at 45-5. Tayyab Tahir (13) attempted to consolidate, but New Zealand’s bowlers kept up relentless pressure, never allowing Pakistan to gain control of the ODI contest.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf showed resilience, scoring a defiant half-century. However, with wickets tumbling around him, Pakistan’s chase remained in dire straits. Mohammad Wasim Jr (1) and Akif Javed (8) were dismissed by Ben Sears and Jacob Duffy, respectively, reducing Pakistan to 114-8.
Adding to their woes, Haris Rauf suffered a concussion after being struck on the head, forcing Naseem Shah to replace him. Naseem, alongside Faheem, forged a crucial 60-run partnership, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive at 165-8 in 36 overs.
Faheem’s valiant innings of 73 off 80 balls was cut short by Sears, leaving Pakistan at 174-9. Despite the growing pressure, Naseem continued his aggressive stroke play, reaching his maiden ODI fifty in just 41 deliveries. However, his efforts were in vain as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for 208 in 41.2 overs, with Sears completing a brilliant five-wicket haul.
Earlier, New Zealand’s innings started strong with debutant Rhys Mariu and Nick Kelly sharing a 50-run opening stand. However, Haris Rauf struck in the sixth over, removing Kelly for 31. Wasim Jr then dismissed Mariu (18) in the 10th over, reducing New Zealand to 71-2.
Daryl Mitchell (18) fell to Sufiyan Muqeem, while Henry Nicholls (22) was trapped LBW, leaving the hosts at 102-4. Skipper Michael Bracewell and Muhammad Abbas added 30 runs before Abbas (17) was dismissed by Wasim Jr. Mitchell Hay and Abbas (41 off 66) then steadied New Zealand’s innings with a 77-run stand before Sufiyan removed Abbas at 209-6.
Hay continued his strong form, reaching a crucial half-century. Faheem Ashraf later dismissed Nathan Smith (8) at 236-7, while Rizwan’s sharp fielding resulted in Ben Sears’ run-out for a duck at 270-8. Hay’s late flourish in the final overs propelled New Zealand to a competitive total of 292, which ultimately proved too much for Pakistan to chase in this ODI showdown.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c/w), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Akif Javed.
New Zealand: Nick Kelly, Rhys Mariu, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Muhammad Abbas, Mitchell Hay (w), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William O’Rourke.