New Zealand secured a series-winning victory against Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI) match, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final match of the series is scheduled for April 5.
Match Summary: New Zealand Sets a 293-Run Target
The match, played in Hamilton, saw Pakistan winning the toss and opting to bowl first. New Zealand capitalized on their batting performance, setting a target of 293 runs for Pakistan after scoring 292/8 in 50 overs.
Key Performances in New Zealand’s Innings
New Zealand’s batting lineup faced some early struggles, but Mitchell Hay anchored the innings with a stunning 99-run unbeaten knock off 78 balls, including 7 sixes and 7 fours.
Other key contributions included:
Nick Kelly: 31 runs
Henry Nicholls: 22 runs
Daryl Mitchell: 18 runs
Captain Michael Bracewell: 17 runs
Mohammad Abbas: 41 runs
Pakistan’s bowlers made an impact early in the innings but struggled to contain the lower-order resistance. Mohammad Wasim and Sufiyan Muqeem claimed two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf, Akif Javed, and Haris Rauf took one wicket each.
Pakistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing a 293-run target, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, getting bowled out for 208 runs in 41.2 overs.
Pakistan’s top and middle-order struggled immensely, with five of the first six batters failing to reach double figures:
Abdullah Shafique: 1 run
Imam-ul-Haq: 3 runs
Babar Azam: 1 run
Captain Mohammad Rizwan: 5 runs
Salman Agha: 9 runs
The team lost half its wickets within just 11.4 overs, making the chase nearly impossible.
Faheem Ashraf & Naseem Shah’s Fightback
Despite the top-order collapse, Faheem Ashraf provided resistance with a 73-run innings, while Naseem Shah, coming in as a concussion substitute, played an impressive 51-run knock.
Other contributions:
Sufiyan Muqeem: 13* runs (Not Out)
Tayyab Tahir: 13 runs
Mohammad Wasim: 1 run
Akif Javed: 8 runs
The match saw a scary moment when Haris Rauf was struck on the helmet by a bouncer, forcing him to leave the field. Under the concussion substitute rule, Naseem Shah replaced him and played a commendable innings.
Pakistan’s Squad Changes for the Match
Pakistan made four changes for this match, dropping Usman Khan, Mohammad Ali, Irfan Niazi, and Naseem Shah from the playing XI. Instead, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Sufiyan Muqeem were included in the lineup.
New Zealand’s Dominance in the Series
This loss follows Pakistan’s 73-run defeat in the first ODI, making it two consecutive losses in the series. With this victory, New Zealand has clinched the ODI series 2-0, with one match still to be played on April 5.
Pakistan will look to bounce back and avoid a whitewash in the final match. Stay tuned for more updates!
